The Monk Who Traveled Far

An Irish monk by the name of O’Malley sank his foot into the deep African sand as he trudged along in the searing heat on his way to teach the people of a remote village. His unruly wispy hair was like fire and his eyes were as green as a three-leaf cover. St. Patrick had converted him to Christianity by explaining the Godhead with a three-leaf clover. It was all well and good until he found himself in the middle of nowhere parched of thirst and wishing for the beautiful, lush green mountainsides of his homeland.

He collapsed, a fog enveloping his mind as he closed his eyes and a vision encapsulated his person. He was instantly swept away from the harsh heat of the desert and taken to a foreign place and time. And although it was strange to him he seemed to know what was happening about him as if knowledge was being given to him by God himself.

He was in a household kitchen, and there was a young girl tending to a fish tank. She had long fiery red hair like his and beautiful aloe-green eyes. He knew instantly she was a relative of his several generations after him. She was pouring a bucket of water into the fish tank the sides splashing about. O’Malley licked his dry lips and tapped her on the shoulder to ask her for some water, but it quickly became evident that she could not hear him. A fragrant wind passed by her and before he knew it O’Malley was deeply breathing in the enchanted air which swirled all around him.

And just like that, he found himself some place else. Someplace that seems even more magical than meeting his future relatives. He found himself on Jupiter with the first space crew to land there. The magic dust swirled around him and he was star-struck.

There were musicians. There were journalists. There were chefs. There were scientists. And there were priests.

This was something he had never considered when he embarked on his missionary call to preach in faraway places. Little did he know that his journey to preach in faraway places would present him with unforeseen challenges. His initial excitement and fervor for spreading his message of faith had overshadowed any thoughts of the obstacles that lay ahead. But now, faced with the reality of unfamiliar cultures, language barriers, and hostile environments, he was forced to confront the magnitude of his mission.

The picturesque images of exotic lands and eager listeners had painted an idealistic vision in his mind. Yet, the harsh reality of cultural differences and societal norms shattered those illusions. He found himself grappling with the intricacies of local customs, trying to navigate through the maze of traditions and beliefs that shaped each community he encountered.

Language became a formidable barrier, as he struggled to communicate his message effectively. The unfamiliar tongues spoken in these faraway places left him feeling isolated and disconnected from his audience. He realized that his words, once filled with conviction and purpose, now seemed diluted and lost in translation.

Furthermore, the hostile environments he encountered tested his resolve. He faced skepticism, resistance, and even persecution from those who viewed his mission as a threat to their own beliefs. The reality of the dangers he faced was far removed from the idyllic vision he had envisioned when he set out on his missionary call.

Yet, despite the unexpected challenges, he refused to waver in his commitment. Each setback only fueled his determination to adapt, learn, and grow. He recognized that the path he had chosen was not meant to be easy, but rather a test of his faith and resilience.

As he reflected on his journey, he realized that the true essence of his missionary call lay not just in preaching, but in understanding and connecting with people on a deeper level. It was about bridging the gaps between cultures, religions, and languages, and finding common ground amidst the differences.

His initial naivety had been replaced by a newfound wisdom and humility. He had come to appreciate the complexity of the world, and the immense task he had undertaken. It was no longer just about spreading a message, but about building bridges of understanding and compassion.

And so, he continued his missionary call, armed with the knowledge and experience he had gained. With each step, he embraced the challenges, knowing that they were an integral part of his journey. He had learned that true change could only come through understanding, acceptance, and love. And in faraway places, he would continue to preach not just with words, but with actions that resonated with the hearts of those he encountered.

He wondered for a moment what they were going to say to the native inhabitants of the planet. Then he knew. He saw his relative, that girl, all grown up, with a clover in her hand. He smiled, knowing everything was alright.

The wind from the deep came to swallow him up once more, and it swirled about his body, tossing him to and fro until at last he reopened his eyes. He surveyed his surroundings and discovered he was in the African desert, en route to the remote village still on the same path and still in the scorching heat. He gazed at the sky and spotted the moon, yet he sensed something greater and more significant beyond. He knew there were sheep not of this fold.

It was then he thought to himself something of the greater universe and God’s plan for us all.

“Engulfed in the desert’s parched silence, I was nothing but another grain of sand in the wind.”