BEASTS AND MONSTERS
BY
ODETE MARTINS BIGOTE
Throughout history we have heard about tales and
visions of beasts and
monsters in all kinds of forms from tigers, to lions, to dragons, to a
combination
of all of these, and others.
But the most dangerous beast is the one that shows up disguised as human yet
hiding envy, hate, fear and other emotions. Such beasts are ready to attack
at any moment. Their attack can kill, while the attackers stays safe in their
own prisons.
Beasts may attack while we sleep, and we dismiss the attack as simply: not
real. But when we are awake, we have to react.
Many times in our lives, we face beasts and monsters without realizing what
is happening. When we become aware of the attack it may be too late; the
damage is already done, the hurt is accomplished and the attacker is laughing at
its own victory.
The 17th century Italian scientist, and pious man, Galileo, encountered
many beasts and monsters, specially when he faced the Inquisition.
One of his inventions was the telescope through which Jupiter was seen for
the first time. Galileo encountered resistance, as described in a letter to
his friend Kepler, "I wish, my dear Kepler, that we could have a good laugh
together at the extraordinary stupidity of the mob. What do you think of the
foremost philosophers of this University? In spite of my oft-repeated efforts
and invitations, they have refused, with the obstinacy of a glutted adder, to
look at the planets or moon or my telescope."
But what got him in trouble with the Catholic Church was his support for the
Copernican system which stipulates that while the sun stands still, the
earth and other planets move around it. This was in contradiction with the
teachings of the Church, and with what people believed for many centuries. For
this reason, Galileo
was considered and heretic, that is a misbeliever, and was charged with
heresy, which was punished by death.
Courageously, he faced the Inquisitors more than once, and was miraculously
condemned to life in prison, instead of death. Later on, that sentence was
changed to house arrest until his death in 1642. In spite of facing the
monstrous Inquisitors, he never changed his views to suit his accusers.
In the end, we should be grateful for our encounters with the beasts
that show up in our lives, because there is our chance to remember what we
forgot; that is, to ask for help to handle the attack and the attacker.
This is what Hermes did, as detailed in the Shepherd of Hermes, a book that
was part of the New Testament up to the 4th century. This book and others are
not part of the present New testament, because apparently, they were not
written by the Apostles.
Hermes describes one of his visions, as he was walking in the countryside
and " a huge beast, nearly 100 feet long, looking like a sea monster showed up.
Thinking of God, Hermes gave himself over to the beast. As he approached
the monster, it stopped and did nothing but stick out its tongue."
Than, a woman, dressed in white and looking like a bride, showed up and
spoke to Hermes "You escaped well" she said, "because you cast your anxiety upon
God and opened your heart to the Lord, believing that you could not be saved
except through his great and glorious name."
We need to stop being "double-minded," that is, stop believing that
we can escape by ourselves without asking for help. The woman explained that
"the wild beast is a foreshadow of the great affliction that is coming."
The Shepherd of Hermes, helps us understand the symbols of the Bible, and
the message that we need not fear the beasts that show up in our lives; but, we
must be willing to face them. Such encounters may help us become stronger and
more willing to remember God, and aware of His presence and effect in our
lives.
The Shepherd of Hermes could have been written today, because the human
condition is still the same. In the end, nothing has changed.
THE WORLD IS STILL CROWDED WITH BEASTS
AND MONSTERS FULL OF FEAR, ENVY AND
HATE;
THEY ARE HAVING A BALL.
BE AWARE!
Written by author:
Odete M. Bigote
Copyright 9/2006
Odete Martins Bigote Author: "You Can Remember Love: Contemplations on
Science and Spirituality." Discover that you are a powerful hologram and
rediscover a new you. http://www.portugueseprincess.com
