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, ‘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. After
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 cruel executions.
Telemachus watched with horror as so
many men died – as battles raged and 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 landed 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 secular or sacred? 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)
Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE
SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!
No comments:
Post a Comment