GODS OF GOLD

GODS OF GOLD

The recent happenings in our country remind me of an ancient story that depicts the sad consequences of mortal greed. The story is told of two shepherds who faithfully served their master looking after the flocks and herds by day and many times at night too. They served a harsh master but he paid them well. On one of these nights, an angel visited them on a lonely hillside by a small fire. They were discussing their lot in life and wished things could be better. The angel walked in on them as they were settling down for the night.

"Greetings from above" said the angel. "Your faithful service has not gone unattended and like all good and faithful service it must be rewarded". The two shepherds looked at the angel in disbelief. They were amazed that anyone in heaven had noticed their work. "And what is our reward" asked the shocked shepherds. "Your reward is a choice. Would you be gods or would you have gold? If you will be gods then you must come with me, if you will have gold then you must stay" I will be back for your answer tomorrow.

The shrewd shepherds did not sleep and crafted the matter all the next day into six small words. The shepherds were ready with their answer when the angel returned. They said, "We will be gods of gold". The angel opened his mouth as if to speak a warning, but remembered that he had been warned not to give them any advice. So he said sadly "your wish is granted" and left.

Some years later, the master died and gave all his gold to his faithful servants. With all their new wealth, they bought much land and hired many shepherds until they soon became lords of the land. They could have anything and everything they wished. Soon they began to treat the people far worse than the previous master did. They forever reminded the people that they were "gods of gold".

A long time later the angel returned and this time announced, "It is time to go". The two shepherds turned to one another and told the angel with glee. "Ah, but we cannot go for we are gods of gold. Gods never die and the gold is indeed ours forever - according your promise". Then angel replied "Alas that is true. And so you must both go to Hell and be buried in tombs of gold, for in heaven; to be god is to be just, as for gold –it is nothing but stone".

Allan Bukusi January 2009