THE LAST EDEN and other haunting tales

The Zealous Evangelist

Chapter 5: (Story 3: The Self-righteousness of the Pharisee)

Years passed, and Rona's suffering had tempered her spirit. The archangels, seeing her humility, decided to proceed with the final lesson.

Michael's gentle voice announced, "Rona, witness the self-righteousness of the Pharisee. May his story teach you the danger of judgment."

Gabriel added, "And may you understand the value of mercy and compassion."

Raphael, the stern archangel, watched disapprovingly as Rona was transported to ancient Jerusalem. She found herself standing beside a Pharisee, who prayed loudly, boasting of his righteousness.

"I thank you, God, that I am not like other men," the Pharisee declared.

Rona felt herself becoming the Pharisee, adopting his self-righteous attitude. She looked down on others, judging their flaws and shortcomings.

Raphael's piercing gaze followed Rona, his expression unyielding. "You are treading a perilous path, Rona. Beware the snare of self-righteousness."

But Rona, as the Pharisee, ignored the warning. She continued to boast of her own righteousness, condemning others for their sins.

As she prayed, a tax collector approached, begging for mercy. Rona, as the Pharisee, scoffed at the man's humility.

But the tax collector's words pierced Rona's heart: "God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

Rona began to see her own flaws, her own need for mercy. She realized that her self-righteousness was a mask for her own fears and doubts.

Raphael's voice cut through her thoughts, "Rona, you have walked the path of pride, complacency, and self-righteousness. Will you learn from these lessons?"

Rona's spirit trembled, knowing she had far to go. "Lord, have mercy on me," she whispered.

The archangels' faces remained somber, their eyes fixed on Rona's future. The outcome was far from certain, but one thing was clear: Rona's journey would not end until she had faced the full weight of her mistakes.

_____________________________________

Years passed by, She prayed everyday day and night. Until one day, Rona prayed for forgiveness like always, but this time a weight lifted from her shoulders. Michael and Gabriel exchanged relieved glances, their faces softening.

"Well done, Rona," Michael said. "You have learned the lessons of humility and mercy."

Gabriel added, "May you carry these lessons with you always."

With their duty fulfilled, the two archangels ascended to heaven, leaving Raphael behind.

"I will return Rona to her own time," Raphael said, his voice stern. "Her journey is far from over."

Raphael's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "Rona, you have committed grave sins: pride, complacency, and self-righteousness. Your actions have harmed many."

Rona's eyes dropped, shamefaced.

"You manipulated others for your own ambition, ignored the needs of the vulnerable, and judged those who disagreed with you," Raphael continued.

Rona's spirit trembled, knowing the truth of Raphael's words.

"Remember, Rona, forgiveness does not erase consequences. Your path ahead will be difficult, but may you walk it with humility and compassion."

With that, Raphael's wings spread wide, and he returned Rona to her own time, changed forever. Though her body was weak from the journey, her spirit was renewed.

As Rona lay on her bed, surrounded by loved ones, she smiled weakly. "I understand now. I was so focused on sharing the Gospel that I forgot to love."

With peace in her heart, Rona closed her eyes, whispering, "Thank You, Lord... I'll share Your love, not just Your Word."

The archangels appeared, nodding in approval. Rona's spirit started to ascend, finally at peace, as the angels whispered, "Well done, faithful servant."