A Reflection

Sorrowed and hesitant, they conveyed the news to him, John is no more He looked up at the humble band. He bent down and fiddled with the grass blades. He looked up a second time at the little band. They looked aghast. He looked up again, but this time questioningly. A man from the band came forward and started, Well, the woman asked for his head. It was her mother who instigated her, added another disciple. Then, continued the man, he did it I still cant believe he did it Listening with eyes full of sorrow, he looked up at them and said, Take heart. Dont feel let down but continue the good work. The men nodded gravely He withdrew from them and rowed across the lake to the other shore. Memories rushed in an array- all the time they spent together playing out in the country and the fun they had when John called on their house. One vivid moment struck him poignantly. It was not but a few years ago John had come to take him out, but he was held up at the last moment- he had carpentry orders to do. Johns highest persuasive skills had been of no avail. So, despondently and woefully he stayed behind with him, howling occasionally. In fact, he remembered that John was quite contended staying behind with him. They enjoyed each others company. A tear trickled down. Mid-way he looked at his disciples yearningly. They were huddled together in a group. He broke down completely, unable to restrain himself as he reached the other shore. Still, when he had not just cried his heart out, he saw a mob of nearly five thousand men walking towards him. There was no better option. It was his duty call, naylove call. He got up and began to teach.