The villain as a teacher, they have light too

 

From time to time my daughter posts a statement. It did not hit me till lately. I kind of ignored it till something whispered it in the back of my head. I went and looked it up. It is a very simple statement written by Pastor Nic Burleson. Why I have been reading a bit from different Pastors has me perplexed. But here you go.

Judas ate too.

In Christian legends and stories, Judas has always been the villain. But why? Judas was one of the chosen twelve. He heard the stories and was given instructions. Was given a promise of the “kingdom and the mysteries”. Yet, in the end, he “betrayed” the trust. From a historical aspect, I believe he wanted to push the foundation of the “kingdom” and free the people from the rule of the Romans they were under. I do not think he fully understood.

Now under the Masonic legends and the story of Hiram, we find much the same issue. We find twelve men that were trained, given instruction, and given a promise of inner wisdom. Yet, in the Masonic tales, nine recanted and three continue and “betray” Their Grand Master.

In both stories, the “Grand Master” dies and is raised. Yet, all four men are considered villains. But, why? Because they betrayed the trust? I don’t think so. Again, this is all my personal opinion. But, in the Pastor's story, he said that Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray him. Yet, he loved him anyway. Washed his feet, and still broke bread with him.

I think Hiram knew too. You are telling me that twelve people were planning to cause harm, nine change their minds and no one says anything? I am not buying it. I think he was told and continued anyway.

If we look at the legends with Hiram and Jesus, we see the Hero’s Journey as described by Joseph Campbell.  Part of this journey is to face a “Challenge” and death and rebirth. Well, that would surely apply here. Both were faced with a serious challenge and in fact, died and were in one sense or another reborn.

If Judas and the three Craftsmen did not do what they had done the story would have ended and the lessons would not have continued.

I wonder if we have such issues with the “villains” of these stories because we see a bit of ourselves in them? Does that make us bad people? No, not at all. Well, if we are honest with ourselves and our Brothers.

Are we perfect? No, we are not. I honestly think we are a bit hard on these four and do not fully understand their role in the lessons that we benefit from. They fulfilled a needed role.

So while we look at those that may have wronged us. Maybe we should look at these four and see their roles. They are just as much our teachers as the “Grand Master”.

I know I had to put this into action this week as I went and looked a Brother in the eye confessed a misunderstanding on my part (He did not even know there was one) and made things square.

Even the “villains” in my myths and our “day to days” have something to teach us, and share some light.

I love you and may we govern ourselves accordingly.