OUR LOVE MANDATE

OUR LOVE MANDATE

As a lifelong learner and teacher of history, I love to come across inspirational non-fiction stories that represent the very best qualities of humanity.  Here is a tale of consummate conviction and courage:

Telemachus displayed extreme bravery in the face of evil.  As a Christian monk, he went on a pilgrimage to Rome in 391 A.D. [Editor’s Note: The Christian term, A.D., Anno Domini or ‘in the year of our Lord,’ has now been replaced in secular circles with C.E., or Common Era].  

In Rome, Telemachus observed huge crowds flocking to the Colosseum to see gladiators engaged in mortal combat.  It was an experience that was totally repugnant to his Christian faith.

Emperor Honorius celebrated his triumph over the Goths by compelling gladiators to reenact the battle.  Afterwards, bodies of the dead were dragged from the arena and its bloodied surface covered with a fresh layer of sand.

A new group of gladiators arrived on the scene.  Some were armed with swords and spears, others with nets.  The crowd watched with excitement as they sought to destroy one another.  Whenever a gladiator was wounded, his opponent would loom over him, waiting for the crowd’s verdict to either slay or spare him.  So great was the bloodlust that wealthier spectators would climb down to get a better view of the executions.

Telemachus watched with horror as so many men died – as the battles raged and the crowds cheered.  Prompted into action, this bald-headed man of God found his way onto the arena floor.  He ran toward two gladiators locked in battle, grabbing one of them and pulling him away.  He exhorted the gladiators to abandon their murderous sport.  Then he appealed to the crowd to honor God’s commandment against murder.

The response was anything but favorable.  Angry voices drowned out Telemachus and demanded that the blood-sport continue.  But as the gladiators prepared to resume their battle, Telemachus stood between them, holding them apart and urging them to reconsider.  Driven by the crowd’s angry rage at Telemachus’ interference, several gladiators cut Telemachus to the ground as the crowd threw garbage missiles.  Telemachus had been killed.

However, his death was not in vain.  In 405 A.D., Emperor Honorius issued a declaration to end all gladiatorial battles in the Colosseum.  The loving and courageous protest of Telemachus partially inspired him to do so.

My friend, how is your love life?  Is it sacred or secular in origin?  And did you know that true love is mandated by heavenly decree?  In the words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)  And what is the ultimate evidence?  “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13, NKJV)  

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!