Saving Scorpions

Today is the Epiphany of the Lord when we hear about the magi and the search for the child commissioned by Herod.  We know of Herod’s plan – to kill the child.  

Today I’ve had an epiphany defined as an experience of a sudden and striking realization.  It came about as a consequence of reading this story of “two natures.”

The Teacher sat praying under a tree that had large, exposed roots.  As he prayed, a scorpion, hanging on one of those roots, began to move slowly towards him.,  A young boy passing by saw the scorpion only inches away from the one in prayer and shouted, “Teacher, quick, kill that scorpion; it is trying to bite you!”

The Teacher looked up at the scorpion and slowly moved a short distance before he spoke to the lad.  “Just because it is the nature of the scorpion to sting is no reason that I should change my nature to save.”

It’s the beginning of 2020, and I’m reminded not to fear and strike out – to “bite” those I suspect could do me wrong.  Through prayer I must strengthen my resolve to save, not destroy; to understand, not accuse; to forgive, not harden my heart; to not think of people as scorpions – a temptation I must resist especially for those with opposing political views.

I hereby resolve.

Deacon David Pierce