Vol. 5, Love, Human and Divine 6. Divine Love Grades of Love
Moses once begged the Lord God of Israel on Sinai, "O Lord, Thou hast so greatly honored me in making me Thy messenger, if there could be any greater honor I should think it this, that Thou shouldest come to my humble abode and break bread at my table." The answer came, "Moses, with great pleasure We shall come to thy abode." Moses prepared a great feast and was waiting eagerly for God to come. There happened to pass by his door a beggar, and he said to Moses, "Moses, I am ill and weary, and I have had no food for three days and am at the point of death. Pray give me a slice of bread and save my life."
Moses, in his eagerness, expecting every moment a visit from God, said to the beggar, "Wait, O man, thou shalt have more than a slice, plentiful and delicious dishes. I am waiting for a guest who is expected this evening, when he is gone, then all that remains I will give to thee that thou mayest take it home." The man went away, time passed on, God did not come, and Moses was disappointed.
Moses went the next day to Sinai and grieved bitterly, saying, "My Lord, I know Thou doest not break Thy promise, but what sin have I, Thy stave, committed that Thou didst not come as Thou hadst promised?" God said to Moses, "We came, O Moses, but alas, thou didst not recognize Us. Who was the beggar at thy door? Was he other than We? It is We who in all guises live and move in the world and yet are remote in Our eternal heavens."
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