"In the center of a once-great city there stood a magnificent cathedral that was cared for by a kindly old priest who spent his days praying in the vestry and caring for the poor. As a result of the priest's tireless work,the cathedral was known through the land as a true sanctuary. The priest welcomed all who came to his door and gave completely without prejudice or restraint. Each Stranger was, to the priest, a neighbor in need and thus the incoming of Christ. His hospitality was famous and his heart was known to be pure. No one could steal from this old man, for he considered no possession his own, and while thieves sometimes left that place with items pillaged from the sanctuary, the priest never grew concerned: he had given everything to God and knew that these people needed such items more than the church did.
Early one evening, in the middle of winter, while the priest was praying before the cross, there was a loud and ominous knock on the cathedral door. The priest quickly got to his feet and went to the entrance, as he knew it was a terrible night and reasoned that his visitor might be in need of shelter.
Upon opening the door he was surprised to find a terrifying demon towering over him with large dead eyes and rotting flesh
'Old man,' the demon hissed, 'I have traveled many miles to seek your shelter. Will you welcome me in?'
Without hesitation, the priest bid this hideous demon welcome and beckoned him into the church. The evil demon stooped down and stepped across the threshold, spitting venom onto the tiled floor as he went. In full view of the priest, the demon proceeded to tear down the various icons that adorned the walls and rip the fine linens that hung around the sanctuary, while screaming blasphemy and curses.
During this time the priest knelt silently on the floor and continued in his devotions until it was time for him to retire for the night.
'Old man,' cried the demon, 'where are you going now?'
'I am returning home to rest, for it has been a long day,' replied the kindly priest.
'May I come with you?' spat the demon. 'I too am tired and in need of a place to lay my head.'
'Why of course,' replied the priest. 'Come, and I will prepare a meal.'
On return to his house, the priest prepared some food while the evil demon mocked the priest and broke the various religious artifacts that adorned his humble dwelling. The demon then ate the meal that was provided and afterward turned his attention to the priest,
'Old man, you welcomed me first into your church and then into your house. I have one more request for you: will you now welcome me into your heart?'
'Why of course,' said the priest, 'what I have is yours and what I am is yours.'
This heartfelt response brought the demon to a standstill, for by giving everything the priest had retained the very thing that the demon sought to take. For the demon was unable to rob him of his kindness and hospitality, his love and his compassion. And so the great demon left in defeat, never to return.
What happened to that demon after this meeting with the elderly priest is anyone's guess. Some say that although he left that place empty-handed he received more than he could ever ask for.
And the priest? He simply ascended his stairs, got into bed and drifted off to sleep, all the time wondering what guise his Christ would take next."
- Salvation for a Demon, Peter Rollins
This is a parable has got me thinking for the past couple of weeks. As the date of my leaving is getting closer and closer, I have been contemplating the kind of person I want to be both when I am there, and who I want to be when I return. I have been thinking about what it would look like to give completely of ourselves. Give without any limitations whatsoever.
And we all have our limitations to how much we will give of ourselves. We give until we're uncomfortable, or inconvenienced, or tired. But what if we didn't have those limits? What if we really did give up everything we had, everything we are until we really had nothing left but out hearts to give? What if when Jesus said "go sell all of your possessions and go live with the poor" he meant "go sell all of your possessions and go live with the poor"? What if we didn't just let go of our possessions, but also let go of our comfort zone, our safety, and our pride and instead just gave. What would the world look like? What if we looked at every person as a personification of Christ, needing something?
What if...? Just some thoughts.
On another note, as of last week, I found out that I have far more funds than was originally needed!! I am so humbled by everyone who has generously given and prayed over my finances. I could never thank any of you enough! Each one of you is such a blessing to have in my life. So again, thank you very much!
Grace & Peace
