As a lifelong learner
and teacher of history, I love to come across inspirational non-fiction stories
that represent the highest 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 hurled
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 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)
Therefore, LOVE – as Christ exemplified and commanded.
Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed and please (above all else)
MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET YOUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!
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