60 Original Myths and Trite Ethics to Learn From [Copyright Michael Llenos 2013]
[1] The Strange Lady and the Mermaid Children
Once upon a time there were two mermaid children playing on the beach’s edge. Then a strange woman walked by both children and told them that if they came back to her at this time tomorrow she would give them a special potion that would turn both children’s tails into legs. “Go and do what you have to do,” said the strange woman, “both of you will be normal children like the rest if you would only drink my potion by this time tomorrow!” So both mermaid children swam off to their underwater cave and made preparations for the next day. Now the mermaid boy didn’t do much packing, as a mermaid boy he did what mermaid boy’s do best: spend the rest of his free time acting like a fish and flipping his tail this way and that. The mermaid girl, however, told him that he should collect himself and get his belongings ready to be transported back to the ocean’s surface for the next day. But at this rebuke the mermaid boy didn’t pay much attention but continued to flap his tail as much as he could. The next day, both mermaid children came to the beach’s edge and met once again the strange lady that they saw the previous day. When both mermaid children drank the special potion, that the strange lady gave them, the two of them both sprouted legs and their fish tails shed off. When the mermaid boy realized he was a normal boy, like all of the other boys on land, he jumped and danced around and thanked the kind woman that gave him that special potion. But as soon as the mermaid girl noticed her mermaid tail was gone, and that she had normal legs like a normal child, she quickly broke down in tears and lamented the fact that she was now a normal girl without a fish tail. At this the boy told her that it was ridiculous to complain about something that she could of prepared for in the past. He further said that since meeting the strange lady, he spent the last remaining hours (as a mermaid boy) using his tail in a most exaggerated and tired out way, which allowed him to look forward to being a normal boy instead of dwelling on the past.
[When we are tired of something, it doesn’t matter as much to see it let go.]
[2] The Three Prophets of God
One day when they were children: Jesus, Moses and Mohammed were walking through the wilderness of the land of Canaan. As they were walking along the way the angel Raphael came down from the heaven saying: “God wants to know what you three prophets are going to do for his people?” Moses was the first to say something: “May God know that I will instruct his people in how to prepare the cereal offerings and peace offerings and how to pour out libations of wine (and alcohol) to God as sweet smelling oblations for him to smell.” Very good and well,” spoke the angel Raphael, “can the rest of you be just as pious?” Mohammed was the next prophet to join in: “I, O angel of God the almighty, will instruct my people in good works (and salvation thereby) and on how not to drink alcoholic drinks, how to avoid usury and how to be true monotheists.” “Very Good,” the angel Raphael replied. “And what will you, Jesus, do for God’s people?” Jesus immediately responded: “I am the shepherd of God’s holy ones. I will bring into God’s sheep-fold so many sheep, throughout the entire Universe, and by the remembrance of my great actions here on Earth (in Canaan) that the Kingdom of Heaven will be forever glorified!” At this both Mohammed and Moses were awestruck at what Jesus had said. Then both prophets wondered in silence just how glorious a servant of God, Jesus would become.
[The greater number of a prophet’s converts, the greater will his victory be.]
[3] War and Peace
One day War and Peace were racing to hear what a group of senators in a far off republic were deliberating about as a course of foreign action. War raced ahead of Peace and said: “You shall not beat me; I shall run faster than you and go ahead so that it will be too late for you!” Peace laughed at War’s remarks and replied by saying: “Why do I need to run, War? The longer you stay in that nation the faster its senators will kick you out!”
[There is nothing as tiring to a people as war without end.]
[4] A Shark among Whales
One day a Megladon, or what some people call a 60 foot giant great white shark, was swimming through the ocean upset that its food supply was running low, so it said to the Killer Whales swimming near by: “Why don’t you Orcas share some of your food with me? I am starving to death!” “We would,” replied the Orcas, “if it were possible; however, your species wouldn’t be dying off if you weren’t all such massive eaters!”
[At times great strength requires too many resources.]
[5] The Muslim, the Jew, the Christian and the Marathon
Some time ago a Muslim man and a Jewish man were happily running together in a marathon. As they were running along, both tripped over each other’s feet and shoelaces. Each felt that their counterpart had given offense to them personally. When each counterpart didn’t ask for forgiveness, both men became angry at the other. Then, forgetting all restraint, they decided to criticize each other for being hypocrites to their own religion. A Christian man, running by, couldn’t help but also yell out arrogantly to them: “Don’t you both know that this 26 mile long marathon was started by pagans in ancient times?”
