From “ The Angels’ Footpath”
From time to time Rick would take a morning walk through the woods to the familiar farm house next door. More often than not, Micah would have a cup of coffee ready for him. They talked about religion, politics, humanity, theology, space, time, the cosmos, and just about anything else that happened to pop into Rick’s head. Micah seemed to know everything. He could speak eloquently about the stars or give an equally knowledgeable dissertation about atoms. Ricardo could only wonder at the man’s knowledge. He soaked it up with great interest.
Early in the morning of a beautiful July day, Rick again ventured to Micah’s home. As the two men quietly talked, Rick told Micah about his proposal to Neema, her acceptance, and his call to Phillip to tell him the news. Rick chuckled as he told Micah about the call. He had been in the middle of telling Phillip about Neema when Phillip interrupted to exclaim with great energy he had proposed to Lydia. The two men had laughed together about their sudden commitment to the institution of marriage. Then Phillip proposed they have a double wedding. Before Rick could say anything, Lydia came on the phone with Phillip and shrieked her obvious enthusiasm for the idea.
“And what are you going to do?” Micah asked.
“It’s all out of my hands. Lydia called Neema, and they planned the whole thing. Anyway, we will have the service in two weeks.”
Micah could only smile. He had a special place in his heart for both couples. Micah was pleased they would stand before God and take their vows of spiritual love and commitment.
“Can I come?” he asked.
“Of course! You must come…and everyone else we know in Winters! It will be a day of commitment and joy.”
Micah sat back in his chair and looked at the flowers that seemed to bloom with such perfection in his garden. His face became more serious. He looked Rick straight in the eye to hold his attention.
“Rick, you will be leaving us soon—leaving Winters—and before you go, I have one thing to add to our conversations.”
Puzzled, Rick sat back in his chair. Micah was very solemn.
“The church is in trouble. Conventional theology is under attack from several directions at the same time. Although most people want to believe in the spiritual, theology has lost its way. Old explanations of the cosmos collide with the discoveries of science. The more we know about the physical universe, the greater our rejection of the spiritual universe. Theology has not kept pace with man’s knowledge. If the human race is to survive, that has to change. Mankind must rediscover the wonders of the spiritual. The message must be simple and unambiguous. I have given you the tools to understand the relationship of the physical with the spiritual. Father Giovanni has written a text that explains a new theology. Now you must carry that message to others.”
Rick was very perplexed by what he heard. “But why me? I have no religious training. I am not an expert on the Bible… Surely there must be others who are more qualified.”
“Rick, you have the best of qualifications. You have experienced all the human emotions: love, great sorrow, frustration, triumph, failure, joy, and so on. These provide the basis for your understanding of the human condition. There has always been a connection between you and the spiritual. You have developed a great compassion and sensitivity for those around you. Abigail took a great interest in your intellectual development, and you responded to her enthusiasm. In our many conversations over the years, I’ve taught you many truths about the cosmos. That is your preparation. It is more than enough.”
“But how can I make a difference? Who needs this message you describe?”
“Christianity is at a crossroads. Socialist cultural democracy clashes with ancient doctrine. There has been a significant fragmentation of theology. Absent charismatic leadership, the Christian experience mostly centers on ancient tradition and doctrine. Humanity is hurting. Confusion. Distrust. Fear. Hurt. Economic deprivation. Psychological trauma. Millions are going to need the comfort of a stable and reassuring spiritual experience. Humanity desperately needs an enlightened vision of the spiritual universe. That is where you come in. In whatever you do, you must believe, practice, teach, and encourage high moral values and loving compassion. Encourage honesty and integrity. Seek to elevate human interaction. Confirm the nobility of human existence. Comfort those in distress with person-to-person contact. Focus on those who honestly seek the help of God and for whom the Holy Spirit can make a real difference. Provide a path for those who seek the spiritual universe. Deliver a positive message. Preserve a sense of family among those you meet.”
Rick was still doubtful. “I still don’t understand… Why me?”
“You have been chosen for this task from the day you were conceived. Everything that has happened before was preparation for what is to come.”
Rick was astonished by Micah’s assertion. He stared out the window at the trees and garden. Slowly he began to understand the gravity of Micah’s message. Rick decided not to challenge him again. He tuned to face his mentor.
“What happens next?”
“Only God knows for the moment,” said Micah. “Your confusion is understandable. But I have great faith in you. Find your way. Let it come. Your understanding of your role will increase as you come closer to God.”
Ron
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