(Page 1 of 2) The Parable of Doubt by Rob Garbin
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SUMMARY: This is for the October '09 Flash Fiction contest themed Darkness. I had hoped to use my blog to post this story with the numbers superscripted like in the Bible, but no go. Just pretend. There are two references to darkness here, neither openly statedPenter 1:45
(1) During the season of renewal, it happened that the Lord Savior was traveling to Hendal in Kalindar when he was drawn to a man sitting outside the city gate. (2)The man moaned piteously yet no citizen took notice of him. (3) The Lord Savior stopped a wealthy merchant and asked upon the man's troubles. (4) The merchant scowled while making the sign of the five-pointed star of faith. (5) "Blasphemy, pilgrim, he claims that he no longer sees."
(6) The Lord Savior then called his disciples unto him and walked toward the man seated outside the city gate. (7) "What ails you," asked the Savior? (8) "The light of the Father has left me and now I am an outcast for blasphemy," cried the man. (9) "Have you spoken to the Temple Elders about the nature of your transgression?" the Lord Savior inquired.
(10) "I cannot," the man replied. "I could not find my way to the Temple for my eyes no longer work. (11) In my distress, I was unable to avoid my fellow citizens whom took umbrage with my unintended contact." (12) Sobbing the ragged man reached out but did not seem to know from whence my Lord Savior spoke.
(13) "Noble sir, I tell you plainly that I am sore afraid for my life. (14) After accosting several citizens with my confused stumbling, stones began to rain down upon me as angry voices filled my ears. (15) Soon, the Temple guards were summoned and I was taken to jail"
(16) "Did you not then have opportunity to bring your case before the Elders?" probed the Savior. (17) "No," responded the disgraced man. "When they heard of my blasphemy, they would have nothing to do with me. (18) The acolyte they sent to me had me whipped and tossed outside of the city where we now talk."
(19) The Lord Savior then knelt down before the distraught man and asked, "What would you have of me?" (20) The man trembled as tears ran down his face.
(21) "Noble sir, I am a devout follower of the Father. (22) I have a loving wife and two strong sons whom work the fields with me. (23) Twice a week I go to Temple to hear the sermons of the Elders. (24) The scriptures they read told us the Father so loved our people that he created the world with the sun ever shinning on his creation. (25) Thus, no part of creation would be hidden from us and that we should show the same love to each other. (26) Until a few days ago, I knew no other thought."
(27) Swaying on his knees the man wailed, "Kind sir, I beg of you a word that will express the anguish residing within my soul! (28) The world no longer makes sense and I have not the word to describe this feeling!"
(29) "The word your soul seeks, my child, is Doubt," replied the Savior. (30) "This word shall stand between thee and those who no longer hear the Father's true word." (31) Then the Lord Savior took pity upon the beggar. (32) Raising a hand to cover the man's eyes, he said a prayer unto his father then removed his hand. (33) Instantly, the blasphemer's countenance changed. (34) No longer did his limbs cast about blindly.
(35) Bowing before my Lord, the man gave thanks.
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