[Practically all human beings are hypocrites concerning the ‘Word of God’ (The Jewish Bible, The New Testament, and The Koran); however, for bad reasons, people make exceptions to religion for the sake of their own cultural traditions, even if it means the destruction of their own lives and the ruin of their own salvation.]
[6] The Clock and the Camel
A ticking clock, that was unusual for its kind, was riding on the back of a camel, and it felt superior to the camel because it was carrying the clock. So the clock said to the camel: “This is very nice scenery I am enjoying way up here! Too bad you cannot enjoy it comfortably, and too bad that you have to make so much effort in carrying me.” “No effort at all,” murmured the camel, “just as long as you get off my back!” The camel then shook the unusual clock off its back and into the desert sand. Then with a sad voice the clock wined: “Look at me now… if I would have only kept my mouth shut… I would still be on the camel’s back!”
[People may grow overconfident because they detect no evil with their eyes.]
[7] St. Paul and Seneca
One day the philosopher Seneca was walking with his friend St. Paul down a colonnade in the ancient capitol of Rome. “When will the time of your master’s return to earth be my dearest friend Paul?” asked the philosopher. “Why do you ask me this?” replied St. Paul. “Because your followers keep on saying that the time is short!” St. Paul agreed with this: “The time definitely is short, but maybe not as short as some would like it to be. When compared with the past many years since the beginning of the Universe it is short, if only you knew how many years the past contains!”
[No matter how many years until the Messiah returns, I believe heaven considers the years to be short, though not to most impatient human beings.]
[8] The Sea-captain and the Whale
A sea-captain was taking a small speed boat loaded with tourists to see giant humpback whales frolicking up close. One of the whales smacked his tail against the side of the boat breaking it in half. “Why all of this trouble?” replied the sea-captain, “we haven’t hunted your kind for almost forty years!” “And how many thousands of years did you hunt us before then?” retorted the whale.
[Few creatures take pleasure in kind deeds when they have only recently occurred.]
[9] A Camel and a Deacon
A camel bought the deed to a plot of land where a church was burnt down and its membership made non-existent. When the deacon of the former church saw that the camel had plans to turn the site into a holy Masjid, he exclaimed to the camel: “Why not build a church and become a Christian?” The camel was offended at this and shouted: “Does it look like I need any kind of conversion? Why not pester those church goers who have moved on?”
[It is better to convert someone who has no religion than to convert someone who is already a monotheist, whom already believes in an all powerful God.]
[10] The Man Who Stopped Drinking
A man once woke up with a headache: “I must stop drinking alcohol!” he cried, finally coming to his senses. “There are too many health problems involved with all this wine!”
[We humans are fragile beings since even drinking a little sugar can bring us harm after a short period of time.]
[11] Patton and the Runaway
As General George S. Patton’s 3rd army was fighting in Europe’s ‘Ardennes Forest’ during World War II, he and his men were astonished at all the defectors that were streaming in from the German lines. More curious than most, Patton asked a German conscript why his entire company defected to the American line. “Sir, you and your men may have to fight the German army with light tanks against our bigger tanks, but we Germans have to fight both you and a lack of rations!”
[When an army does not have enough food and supplies, it is in no condition to fight the enemy.]
[12] A Christmas Anecdote
Celebrating Christmas in some Belgium church during World War II, some local politicians asked General Patton why he was able to defeat the Germans with such lightly armored tanks. “I’ll tell you why,” Patton spat back. “We make minced pie out of the German army because of our large numbers!”
[Sometimes in life: quantity is better than quality.]
[13] Alexander the Great and Marcus Crassus
One day Marcus Crassus was arguing with Alexander the Great on how great a general Alexander truly was in his lifetime. The former argued along these lines: “When I think of all the battles you, Alexander, won against a disintegrating Persian Empire, I think to myself, he could never have taken Rome!” Alexander quickly responded to this: “That maybe so, but the Roman Republic was never a truly great empire until after its wars with Carthage!”
[People may treat historical generals negatively only because they look at their wars after such events have taken place.]
