The Conclusion of the Matter | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: The Conclusion of the Matter | Previous Challenge Entry
By Shanta Richard
07/13/11
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The great river Zambezi flowed complacently across the plains of Central Africa. The waves on the river sparkled in the late afternoon sun’s rays. A gentle, cool breeze rustled the leaves on the big tree growing by the river. A shaggy old owl crept out of a hollow in the tree trunk and blinked up at the bright blue sky. The great river Zambezi flowed complacently across the plains of He loved this part of the day when sleep gently glides away and wakefulness slowly slides in. Soon the sun will set and the moon will rise and he will have to start foraging for food. But now all was still and calm.

High up in the sky the bald eagle screamed as he dived down to the tree where owl rested. The owl hooted his welcome as the eagle alighted on a nearby branch.

“Hi, there, my friend, what news do you bring from the far away lands?” asked the owl.

“Oh wise one,” replied the eagle, “I bring sad and terrible news. The Northern tribes are sharpening their spears and are preparing to attack the Southern tribe. As you know the farmers of the south are no match for the hunters of the north. It will be a bloody massacre – a feast for vultures and jackals.”

“Well, it has been a bad year for the north. The rains have failed and the deer and the bison are moving south to the river for food and water. The hunters have to follow them for their sustenance. It is too bad that their path runs right through the lands of the southern tribes. Naturally the farmers have to defend their crops and their fields. It will be a tragic situation, as both of them will have to fight for their basic need – hunger,” the owl reasoned.

“But last year there was plenty of rain and the animals thrived. Yet the hunters attacked the farmers and nearly destroyed al l the fields. There was no need for that,” argued the eagle.

“That was not need but greed. Both these conditions result in war and where there is war there can be no peace.”

“I have heard that peace is a gift of God. So what is your answer, oh, wise one, how can we obtain peace?”

“Many years ago,” said the owl, “a holy white man lived here. His name was Dr. David Livingstone. He preached about a God of love and peace. This God loved man so much that He sent His only son to die on the cross and pay the price for man’s sin. Whoever accepted the sacrifice of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, were forgiven their sins and became the children of God, inheriting the gifts of God which are love and peace.”

“Oh, yes, now that you mention it I remember the name, Jesus Christ. Did He not promise His followers peace that passes all human understanding?”

“Yes, He did. I am glad you remembered. Peace is a state of mind. And it is the outcome of love. Love is the absence of fear and pride. If there is love in your heart, you will care for your neighbors’ need. True love casts away greed.”

“Thus,” said the eagle, “the conclusion of the matter is that where there is love and peace there is no war. Thank you, wise one. Now I learned something about war and peace. Goodnight and happy hunting,” he said as flew away to his nest on the cliffs.

The sun had set over the tree tops and a silver moon shone on a sleepy earth. The owl flapped his wings and went in search of his supper.

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