Previous Post – Chiara House Update #2
Over 4 years ago I wrote the following short story. I’ve cleaned it up a bit and reposted, as it was brought to mind while teaching last week. I hope you enjoy it!
Once upon a time in the land of Mystery there lived a people who had forgotten the light. The entire kingdom existed in perpetual darkness, but the people of Mystery had long ago learned to live without any light. While they could not travel far, avoiding unfamiliar landscapes, they were able to move about quite confidently close to home. Content, the people of Mystery went about their simple lives.
One day, a rumour started to spread among the people. Someone had found the light! Wanting to see this wonder for themselves, the people of Mystery began to rush to the site. Even while still miles away, their breath was stolen from them as they caught sight of the flickering of the fire. Soon all had gathered around the warm blaze of the dancing flames and for the first time began to see the faces around them- faces of loved ones, friend and neighbours. Astonished, they cried:
“What is this wonder? Who has brought us this wonderous light?”
All eyes turned, still blinking, towards a tall man in a long rob who stood closest to the fire. He was clearly pleased with the joy the light was bringing to the people. He declared:
“It was I who discovered the light. I believe I will call it… Revelation!” And people cheered!
For days people came to the light, basking in the glow, lost in the details and the colour. For the first time, they discovered the greenness of the grass beneath their feet, the gently sway of the leaves in the trees. But soon they reached the limit of Revelation’s bright rays. What lay beyond the small circle of light? Could this gift not illuminate many more wonders throughout the kingdom of Mystery? So they asked the man in the robe to lend them a small part of Revelation, that they might explore the land.
“Alas,” he said sympathetically, “It is far to dangerous to risk such a thing”. But the people continued, pleading with him.
“No!” he cried, now appalled at their selfish and reckless suggestion, “Don’t you see that Revelation will be reduced if it is dismantled piecemeal? For centuries you lived in darkness, but now this gift has already gone dull for you? Here is Revelation, in all it’s glory, unchanged and unchangable. Is it not enough for you? For shame!”
And so the people went away, dejected. However, they soon returned to their lives in the darkness of Mystery, once again content with their simple lives. Every few days they would return to the light, tolerate the man in robes to look longingly at the grass and the trees around them. They would look into each other eyes and see each others faces, which now seemed somehow less happy than before. Occasionally a radical would rush forward to steal some of the fire, only to be tackled and beaten by the guards hired by the man in robes. Those who managed to slip past the guards won only the prize of scorched fingers and howls of pain. In time, many lost interest.
Then one day, an old crippled woman hobbled into the circle, her skin dark and weathered, her hands gnarled through time and age, grasping the cane that helped her walk. Upon her back she carried a bundle. The crowd, now dwindled to a faithful few, fell back in a hush of respect, for the old woman was an elder respected for her great wisdom. As she approached the fire, even the man in the robe, his face reflecting curiosity and uncertainty, waved off the guards.
Kneeling before the fire, the old woman placed her bundle on the ground before her, carefully unwrapped the ragged covering and reverantly withdraw its contents: several tapered lengths of wood, a ball of fabric wound on the thick ends, covered in a dark, sticky substance. She selected one of the pieces, holding it by the narrow end. Suddenly, she extended the opposite end into the flames.
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as the fabric-covered end burst into flames instantly. Withdrawing it from the fire, the old woman struggled to her feet, turned towards the people, raising the flaming brand above her head. No one moved, even the stunned man in the robe, everyone holding their breath.
“This,” said the old woman gently but clearly, “is a torch of Faith. With it you can explore all throughout the kingdom of Mystery, sharing the light of Revelation with others, discovering together the treasures and beauties of this endless and wonderous land. Take them, everyone who is willing.” Most hesitated, looking nervously to the man in the robe, whose face was now twisted with disbelief and anger. A brave few, however crept forward, chose a torch of Faith, then lighting it. After a moment of stunned silence, they went rushing off towards their homes, their illumination bouncing through the darkness like beacons.
Within days, people throughout Mystery were talking about the revolution of the torches of Faith. The light of Revelation was illuminating the darkest corners of Mystery. After the initial shock, the man in the robe recovered himself and organized his remaining followers, guarding the fire jealously from those influenced by the outcast torch-bearers. They were denounced them as corrupters who perverted the light of Revelation to satisfy their own self desires. The followers of the man in the robe soon took it upon themselves to destroy the torches of Faith, forcing the bearers to return to the circle if they wanted to see the light of Revelation in Mystery.
Despite their best efforts, however, the torch-bearers continued to explore the kingdom of Mystery, gathering together whenever it was safe to journey. And from the meager flames of their torches, they passed on the light of Relevation to others, until throughout the land, the endless beauty of Mystery was revealed for all to see.
Cool! I like it!
Thanks Benjamin!
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