[14] Jonah and the Giant Shark
St.Peter’s papa, who was called both John and Jonah, by Jesus Christ, jumped into a very large shark’s mouth while he was still in his prime. This large shark, also known as a Megladon, can grow to over 60 feet in length. Inside the belly of the shark, Jonah was in communication with it using a special technology. For they could communicate with words beforehand, which was the only reason why Jonah attempted such a foolish thing in the first place. “Do you want me to expel you now?” asked the Megladon, after a brief two minutes Jonah was in his belly. “Yes, please!” cried Jonah. “I cannot take being in your stomach this long!” The shark laughed, as sharks secretly do sometimes. Then he said: “You asked for it; now you are going to get it Jonah!” And with no further ado, the Megladon spit Jonah out of its stomach and mouth with such force that most of Jonah’s water equipment yanked on him painfully and became very gross and slimy. Jonah took off his mask with an angry look on his face. The shark laughed again from the surface of the water. “You shouldn’t be so upset,” the shark teased. “After all you went into a shark’s belly and came out intact!”
[Sometimes people forget about the bigger picture of things and only complain about their immediate discomfort.]
[15] The Camel and Robin Hood
When Robin Hood was escaping on foot from the Sheriff of Nottingham’s soldiers, he came upon a camel grazing in a lush meadow and was amazed at the sight of such a unique creature on the edge of Sherwood Forest. “Don’t be amazed,” spoke the camel, “I don’t just live in deserts! I like all kinds of vegetation…” “Blimey…” Robin Hood chortled amazed. “Now I can make my escape from Nottingham’s men in style and also on a talking beast…” The camel coughed at this remark, then said: “I suppose you can ride on top of me? After all you are Robin Hood!” Then Robin Hood mounted the camel and escaped the enemy soldiers by riding deeper and deeper into the forest of Sherwood.
[There is at least one counter instance in life to almost every situation we come across.]
[16] Gideon and his Men
Gideon was preparing for battle with his men and so were the enemy soldiers. He poured out a sweet smelling libation of alcohol to God and this was credited to him. Gideon then charged the enemy formation and was able to capture them all to a man. “Why weren’t we able to capture you Israelites instead?” asked one enemy captive. “I’ll tell you why,” responded Gideon. “You need to get your affairs right before the Lord before embarking on any kind of dangerous enterprise!”
[Sometimes men and women get themselves into trouble later in life because they have neglected virtue and good works in their past.]
[17] The Watch-Timer and the Cuckoo Clock
There once was a watch-timer that thought it was very clever because it would beep every time a new hour came along or after its owner timed it. However, a ‘cuckoo clock’ living in the same house as the ‘timer’ thought it was better than the watch that could beep. “You think you’re something special?” asked the cuckoo clock. “Yes, I do,” said the watch. “I think I am better than you because I can beep instead of crow!” The cuckoo clock felt very insulted when he heard this. “I may crow,” voiced the Cuckoo clock, “but my innards are a heck of a lot fancier!”
[Sometimes inside a person is greater than what is outside of them.]
[18] The Pilot Whale’s Greater Misfortune
One day a herd of about twenty pilot whales found themselves beached on a Malaysian island after following their leader straight into the surf. “Woe is me!” cried the lead whale, “what is to happen to me before death!” “Thanks a lot,” said one of the other beached whales, “for being concerned about us as well as your own self!”
[Lot’s of people do not hold themselves accountable, even when they have done something totally unjust to others.]
[19] The Cake and the Soda and the Carrot
A cake in a refrigerator was very proud of the fact that its kind always was in abundance whenever there was a celebration that families would have at a get together. The soda responded haughtily: “I’m better than you at all time!” “No you are not,” replied the cake. “People love me more than they love you!” voiced the soda. The carrot decided to interject from lowest part of the refrigerator: “Well, I’m better than both of you. There is no corn syrup or bad kinds of sugar in any part of me!”
[People often ruin themselves by thinking beauty is only skin deep.]
[20] Saladin and Charles the Hammer lecturing at a University
One day in some University, the great Muslim general Saladin 'the Great' was in an argument with the great French general Charles 'the Hammer' over who had more of a right to victory in both their countries. “Your French people invaded us!” Saladin declaimed. “And your allies tried to bring tyranny to all of France!” rejoined Charles the Hammer. “Please…” spoke up a history professor in the pews. “You are both right! There is nothing wrong with defending your very own God fearing country!” At this both men fell silent and had to agree.
[A protagonist is not an antagonist when he is defending his very own country from tyranny.]
