THE WAR OF THE WORLDS

(PART 14) WE ARE PROPHETS

Prophets?

Well, yes, prophets," Navi confirmed with a smile.

What are you talking about! My life is ordinary, mundane—home, work, home, an insipid existence if you like...

I understand that you want to help me, and I'm truly grateful for that. It's astonishing to meet an old friend of my father. But still, you can't imagine how I'm living right now.

Lately, I've been plagued by strange, fantastical, and sometimes terrifying dreams. These dreams feel more like haunting memories of past and future events that I haven't experienced. I can hardly sleep at night, and I constantly feel exhausted.

Navi rose from his chair, buttoning his jacket, his gaze penetrating Alexei's eyes.

"I heard you," Navi said gravely.

And I respect every word you've said, Alexei. But please, open your heart and soul to what I'm about to share with you and Konstantin.

Many years ago, when you were just a child, I promised your father that I would help you. However, the years went by, and due to constant relocation while serving in the army, I never had the chance to pay you a visit.

But now, it seems that the Almighty wanted me to see your name among the list of people invited to our center. I realized that this is my chance to reach out to you, to guide you on the path of faith, cleansing you from envy and anger. To inspire you and Konstantin to perform acts of kindness. To teach you to love your neighbor, to embrace purity and holiness.

Now, imagine that you have attained enlightenment, spiritual growth, excellent health, and profound happiness in your earthly life. I will show you the sure path to all of this. But know that veering off the path is much easier than mastering it and staying on it.

And this medallion with the monogram ΙΧΘΥΣ around your neck, does it have something to do with who you are and what you're going to teach us?" Alexei asked, filled with curiosity.

Yes, ΙΧΘΥΣ is an ancient monogram representing the name of Jesus Christ, composed of the initial letters of the words: Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, Θεοῦ Υἱός, Σωτήρ (Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior). It's incredible because your father gave it to me as a farewell gift on the last day we saw him—when a dear friend delivered his final sermon to our company. Something profound changed within us that day. Since then, none of us have ever been the same.

I understand how strange and incredible it sounds, Alexei. Yet, that is precisely what happened. It was like seeing my personal life in a new paradigm. Finding God in my heart, I started to perceive the world with entirely different eyes.

Alexei was intrigued. Some skepticism lingered, but Navi's story fascinated him. Deep down, he felt that Navi was not lying—that his words, unrealistic as they may seem, held a grain of truth.

It must require immense faith," Alexei said, voicing his thoughts.

"Yes, you're right," Navi replied, running his hands through his hair.

"Exceptionally strong faith," he added, removing the medallion from his neck. "Now it is yours, Alexei. Now it is yours," Navi whispered, his voice barely audible.

Suddenly, Alexei felt an urge to ask Navi the question he would have asked if given the chance to stand before God.

For a long time, Alexei hesitated, biting the corner of his thumb's nail, until he finally asked:

Navi, you can answer one question for me. If your faith is truly so strong and great, why does evil exist in the world? Why does God allow the suffering of the innocent?

Navi remained silent for a while, exuding a sense of calm, and then took a deep breath, locking eyes with Alexei.

It's a profound question, Alex. You ask with sincerity, and I appreciate that. But you'll have to wait a bit longer for my answer.

It's time for you to go home. Our meeting is over for today.

Bidding farewell to Navi, Alexei shook his hand once more, expressing his gratitude for the medallion that had once belonged to his father. He left the garden, retracing his steps up the bright white marble stairs that led him back to the familiar world he knew.