A story from another time that may give some thought in our time.

In the fifteenth century there lived a pious Jew known as Abravanel. He wrote poetry and hymns of praise that endure in prayer books to this day.

He was also was very wise and rose quickly in influence in the court of Spain.

Then came the inquisition.

He was advised by his royal friends that he was on a list for prison and torture by the zealots of the Catholic Church.

Abandoning everything he secured passage on a boat leaving that night. On the sea his vessel was attacked by pirates. His family was murdered and he was sold into slavery in Morocco.

His new master recognized Abravenal's powers of reason and he and others sought the advise of this slave. Eventually, he was able to secure his freedom.

Landing in Naples he restored his fame and became adviser to Italian royalty. He led a rich and respected life.

In his seventies, an especially advanced age in those days, he set out on his lifelong dream, a journey to the holy land to spend his final days.

The trip was arduous taxing even much younger men.

When the pilgrim beheld the the walls of Jerusalem that appear golden in the evening sun, he sank to his knees in awe and commenced praying.

An Arab riding out from the city spied the the man in foreign dress kneeling in the roadway, drew a scimitar and lopped off his head.