the art of making fire. He took his tools and went to a tribe in the
north, where it was very cold, bitterly cold. He taught the people
there to make fire. The people were very interested. He showed them
the uses to which they could put fire - they could cook, could keep
themselves warm, etc. They were so grateful that they had learned
the art of making fire. But before they could express their gratitude
to the man, he disappeared.
He wasn't concerned with getting their
recognition or gratitude; he was concerned about their well being. He
went to another tribe, where he again began to show them the value
of his invention.
People were interested there, too, a bit too interested for the peace
of mind of their priests, who began to notice that this man was
drawing crowds and they were losing their popularity. So they
decided to do away with him. They poisoned him, crucified him, put it
any way you like.
But they were afraid now that the people might
turn against them, so they were very wise, even wily. Do you know
what they did? They had a portrait of the man made and mounted it
on the main altar of the temple.
The instruments for making fire were
placed in front of the portrait, and the people were taught to revere
the portrait and to pay reverence to the instruments of fire, which
they dutifully did for centuries. The veneration and the worship went
on, but there was no fire.
End of the story. Now some commentary...
How do we rekindle the fire in our hearts for the things of God? By doing works of kindness, by showing love, by reaching out to others. If the glow has ebbed from your life. Reach for another human and show the love of God. Don't settle for a life without fire.
It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....
Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
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