The Prophet Returns
After an overnight storm, in the calm of the first light of dawn, where the desert ends at the Middle Sea, on the crest of a barren dune, the poet, philosopher, and prophet suddenly appeared. Some who saw him first claimed he came down from the sky, others were sure he emerged from the water, while a few said he simply materialized. All agreed it was the mysterious golden aura of light surrounding him that caused them to put down their weapons and quietly await his words.
A blanket of seamless clouds eclipsed the morning sun, yet the heavenly glow emanating from the prophet shone in all directions. He sat cross-legged with eyes closed on the highest point in the area and could be seen from a great distance. Word of the miraculous apparition spread throughout the warring realm and multitudes of men, women, and children gathered in awe.
Hostilities ceased and enemies stood amongst each other, entranced by the extraordinary sight. Some of the crowd whispered that it was Isaiah who had appeared, others said it was Immanuel, and many were sure it was Muhammad. All were convinced and astonished that a prophet of the distant past had arrived before them.
As the far-off thunder of munitions quieted and there was no space for anyone else to gather, the prophet slowly raised his hand, twisting it towards the sky. With his arm raised and eyes shut, he began to speak. His voice was like a whisper on the wind, yet his words were clear to all.
“This you know already; we who have suffered from the excesses of our enemies and seek retribution, do not find joy in revenge. Those who justify violence as a means to ending more violence know the weaknesses of this argument, yet still pursue a course that sustains the enmity of generations.”
A blinding bolt of light flashed momentarily from the clouds touching his raised hand as his eyes opened and shone brightly. Some say he was sitting on a throne, others perceived that he was standing in flowing robes; all agreed he was looking at and speaking directly to each person from the mount above the huge crowd.
“Thus the difficult question for those immersed in the disorder and brutality, and for observers at a great distance, is the same. What will end this cycle of suffering and bloodshed? It is imperative that a solution must be for the present moment and for the future.”
The silent crowd was entranced — the calm of the moment and the song of the words were a balm to their suffering.
“It is important to know what will not improve our lot.”
“All sides are swayed by those who proclaim that hostile, aggressive actions will make a better world. These proponents of conflict carry a torch that ignites the searing blazes and incessant wailings, only fueling and damaging future generations.”
“Yet even with this knowledge within every one of us, the raging conflict continues unmercifully.”
The prophet paused as only the distant sea could be heard, as all remained silent.
“Above all, behold your sadness and pain as the culmination of the suffering of your common ancestors.”
“Know that the consequences of what unfolds here will echo across all of humanity. The world is simultaneously on the precipice of great darkness and at the birth of an era of peace.”
“Your countenance and actions will determine the manifestation of the future for all.”
Many began to ponder these profound ideas. Some stirred with consternation as the prophet spoke again.
“Your destiny has been aligned with the actions and manipulations of subversive forces who claim to be supportive of your plight. Recognition of this undermining influence is the beginning of changing course. The only allies you need are those that promote permanent peace and sustenance for all.”
“There are those who sit far away or over the next hill, encouraging you to despise your enemy and fight on relentlessly. I say unto you, those voices dispense a poisonous brew, as their words and influence are duplicitous. They provide your weapons and fuel war, claiming falsely this will produce peace and bring food to your tables. They feign allegiance to your cause while only engendering your demise. These masters of war are not your friends. Ask yourselves, who really cares for the future of my family?”
At this pause, some in the multitude looked to the sky, others to the ground; all considering this question before the prophet continued.
“Your neighbor is not your enemy, their fate is yours. Indeed those who live nearby, whether in your country or across the border, are truly your dearest family and friends. Their demise is your demise. Seek not to destroy them, rather recognize your commonality. Anyone who tells you otherwise is not your ally, but rather the source of your undoing. Ignore those who divide you from your brothers and sisters.”
“Around the world, the echoes of aggressive advice and belated consolation are evidence of the inability to recognize or admit the true cause of the continuation of war.”
“The agendas of the most powerful, near and far away, are not to empower or defend you. They are worthy of your scorn.”
With these words, the crowd stirred and spoke softly to each other. Then a hush came over the people as the prophet awaited a single voice to arise.
