We are moving into the tenth month of the year, October, which is the time for festivals and celebrations, specially in India, as we prepare ourselves for some of the most significant events of the year. It is also a month with many national and international observances, most important amongst them being the Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated on 2nd October to honour our Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of non-violence and peace. It is also known as the International Day of Non-violence. We are always encouraged to be non violent because non violence has proved that it is a good enough weapon to achieve victories like we did at the time of India’s freedom struggle.

n modern times, we observe that non-violent methods are being ignored by people and nations alike, leading to fights, murders, civil unrest and wars. Whenever any dispute arises amongst family members, neighbours or the public, more often than not, we get to witness physical fighting leading to chaos and unrest. Presently, there are so many nations fighting against each other, killing numerous military soldiers and innocent citizens alike, not forgetting the children, born and unborn. Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and a host of other nations are all in conflict with each other. If the Russia-Ukraine war is going on for over two years, the Israel-Hamas war is around a year old. We are getting used to hearing statements like, a country was invaded by it’s enemy’ or ‘neighbours are enemies of neighbours’ or ‘we are living as enemies within our own families’. We generally imagine those holding negative feelings towards us, or those who obstruct our progress or those who wish us harm, as our enemies. Also when we point out someone’s mistakes, person offering this feedback is usually seen as the enemy. Many a times a simple misunderstanding can create enmity and fights. Instead of reacting and creating unpleasant situations at homes or in public places, we need to exercise patience and always GIVE PEACE A CHANCE.
Jesus Christ calls us to love our enemies, challenging us to forgive and show love to those who wrong us. He not only taught this, but also embodied it, never seeing anyone as an enemy despite being viewed as one Himself.’ Forgive wrongdoers and build friendships to reform them’-were His teachings. Remember Jesus’ sermon on the Mount:” But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil, But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Jesus asks us not to retaliate to evil, but instead avoid both extremes of violence and passivity. Mahatma Gandhi often referred to the above teachings of Jesus and urged the people to follow them.
We need to offer positive feedback or advice within our groups of friends or family members and this will be our acts of service and love towards others. We should learn to navigate the challenges that we face in our day to day life and look to our heavenly Creator to guide us in this task.
Remember to live a good life without any conflicts rather than criticising and finding faults with others. Let’s ensure that peace prevails amongst us. Peace is not something you wish for, rather it is something you make, something you are, something you do and something you give away. Let us all sincerely wish and pray for creating peace within our minds and at the same time, help others to do the same..yes.. GIVE PEACE A CHANCE!!!!
Till we meet again, take care and be safe.
Felix Dias
Editor