The Rabbi and the Raven. A Jewish proverb, according to a deceased Indian known as Osha. I read this story in one of his books, and have shared it many times in talks, lectures and sermons. It is a moral's three story, with humor and depth. Live on my Saturday show, I invite you to tune in at 9 PST.
Three advices to the listener, obvious, but so commonly oblivious to the public in their own life decisions. In all three portions of this proverb, rationality and, one would hope, inner feelings and intuition would lead to a different and better choice. Three of the Hermetic and Catholic deadly sins are the tempter's. Greed, pride and envy are the names and service, humility and gratitude are the missing antidote's ( or virtues ).
Seven Deadly Sins
Seven Virtues
Sins Bodies Virtues*
Pride Seventh Humility
Greed Sixth Liberality
Envy Fifth Kindness
Anger Forth Patience
Gluttony Third Abstinence
Lust Second Chastity
Sloth First Diligence
*From Psychomachia (“Battle for the Soul”) Prudentius, c. 410, but dates back at least to Hermes
These "deadly" attributes have seduced humankind throughout oral, written and recorded history. Priests have taught the dangers of these practices and yet the temptations of the gains have led countless astray. John speaks of knowing right from wrong, and always choosing wrong. The self proclaimed Captain of the sinners.
Next week I will share my One is All drawing sharing the common themes of all world religions and indigenous faiths.
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