[21] The Chef and the Metal Cauldron
One day a chef started to heat up a cauldron full of water. As the pot began to boil, some water was spilling over the rims of the pot. The pot told the chef, “Don’t worry, your precious water will not cause a fire.” Then even more water began to splash outside of the pot. “Don’t worry,” sounded the cauldron, “your water will continue to be safe in me!” Then coming to his senses, the chef immediately took the pot and placed it on a cool rack. The chef then whispered to himself, “If I would have continued to listen to that pot, I would be a dead man by now…”
[Sometimes arrogant tyrants should be imprisoned and done away with, no matter how caring they pretend to show themselves to the people.]
[22] A Man and his Cat
One day a man went to feed his favorite cat and he held the plate for his cat to eat. When that cat didn’t show signs of interest, but only nibbled a little at his food, the man said to himself: “If every man does as I do, we would all be enslaved to kitty cats!”
[If you have pets take care of them. Just don’t get angry at them if you see them spoiled rotten.]
[23] The Rich Man and his Boat
There was a great white shark swimming next to a rich man’s yacht, and the rich man saw the shark immediately head towards a female Killer Whale and her young. Wondering who would win the match, the rich man took his boat for a closer look. Although he looked and looked, he could find no sign of any sea creature in the water. Then suddenly up ‘popped’ the Killer Whale, with the shark’s liver in her mouth. “Woe is me,” yelled out the rich man. “Nobody back at the harbor will ever believe this story of mine…”
[There is almost nothing more irritating than a rich man who constantly brags.]
[24] The Camel and the Elephant
“I am nobler than you,” the camel mocked defiantly to the elephant. “My purpose on earth is much nobler than yours. I am used for long desert treks and I am sometimes used for meat by a pious Ishmaelite family of the Earth.” “Enjoy it yourself,” retorted the arrogant elephant, “I’m just glad that men don’t eat me!”
[Sometimes bragging will reveal your faults that are frowned upon by men.]
[25] The Sufi and the Jinn
A pious Turkish gentleman was walking along the shore, when he saw an empty glass bottle in the surf. The Turkish man ran to the bottle and opened it. Out sprouted a ‘giant jinn’. “What kind of believer are you, ‘young fella’?” asked the jinn. “I’m a Sufi holy man,” replied the Muslim. “You don’t know what a Sufi is?” the Muslim asked. “I’m afraid not,” replied the jinn. “I have been imprisoned in this bottle ever since the time of the third successive Caliph to the Prophet Muhammad.” Thinking some treachery was afoot, the Sufi decided to now act craftily with the genie. “This is what we do,” replied the Sufi, as he started to spin and twirl around in circles very artfully. “I can do that,” retorted the jinn. “What’s so special about that?” “But can you do that inside a small space like inside this bottle of yours?” asked the Sufi. “That’s more than easily done,” answered the jinn with pride, as he twisted himself back and forth until he was completely back inside the glass container. Swiftly the Muslim capped the genie’s bottle tight again and tied it to an old ships anchor on the shore, which he than threw out into the ocean, past the surf.
[Being powerful does not make you immune to trickery.]
[26] The Arab Astronomer and the Spyglass
Four hundred years before the reign of the first Spanish King, who drove out the Moors from Western Europe, the Islamic Empire was enjoying a prosperous time that some considered as a Golden Age of science. One night a Moroccan astronomer decided to gaze at the heavens with his spy glass. “The planets must be alive just as Ptolemy predicted,” he said to himself: as he was watching the retrograde motion of one of the planets throughout the night. Then suddenly a large owl descended on the man’s head and snatched away his philosopher’s turban. “What expense is this!” exclaimed the astronomer. “Observing that planet has lost me my hat!”
[When leaving home one must be aware of all of the dangers of the environment we settle in.]
[27] Benjamin Franklin and the French Ambassador
While enjoying coffee and cream, the French Ambassador was making up excuses why his country could not send naval aid to the American colonies during the American Revolutionary War. “We don’t have the man power or the ships to spare!” argued the Frenchman. Benjamin Franklin laughed at the ambassador when he heard this. “That’s an odd thing to say, my dear ambassador, when we have British troops all throughout the Americas and while there are no British troops in your vast and spacious homeland.”
[Needing necessities is one thing and being tired of doing something is another.]
[28] The Lobster and the Eel
“Why do you eat all the fish that I bring to our abode?” the lobster angrily asked the eel. “Because, my fellow sea creature, I deserve more than some small recompense for my guardianship of this cave!”
[We should be thankful much more than we really are for people’s help in life.]
[29] The Sun and the Moon
One day the moon was bragging to the sun about how many gifts it has given to mankind. “With me humans can see at night and they can mark their seasons on a calendar.” “All true,” spoke the sun undoubtedly. “But without my light there would be no humans on Earth at all!”
