OUR LOVE MANDATE
As a lifelong learner and teacher of history, I love to come across
inspirational non-fiction stories that represent the 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 academic/secular circles with C.E.,
or Common Era].
In Rome, Telemachus observed huge crowds flocking to the Colosseum
to witness 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 this gory spectacle, dead
bodies were dragged from the arena and its bloodied surface covered with fresh
layers 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 opinion
and the emperor’s verdict to either slay or spare him. So great was the
bloodlust that wealthier spectators would occasionally 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 their garbage missiles. Telemachus was brutally 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 simply secular or sacred?
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)
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