In ancient oral traditions saints and prophets are often said to return as angels in disguise after departing from their earthly existence, assisting those in desperate need of help, but sometimes unwittingly you too can become a divine messenger by imparting one word or deed that can completely change the trajectory of a person’s life.
Several stories reflect the universal theme of saints and prophets in the afterlife intervening in human affairs, in unexpected and unassuming forms.
Guidance and healing at crucial junctions
In ancient Greek mythology, the deity Asclepius is associated with healing and is said to have returned to the mortal world in disguise offering healing and guidance.
In the Islamic tradition, Khizr is often associated with the archetype of a wise and immortal figure who appears in challenging times, disguised as an ordinary person.
In Slavic folklore, the supernatural being Baba Yaga comes in disguise to test individuals and those who treat her kindly are well rewarded.
According to Jewish-Christian legend the Prophet Elijah intervened at several crucial junctions of human history. During the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212 the Christian forces in Spain faced a formidable opponent against the soldiers of the Almohad Caliphate. The Christian army was about to be defeated when a mysterious knight wielding a white banner with a red cross appeared on the battlefield, believed to have been Elijah in disguise, and providing the crucial assistance that turned the tide.
The red cross against a white background is today a familiar symbol on the scallop shell worn by pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago, many of them probably unaware of its origins. In my novel “Walking on Edge” I refer to several mysterious encounters with strangers that the main character Jake has on the Camino. Some of these accounts are based on real stories that I came across on my own pilgrimage walks.
It is common for pilgrims to have a really low moment while on the Camino, where they are at the point of giving up. I’ve met several people who reported having an epiphany after overhearing a conversation or having a chance encounter with a stranger, giving them the courage to continue.
You should never underestimate the impact your words and deeds could have on a fellow human being. Sometimes you also need to be cruel to be kind.
A teacher or parent might implement a policy of no-nonsense adherence to deadlines and assignments to prepare the student for the obstacles they might encounter in future professional environments, instilling a sense of responsibility and discipline, even though momentarily demanding.
If you have a family member or friend suffering from an addiction problem, the only way you are going to help them is by setting clear boundaries and deadlines where they can get professional help.
But sometimes a simple gesture or act of kindness can leave an everlasting imprint on a person’s memory.
In Charles Dickens’ novella “A Christmas Carol,” the miserly and bitter old man Scrooge is transformed with a child’s kindness that serves as a catalyst for his redemption, reminding him of the joy and warmth associated with Christmas and the importance of human connection.
It costs absolutely nothing to be kind. You never know what impact that could have on a fellow human being. The exact right words and actions might resonate with another person more than you realize.
Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker
P.S. I’m excited to announce the release of my latest book, “The Turning of the Circle: Embracing Nature’s Wisdom for Purposeful Living.” If you enjoy it, you might also be interested in my previous works, “Deep Walking for Body, Mind and Soul” and “Walking on Edge: A Pilgrimage to Santiago.” You can find all of these titles at reputable bookstores near you.
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