[Sometimes we like something more because its main power is taken for granted.]
[30] The Chicken and the Snake
“Why don’t you come to my side of the road,” questioned the snake to the chicken, “it is much better on this side of the farm…” “I would go there,” replied the chicken, “if there was just the road there instead of both of you!”
[We should be thankful to God that he gives us knowledge to avoid horrible dangers whether we are a coward or a brave man.]
[31] The Wandering Buddhist Monk
One day a collection of monks gathered together on a cliff ledge above their monastery. They were pondering the reason why a strangely clothed monk kept climbing a nearby mountain in such an erratic way. The monks decided to go down their side of the mountain and to ask him why this blue cloaked stranger didn’t go to their monastery for refuge from the wild. “I wasn’t looking for your monastery,” replied the strangely clothed monk. “I was looking for my very own monastery… And that can only come from God himself…”
[Perhaps the soul of a righteous saint can only find true repose when God gives him what he has labored for.]
[32] The Buddha’s Sangha Feast
A large group of moderately wealthy patrons decided to give a ‘community feast’ to some very poor and destitute persons one day and then to their local ‘sangha’ the very next day. Before both feasts began, the patrons said a prayer that both their parents and grandparents would take the credit for the food alms they distributed for the feasts. Both times guardian angels in heaven wrote the patron’s filial actions inside the patron’s recorded books.
[It’s not what you believe that makes good works happen, but what you have done through action.]
[33] On the Tibetan Plateau
An American, visiting Tibet, wondered about Jesus and the Buddhist book that told of his journey east of the Euphrates and into South Asia. Then he also realized that if the Christians made prayer wheels at monasteries in America, just as they are done on the mountains of East Asia, they would be awesome prayer wheels as well.
[One can learn a lot from Buddhism and Confucianism. Especially if one realizes that just because someone is a eclectic monotheist, it doesn’t mean they are lost.]
[34] On the Refutation of Icons
A Protestant preacher, who wanted to get more people to stop worshiping icons, so that his flock would direct their prayers more towards God instead, used to tell them the following story… What if one day you decided to use your very own time, effort and money to build a park for people to come and rest inside of and to sit in its shade. Then on the day you finished building the park, you invited your friends and family and kinsman to a great feast you were giving. At the beginning of the feast a stranger stood up and spoke out loud: “You see this grand feast and this grand park all of you people? I built all these things with my own hands and with my own sweat and wallet. Now come and give me the credit for this feast and park!” Then everyone got up and applauded him and gave him the credit for building the park and for giving the feast; however, none of the people gave you any credit for either the feast or the park. Now wouldn’t that make you more than upset as well, if someone also took the total credit for your own labor and actions?
[In the same way, the one true God (in heaven) is being robbed of worship (and thanks) through icons and sorcery.]
[35] A Question for Elysium’s Orator
A young reporter once asked Marcus Tully Cicero why it was prudent to imitate historical figures in life. “Seneca imitated Cato, and I imitated Demosthenes (in oratory) and Plato (in philosophy)… is there anything wrong with that?”
[You must have your own two feet, but never think the patterns of others cannot inspire you.]
[36] The Day of Judgment
On the great day of God’s wrath, men and women, of all nations and planets and galaxies, will stand on the right side and on the left side facing God. After everyone bends their knees to adore God, the almighty, some who know scripture will say: “We are saved, for we are standing on the right side of all people and facing God the almighty. Then an angel of Heaven will give them a scolding, saying: “Then you have read the scriptures wrongly. For, you would be saved if you were standing on the left side of the crowd. For, it is God’s right side facing us, his right hand, which are those who will be saved!”
[Many people will have their hearts broken at the Judgment, since they read the scriptures in their past life but did not understand them.]
[37] The Day of Judgment
On the great day of God’s wrath, the victors will be handed their books politely by the angels, and they will be taken to gardens of paradise. They will be given shade, delicious drinks, and clusters of fruit to dine on. One of them may say, looking down and afar: “Look at those men, women and jinn entering hell’s fire… If it wasn’t for God’s love and compassion… that drove me to do the good works for the poor in my past life… I would surely have been among the destroyed!”
[There are many theories about those who stand on the Day of Wrath and what must be done to be saved. John the Baptist’s saying, for all people, is one of the best. Luke 3:11.]