A woman in dark mourning clothes was emboldened to speak. “My innocent youngest child was killed by the hatred of the relentless enemy. I have no food to give my other children. Don’t we need to fight? What shall I do with my grief?”
The prophet looked upon her, though speaking to all.
“Your great suffering may appear to be at the hands of your enemies. And it feels appropriate to send your other sons and daughters to fight them to ease your pain, though they are more likely to also die, rather than satisfy the needs of your bereavement. Recognize that your anguish will not be lessened by the tormenting of others. They also continue to lose their loved ones.”
“It is time to consider what actually diminishes the conflicts that cause death to the innocent. Despite being immersed in loss, do everything to teach your children the advantages of non-violence and peace. Most everyone has forgotten this simple and necessary truth.”
Then a soldier in uniform close to the prophet stepped forward and asked, “There is no doubt that your words come from a place of wisdom, although words are easy and action much more difficult. What is it that we would do, if not defend our children from the onslaught of enemies? How else to settle disputes?”
“Defend you must, though disputes need not be settled with war. You feel compelled to fight with weapons that can take a life in a moment, and others are ready to destroy multitudes in one enormous explosion. In the name of defense and disputes, all the world could alight.”
“Those who profit from the continuing conflict are providing increasingly powerful tools of destruction. They have yet to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. The factories of armaments supply the means for ongoing degradation to both sides. Question their motives, defend against the consequences of their weapons and lies.”
“Remind yourself that the face of your enemy is a mirror to your inner soul. Once you recognize yourself, you can do no more harm. Yes, defend, though seek out and only trust those who are willing to help feed your children and feed the children of your enemies.”
At this, a woman raised her fist and shouted, “Your pompous words are blasphemy to our cause, we must fight until the heartless enemy doesn’t exist.”
The people stirred until another flash of light preceded the prophet’s gentle voice.
“Hate and greed in the guise of political agendas is the course that denies peace. Only when you defy the politician’s words, will you beat your swords into plowshares and stop fighting amongst your neighbors; nor have the need to teach your children war anymore."
“This is not altruistic jargon. It is the path to ending violence, securing hope, and the basic needs of life.”
“There is no justice in a land where might makes right. The door to righteousness is entered by loving thy neighbor as thyself.”
Then a soldier with wild eyes leaped upon a rock and shook his fist at the prophet, shouting, “How dare you preach peace from your pulpit, and discourage us from our mission. You would have us lie down and give our homes to an enemy that is willing to kill senselessly and would like us gone from the Earth. Give your wisdom to the fish in the sea.”
The crowd grumbled at this second challenge, doubt entering their minds. The prophet gazed piercingly at the man. His penetrating, powerful voice caused immediate silence.
“My son who is most injured, it is your angriest of words I have awaited. You are determined to find revenge for your father, who fought and died senselessly. You have been harmed beyond imagination and claim the greatest justification for violence. Atrocities are not committed for the righteousness of a cause but for an intractable pain in the heart.”
“Few are those who can contain the scorching fire of anger ignited by the senseless loss of a beloved. The seeds spread across time by battles and the ensuing deaths in every direction yield successive waves of wars and atrocities.”
“There is no one to blame. And those who are blinded by revenge and have lost the ability to see the future, know not the consequences of their actions.”
“However, the injured warriors are the unwitting tools of those masters of war who care not about you, or your ancestors or descendants. They are concerned with wealth and power that has nothing to do with your joy in life, though they provide the weapons you carry in your hands and take advantage of your deepest agony.”
“Listen carefully you who have lost a loved one and feel the need to kill the parent or child of your enemy. By justifying your violence, you allow the world to believe the value of revenge, and give a defense for the masters of war who continue to benefit from ongoing tragedy.”
“So I say unto you, rather than murdering to assuage your pain, nobly embrace a greater challenge, and love the grieving parent or orphaned baby of your enemy.”
As a last wave of golden light obscured the prophet’s form, he spoke his final words, as the crowd wept in unison.
“Peace emerges when each one of us seeks to extinguish the animosity and grief held in our hearts. It is the only path to tempering hatred, healing the division with our adversaries, and reclaiming our common humanity.”
Amen.
I wish.