Hard to Justify

Illawarra District, Australia, May 18, 2020.
Teacher: Samuel of Panoptia.
Subject: “Hard to Justify.”

Message received by George Barnard.

George: “When Ezekiel said: ‘Clearly, your feelings about those of different skintones is way out of line. There’s no forgiveness for those who adhere to a ‘strange’ political system and forget all who mean to worship another God entirely,’ I nearly choked. I was overwhelmed. And then I decided not to speak with him again.

“After quite a while I realized it was a ruse, his way from ancient times to stir up an argument with the local people. Ezekiel, a mover and shaker.”

Teacher Samuel: “I surmise, and, really, I can only surmise, that Ezekiel had to ‘step back in time’ to feel how he once felt and to do justice to the message he had to give you. At some time, more than 2600 years ago, that was his way . . . to adjust his colorful mantle, like, as you told me, a bantam rooster strutting his stuff and fluffing his feathers impatiently.

“Oh, no, the worthy prophet did not mean for you or any of your readers to feel insulted, but rather that you would feel convinced that his view of the future was true. It would otherwise be hard to justify. Concern yourself with it no more, I suggest.

“I am Samuel of Panoptia and it’s good to be with you.”