[38] The Day of Judgment
On the great day of God’s wrath, many people will realize that Hell is just one sort of punishment for the sinners of the Universe. The other punishment will be God’s rejection (and the angel’s rejection) of them on that day.
[At the Judgment, people will have wished they had given to charity like the saints did, and many more will wish they were devout Muslims in their past lifetime.]
[39] The Olive Stalks
A planter went out to his fields to plant olive stalks. Some he planted lazily in the ground (and covered them up hastily), some he didn’t even dig for (but just threw them onto the ground carelessly), and some olive stalks he did care for, and dug them a good foundation—packed down the soil all around them to keep out the heat and the cold—and those latter stalks (which he did care for) grew into mighty olive trees that produced much fruit, which the planter later vindicated after their hundredth anniversary of being planted.
[Do not worry about who will be allowed to enter the Kingdom of God at the Judgment; and which tribes and nations will enter through its gates. What truly matters is that you first pave the way for yourself, and then your own parents, and finally your family members afterwards. What truly matters most is that you are not among the lost. For, if you are among the lost, these words you are reading will mean nothing to you.]
[40] On Virtue
Cato, a Roman who was slow learned in his youth, kept at his rhetorical and philosophical studies with great persistence and patience in his childhood and adolescence. After studying for many years, and for so many long hours, without giving his life to diversion or sport, he became one of the most gifted statesmen in Roman history. One of his greatest gifts was the ability to talk for many hours at length without pause. If you needed just one politician to do a filibuster back in Roman Republican times: that man was Cato. He also inspired Seneca in his ambitions. This Seneca was the friend of St. Paul. And I believe he is still his friend to this day—in another place in the Universe, that is.
[That just goes to show you what virtue (or practice) can do for you even if you are not the brightest kid on the block.]
[41] On Attaining the Superego and Keeping It
In a small swamp in southern China, there lived a 10 pound snapping turtle. The turtle thought that he was so strong that he need not fear the frogs, snakes and crocodiles of his very own native habitat—to the point where he never backed down from a fight—since, he always considered his opponent to be weaker them himself. One day, however, he saw a baby elephant walking through the edge of the swamp; at which (not seeing an elephant before in its life), he became so frightened at this strange, new, and gigantic sight that he quickly dived under the water to the deepest part of the swamp and hid there for the rest of the day.
[Courage may be a noble thing, but it is really just in your mind.]
[42] On Finding the Ego and Losing It
In southern China, lived a courageous 12 pound snapping turtle who one day decided to eat some grass on the outskirts of his watery habitat. While on the shore, a large elephant passing by, accidentally stepped on the turtle—crushing it deeper into the muddy swamp below. The turtle, who was angry, yelled out to the giant elephant: “Get off me, or I will run you through!” The elephant, which could hardly stop himself from laughing, picked up the turtle with its long trunk and hurled it back into the watery depths of the swamp. “That should cool you down,” chided the elephant. “Be glad I am all so easy going, unlike my kinsmen!”
[When we escape death with hardly any injury, we should be all too glad to learn from our mistakes.]
[43] On Concentrating while Reading
A young man once asked his mentor about what advice he could give for better reading habits. The mentor replied: “I have several rules for such activity, my child: 1) Don’t let the large amount of words on the page, you are reading, to enter your peripheral vision’s concentration and to intimidate you, but rather concentrate on the immediate words you are reading: one word at a time, and 2) Although, you maybe somewhat aware of your eyes when reading, try not to control your mind’s job of analyzing what you are reading: let the mind act automatically on its own if you can, and 3) If you have recently read a lot lately and have a headache, don’t read again until the headache is gone.”
[Sometimes we know the answers to our very own questions, but we still need reassurance from our elders to give us confidence.]
[44] A Frog’s Sermon
An elderly frog once instructed his tadpoles on God’s implementation of the justice system on Earth. "Now," said the frog. "The three major grouping of law were:
1) The simple laws analogous to a tooth for a tooth. And...
2) British-U.S. tort law that replaces a tooth for a tooth with monetary (or other types of) compensation rulings for the plaintiff. And...
3) Laws that only true saints of God live by. The plaintiff seeking no retribution (forgives wrongs) for the sake of God and reward from God (in the present and later on) and mainly for Treasure in Heaven."
