A Robust Path to Peace

Most people probably would not use the word “robust” to describe their relationship with God. Consider, however, the following definition of robustness by David Whyte in his book Consolations:

To be robust is the be physically or imaginatively present in the very firm presence of something or someone else. Being robust means we acknow-ledge the living current in something other than ourselves…. Without robustness all relationships become defined by their fragility, wither and begin to die. To be robust is to attempt something beyond the perimeter of our own constituted identity: to get beyond our own thoughts or the edge of our own selfishness. Robustness and vulnerability belong together.

How else can we be present to God, who is firmly with us yet clothed in mystery, without using our imagination? When we try to define God, we place limits on who God is, which in turn limits the experience of God we are able to have. As Whyte goes on to say, “[Although] a robust response always entertains the possibility of humiliation, it is also a kind of faith; a sense that we will somehow survive the impact of a vigorous meeting, though not perhaps in the manner to which we are accustomed.” Certainly the Israelites fleeing from Egypt did not expect God to part the sea for them, and Jacob did not expect to spend the night wrestling with God, yet they survived the impact of these vigorous meetings, which led to a deepening of their relationship/covenant with God.

Tapping into the living current that is God in the world helps us die to the boredom, complacency, and dissatisfaction that we feel when we stay within the perimeter of our own constituted identity, thoughts, and desires. It leads to the good zeal that St. Benedict speaks of—the openness to surprise, the delight in discovering new things about God, the sense of excitement and love that spills out of us into the world when we answer the invitation to participate in the life and love of the Trinity.

Jesus could just as easily have said, “Robustness be with you; my robustness I leave with you.” It is certainly one of the paths to peace.