I thought I’d take a look at this beautiful world through the eyes of a dead man. What does the title indicate? It is through the eyes of a person who is not physically dead but for all intents and purposes does not exist. Much like my prior article and poem on an N.E.P., Non Existent Person. Perhaps it is just a means of venting or maybe you are just like me? I do not ask you to understand, relate or consider if I am right or wrong it truly does not matter. It is just my opinion and perception gained over time and experience.
Now there were a number of things that prompted this. The first was a show on television with Andre Riev. I noticed how happy and joyful all the people were with his music and all were free to be themselves with no cares in the world. They were singing, dancing and joyful. It was a wonderful expression of how one person can bring joy and happiness to untold masses. I thought to myself, is this not what we are supposed to be? What a foolish thought that turned out to be.
The next experience was of course 9/11 and the tragedy of mans folly and hate. However, what broke the camels back was my being awakened by my son to inform me he had lost his job. Of course he was devastated, afraid and confused. No warning, no correction, no chance to make things right. He was told on the way out by his co workers who had been there longer then he, “that’s the way the boss is". It did not matter little he was a father and had a family, nor that the man had just gave him an increase. I suffered with him as any loving parent does. Do we give advice that he does not need like “life is hard and unfair"! You bet your booty he does not need it. We all know what this world is about! Humans run it and that says it all.
Well that was the catalyst that motivated me. Here we are living in this beautiful, physical creation with everything we need to make us happy and what do we do? You got it right. We destroy, kill, maim, abuse, exploit, use, lie, cheat, swindle, connive, lust and place pride and self-interest above everything. Now certainly you will hear “not I". Well, regretfully and unfortunately, the two words of the century, that is what most of us do. It just takes self-examination in truth to realize this is a fact.
You noticed I did say most. I do believe, like the bible says and to paraphrase, the gate is narrow and a few make it through! Now rhetorically one asks why do pastors tell everyone we will all make it if we accept Jesus when the Word says the gate is narrow and few make it through? I guess it gets down to you either are or you are not going through that gate! But who makes that choice? They say it is ours to make. Well then I guess most are not choosing God by what I expereince and see and percieve about Him? I do know the Word says very emphatically some are made for the wrath. How come they never consider it just may be the face in the mirror?
Now as for me, I do not see any great signs of the masses being merciful, compassionate, loving of their fellow man. I do not see the masses practicing why they call Jesus Lord. Judgmental no, just looking at the truth and signs and symbols I see and experience daily! That is a fact if one wants to accept the truth. Truth, another fallacy of the world we live in. There never was much truth in this world and those who live it suffer greatly. It is the one word many fear!
Now certainly there are people who will preach to have faith and trust. God knows I have already done my preaching. I have come to realize, as I previously wrote, there is great suffering in this world. I have not been able to reconcile love and mercy with suffering only because that when I die I believe I won’t have it anymore! However, it would be nice if every once in awhile the aspirin kicked in to relieve the pain. “By faith you are saved" they tell me. Well faith gets a little thin at times when the rain keeps falling and your waiting for that lifeline. In fact even the apostles who knew Jesus needed miracles to believe. Does that tell you something about man? “Blessed is he who has not seen and yet believed“. Yes, God did know what He was talking about!
Frankly, I really don’t know how ministers, priests or religious deal with it. Perhaps that is why there are so many problems in this profession. It must be hard on them to recognize that no matter what they strive for on Sunday at 9: A.M. it is gone when the sermon is over at 10:00 A.M.
Now others will say, “hang in there“. Well you know something, as long as I have loved ones I will hang in there. Yet, do you really think anyone gives a damn about you except for those loved ones? If you do you are fools! Oh sure, the ritualistic, for public consumption, “call me if you need me" or “if you need anything give me a call" routines which satisfy ourselves and make it right for us exist. However, how many really mean it is the real test.
Now many will say we are all sinners and hypocrites. Well you can say that again! It just troubles me why we never learn just how sorry we truly are? We kill in the name of God. We say we are Christians but do all of the opposite and we rarely if ever see it in ourselves. We shake hands and sup with all the big shots and thrive on it. We will kiss the Bishops jewelry, look for a favor, tell everyone how much we give and tithe. Yes, the list is endless and you know something few to none will ever read this and actually examine their own state. Yes, and when thing’s are all a-ok God has blessed you. I presume you are one of the elect because there are many millions more suffering. However, will you become the Job of the Bible when things change? Job at least made it, will you?
So, here we are on 9.11 and we look at the death, carnage and sorrow of that event. We look at the causes and the folly of man and we come to the conclusion that the hermits of old were the smart ones. This world, not to be rude, is not what man makes it to be! It is what man has made it into. Please don’t give me all the good and beautiful things in this world. I agree, what God created and man hasn’t already destroyed is beautiful. However, that part about man is really troubling. If we can we will destroy and that is historical fact.
I have come to this conclusion again. Man is a liar, hypocrite and sinner. Man will do whatever it takes to use and exploit that of this world and only God can save us from this mess. Perhaps that is why it is all a mess. Don’t look to those who profess look at those who practice and always keep one eye open because every man falls. If it weren’t we certainly would not turn to God for help!
I have not given up on God because frankly I trust NO MAN! Smile, talk sweetly, and underneath there is a motive in most! My mom always said look for the good in people. Now we are truly unique creations provided by God with His gifts. Fortunately, the opposite of the majority of us, some use these gifts for good. However, as mentioned these are the very few although, like I stated, most are first to blow their horn and praise the Lord!
I believe 911 many found that good. Unfortunately, in my opinion it slipped back under again once that day passed. As everything else, with the passing of time, God and mercy, love and compassion went back on the shelf!
So in closing I will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for that boss and the world and above all those I love! Now this opinion is not from some religious fanatic but from one average guy to my peers. For the world is such a terrible state that in my humble opinion should the Lord not intercede we truly all will perish! May mercy, peace, compassion, love and above all the hand of God be upon us all for all good things! May His mercy bring us out of our suffering and into His light!
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. Copyright ©2006 Robert Melaccio
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