The frog concluded the sermon by saying: “The first law is basically primitive law, but a necessary one, where there are not many institutions or barristers or law courts. The second law is basically a more humane law for both defendants and plaintiffs that only a modern prosperous country with many institutions and lawyers can promote. And the third law is the law of Christianity and the Koran. The first type of law exists because of a lack of modern civilization, the second law exists because of a prosperous modern civilization, and the third law exists mainly for people (or saints) concerned about the Day of Judgment and the Kingdom of Heaven.”
[It is good to seek justice to root out all sorts of evil. However, people should remember that we are not released until we have paid the last penny.]
[45] On Two Great Sages
When Cicero was proscribed, he stuck out his neck (a second time) so that the traveling executioner could cut it off more easily. And when Seneca was on the point of death, he dictated a dissertation to his friends to write down as he was dying. Both men were great saints and both men lived chaste and holy lives, and both men were murdered by fools.
[Philosophers say that one must understand life before one can face death; and one must choose the best path to life so one does not become nefarious—like some kind of precious spice that has lost its flavor.]
[46] The Ark of the Covenant
When the angel and his comrades are allowed, by God, to rediscover the Ark of the Covenant in a cave on Mount Nebo, many will probably ask themselves: “Why did Uzzah die just when he was trying to steady the Ark, but the angel’s friends are not being destroyed as they are carrying it now towards Jerusalem?” The angel may answer them this way: “Because of the piety (and Treasure in Heaven) those men own are a true surety that is saving them from dying in the presence of the Holy Ark of the Covenant.”
[Sometimes it takes true almsgivers to do pious works as a team.]
[47] On the Futility of Mortal Kingships
After the Vandals captured much of North Africa, where there once was the famous empire of the Carthaginians, their empire was destroyed during the expensive and warlike reign of the Emperor Justinian. Although, Justinian did reunite the Eastern Roman and Western Roman empires, not long after he died the empire was ruined again by barbarians and the debilitating effects of the Dark Age.
[Although the idea of Camelot may exist on this Earth, it is not meant to exist for any great length of time until Christ returns.]
[48] On the Koran
Caravans of camels cross the deserts (of rock, sand, and dust) like great flotillas of trade ships crossing the vast barren oceans.
[There is probably nothing more romantic about the desert than the teachings of the Koran. Its romanticism has inspired much love for adventure and much curiosity for the deserts of our great expansive world.]
[49] The Great feeling of Political Invidiousness
There once was a stream that branched off from the Amazon River with many twists and turns. At the end of this stream, there existed a giant stork which would eat the Amazon’s animals whenever they crossed its path. Not being able to stop the murder of their fellow animals, many signs were put up by the toads, parrots and piranhas to avoid that part of the stream by way of detouring around the storks path. Not getting enough food to satisfy its hunger, the giant stork moved upstream until it was killed by a turbulent whirlpool.
[Satirists throughout the world spring up when there is great wealth but also great tyranny. Since its introduction to literature, satire has gained the strength so it can never be suppressed and, also, so it can do some suppressing itself.]
[50] Ice Cream Here and There
A tourist, who loved to eat ice cream, went to a little ice cream shop located on one of the beaches of the Mediterranean Coast. “This is some of the best ice cream I ever had,” said the tourist to the ice cream store sales manager. “Yes it is,” replied the sales manager. “We don’t weaken its taste with an excess of air, but we mash it together and make a creamier product.”
[Sometimes it is quality that matters in life and not just the quantity of something.]
[51] The 100 Foot Megladon and the SCUBA Diver
There was a SCUBA diver, diving off the coast of Catalina, California, who was looking for some abalone to eat; and feeling somewhat suspicious in his nerves, he suddenly turned around and saw a 100 foot Megladon with its jaws agape. Knowing that he was doomed, the SCUBA diver yelled out at the shark to try to scare him away, “What are you doing here in these modern times?” “What are you talking about?” beamed the shark. “Be glad that your death will be swift!” And then the shark swallowed the diver in one large gulp.
[You might not see a 60 to a 100 foot Megladon when you go SCUBA diving, but the truth is, that doesn’t mean they are not out there!]
[52] The Christian man and the Jewish man
A Christian man, who was reading a portion of the Talmud concerned with the wickedness of usury, nodded his head in thanksgiving towards the Jewish man. “It says here that the Jewish people should have nothing to do with usury, for both Jewish believers and gentiles alike. I never knew that was in your oral law,” remarked the Christian man. The Jewish man smiled and said, “If you just base your judgments on us through one or two books, you will be greatly mislead about us as a people!”
[Do a thorough study of a people before you pass judgment on them as a collective whole.]
