You never know when and where an inspiring story of wisdom, peace-making, and courage might find you…
Such happened to me during a visit to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin… where I was privileged to discover a five-centuries-old assemblage of wood and nails known as the “Door of Reconciliation” that immortalizes such a story.
It all happened in 1492, the climax of a bitter feud between two politically ambitious families: the Butlers of Ormonde and Fitzgeralds of Kildare.
During one of their many skirmishes, the Butlers, fearing for their lives, took refuge in the Chapter House of the Cathedral. The Fitzgeralds, having had enough of the violence, followed and implored the Butlers to come out and make peace. The Butlers, understandably afraid of being slaughtered, declined.
As a gesture of good faith, Gerald Fitzgerald ordered a hole be cut in the door, through which he thrust his utterly defenseless arm, extending his hand in peace to the Butlers within. Moved by the risk that Fitzgerald was willing to take, the Butlers reasoned that his intentions must be sincere. The parties shook hands, the Butlers emerged, and peace was made, giving birth to “chancing your arm”–a beloved Irish phrase to this day–and a lesson for us all.
Beautiful building!
Sometimes the simplest act can have the most enormous impact. Great story.
Indeed. Thanks for your insightful addition to the comments.
I never heard the phrase “chancing your arm.” What a wonderful saying. I wished more people would learn the lesson!
Thanks so much for adding your thoughts, Diana. Alas, we still have a long way to go.
How clever of you to draw us in by reenacting the story. That surrounding facade made me expect a less upbeat message. A pleasant surprise!
High five for your most astute observations, Annie. They sort of dovetail with the irony that an agnostic non-believer like me was so richly rewarded for going to church for the first time in decades!
“Travel broadens the mind” is a meaningful cliche, don’t you think?
Indeed. Traveling has taught me so many priceless lessons I could have learned no other way.
What a great story!
And such a privilege for me to share it!
Love this creative way to make peace! Thanks for the story!
Thank you, Wynne. Your resonance is heartening.
I wonder how many people would venture such a gesture across the political divide in our own country today — and how safe it would be to do so.
Indeed, old friend. Alas, self serving and divisive ideologies, not common sense and moral unity, seem to be winning the day.
What a cool story!!! And I love the pic of you extending your arm … I wanted to reach through the computer screen and shake your hand!
Thanks for the enthusiastic words of appreciation and for sharing such a lovely thought!!!
Quite a story and photo. Glad your arm made it through and back, Frank!
Thanks, man.
I didn’t know that; what an inspiring story, and I’ll remember it. Great photo too!
Great to hear from you, Kath. And so glad to be of service, courtesy of this random travel encounter. Cheers!