Power Over Death
What if you had the power to cheat death? Would you take risks? How would you use the power?
In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. - Hebrews 5:7
In the fifteenth century, some perfumers and spice traders discovered something truly amazing. Their close contact with various spices and herbs gave them a strange advantage over others. The anti-bacterial nature of these oils and rubs made them immune to the plague.
They didn't need to understand how it worked to know they had discovered power over death.
What did they do with this power?
They used it to steal from the sick, the dying and the dead, robbing their graves. This concoction, therefore, was known as Thieves' Oil and a variation from France, taken internally was Thieves' Vinegar or Marseilles Vinegar.
Legend has it that they revealed their secret to the magistrate when caught to receive leniency.
Images of Plague Doctors, physicians wearing long robes and masks shaped like beaks come from this era. The masks held the aromatic blends, while the robes and gloves were soaked in oils and spices to help protect them from the disease.
The idea of being able to walk into danger, subjecting oneself to possible death is fascinating, but what is more intriguing for me is the motive behind it.
On one hand, we have thieves, eager to steal from those who are dying, while on the other is the doctor trying to keep death from stealing life from the sick.
Perhaps the doctors weren't so selfless in their actions, since they could offer little to help those already infected. Their job was to minister to the sick and pronounce them dead when the end came.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. - Psalm 23:4-5
On the first Sunday of each month in our church, the priest offers anointing with oil and many come to the altar rail to receive.
There is something very comforting in this.
As Christians, we believe we are saved from death, given the gift of eternal life, but that doesn't stop us from seeking a longer span in this life, does it?
Is that wrong?
I don't think so, if we seek to see those years as a gift, as an opportunity to do more for others, rather than to seek gains for ourselves alone.
The thieves had discovered something truly amazing, and if they had shared it with everyone before they became sick, imagine how different the outcome would have been.
Perhaps, they could have become rich as well.
More to come...