[53] The Emperor Justinian and the Establishment of the Hagia Sophia
The eastern Roman emperor, the Emperor Justinian, dedicated the largest church built in the 6th century AD [during the classical period], to the Lady Wisdom. That church has remained to this day. Plus, its mosaics of Christ and the Virgin Mary are still in tact.
[Although, idols should be destroyed since they are nefarious images of false gods, I don’t necessarily believe that tapestries and religious mosaics should be taken down. For mosaics are not idols and idols are not mosaics. But that doesn’t mean there should be an excess of mosaics in any particular church. And mosaics should not be worshipped or prayed towards.]
[54] The End of Nefarious Traditions
On the rapture ARK, the New Saul will do away with the celebration of Halloween totally.
Plus, he’ll change the month of October away from the pagan ritual of Halloween and make it, instead, a month of fasting and gift giving.
Some young man may ask, “Why did the New Saul get rid of Halloween?”
His dad will answer his son, “Because it dishonors the dead and celebrates the forces of evil.”
[Some celebrations should not be continued even though they are traditional in someone’s home country.]
[55] The Destruction of Terrorists
A terrorist leader was being interrogated by the FBI in a Federal Prison. One FBI man asked, “I read The Holy Koran, like you do, and it says, in The Holy Koran, not to destroy one’s self, with one’s own hands. Why do you condone suicide bombings then?” The terrorist leader spoke up, “You have to realize that it’s the only option we have left! Now let me go a free man…” The FBI agent sternly replied to this, “I will certainly not let you go! You just testified against yourself by saying that you would rather break Allah’s laws and die than to adhere to Allah’s laws and die! You terrorists certainly want to do evil in the land!”
[Terrorists should realize that their tactics are nefarious and diabolical to begin with and are not condoned by the Creator.]
[56] Charles Dicken’s Christmas Carol
The tale of Scrooge should be a lesson in giving to all mankind. Salvation shouldn’t be taken lightly, but that doesn’t mean you should go crazy and out of your wits end for the sake of wondering if you make it to the Kingdom of God or not. The lessons of St. John the Baptist are simple: “Someone has no clothing: give him some clothing for free. And someone has no food: give him some food for free.” And if you are really stressed out about the Kingdom than do much more of these same things.
[Find out what you need to get done for salvation, and then do those same things many times over the course of your life. Matthew 25:31-46.]
[57] The LRSU unit and the Older Veteran
At a reunion for L.R.P. units, who served as reconnaissance troops during the Vietnam War,
one modern day LRSU soldier complained about his Army designation to one LRP veteran.
“We do the same reconnaissance missions, that your LRPs did in ‘Nam, but we are called LRSU (or Lursu) units instead of LRPs (Lurps) and it's really depressing.” The old veteran replied to this: “Your telling me? The U.S. Army was so embarrassed about successful units and ethical units fighting in Vietnam that they changed the name from LRPs to LRSUs. It’s depressing for you and also depressing for me at the same time…”
[There is nothing worse socially than a political body that sends brave men and women off to war, but is embarrassed to acknowledge their sacrifices later on in their lifetime.]
[58] The Catechism of the Catholic Church
A parishioner at a catholic church in Pennsylvania once made the comment: “This book The Catechism of the Catholic Church is really extensive in scope! Who exactly is going to read this entire book?”
[Sometimes something is written for only a select few. Sometimes something is written just to make sure all of the bases are covered.]
[59] The Prosciutto and the Romano Cheese
A young man, who wanted to try prosciutto for the first time, took a piece of prosciutto off a desert tray, and he wrapped it around a piece of Romano cheese and popped it in his mouth. “Damn,” said the young man, “this cheese taste better than the cured pork itself!”
[There is nothing bad about eating Kosher, especially when that Kosher meal tastes
better than the forbidden fruit itself. However, table salt should be the kind that has iodine in it to save oneself from getting a tumor in one’s neck.]
[60] Why Fables are Created?
There are certain reasons why fables, or parables, are made. Some fables are made to bring light to an oppressive tyranny. Some fables are spoken to keep wisdom within a select few of listeners. And sometimes fables are made just for fun. I believe all three of these reasons for fables are justification in themselves for such patterns of thought.
[One of the great things about fables is that I believe they hardly bring harm to anyone. But, of course, there is an exception to every rule.]
The End
All texts are copyrighted by Michael Llenos 2013
Copyright Michael Llenos 2000-2013
Website: michael.www2.50megs.com