Who are the warning people...
Illustration
Who are the "warning people?" Some are described as alarmists. Others are dismissed for seemingly calling "Wolf!" once too often. As far as those individuals who warn us of possible physical disasters, there are many: police doctors, guards of different kinds, economists, politicians, parents, seismologists, scientists. Each type of person can function in his or her role of warning us of what might cause death and injury.
But what of those who are sentinels of the spirit?
Do we take them seriously? Can we even hear what they have to say to us at a spiritual level anymore?
A priest teaching at a university used to remind visitors of these questions in a humorous, but thought-provoking way. Whenever departing guests were literally on their way out his door, he would ask them to pause for a moment and look up. Over the door was mounted a long carved wooden plaque which featured seven different monks' faces, each peering out from under his cowl with a different expression on his face.
"Choose your favorite face," the priest would encourage guests and they would.
The priest would then let his guests know that the seven monks' faces each represented one of what are known as the "seven deadly sins!"
While guests would compare notes on who had chosen which face, there was left an impression to think about: "... but that the wicked turn from their ways and live."
But what of those who are sentinels of the spirit?
Do we take them seriously? Can we even hear what they have to say to us at a spiritual level anymore?
A priest teaching at a university used to remind visitors of these questions in a humorous, but thought-provoking way. Whenever departing guests were literally on their way out his door, he would ask them to pause for a moment and look up. Over the door was mounted a long carved wooden plaque which featured seven different monks' faces, each peering out from under his cowl with a different expression on his face.
"Choose your favorite face," the priest would encourage guests and they would.
The priest would then let his guests know that the seven monks' faces each represented one of what are known as the "seven deadly sins!"
While guests would compare notes on who had chosen which face, there was left an impression to think about: "... but that the wicked turn from their ways and live."
