Receiving the Vision


Imagine a scenario where you find yourself at a dinner table with your family and the pastor's family, just hours before the final Sunday service. The evening seems pleasant until the pastor orders a dish that you cannot stomach. Brushing aside this culinary discord, you place an order for a meal that truly pleases your palate. Little do you know that this seemingly ordinary dinner would soon transform into a bewildering and somewhat repulsive experience that would forever alter your perspective on the concept of receiving a vision.


As you finish your meal and return to the church for the final service, an unexpected turn of events unfolds. The pastor, during his sermon, singles you out to serve as an illustration for his topic of the day: "receiving the vision." You step onto the stage, greeted by the cheers of the congregation. Obliging the pastor's instructions, you close your eyes, and the room fills with anticipation. Little do you know what awaits you as he delves into the heart of his message.


The Significance of Saliva in Sacred Rituals

Before we delve further into this perplexing scenario, let's explore the significance of saliva in various cultural and religious contexts. In the scriptures, saliva holds a symbolic value that transcends its physical properties. It was considered a sacred fluid, often used in rituals, blessings, and agreements.

One notable biblical reference is the story of Jesus using his own saliva to heal a blind man. This act, seemingly unconventional, carries profound spiritual symbolism. In the African traditional society, the Maasai community, among others, employs saliva as a form of greeting and blessing. It's not uncommon for newborns to be spat on to receive blessings in these communities.


However, it's important to note that while saliva can be a symbol of reverence and sacredness, its misuse can convey hatred, disrespect, and contempt. The scenario described earlier, where the pastor spits on his hands and rubs his saliva on your closed eyes, falls into the latter category. It raises questions about boundaries, consent, and respect in the context of spiritual practices.


Responding to the Vision

Now, let's ponder how one might respond to such a perplexing situation. Would you have allowed the pastor to proceed with this unsettling act in the name of receiving the vision? Perhaps you'd have been tempted to sue the pastor for his unorthodox actions. After all, having someone smear their saliva on your face, especially considering their dinner choice, is not only unhygienic but also deeply discomforting.


In my personal perspective, the moment I heard the pastor spitting on his hands, I would have hesitated. Concerns about allergies, hygiene, and basic human boundaries would have flooded my mind. I would have opened my eyes and stepped away from the stage, disrupting the bizarre ritual and ensuring it was the last time I attended such a church service.

Questions to Ponder:

  1. What are your thoughts on the dual significance of saliva in both sacred rituals and expressions of disrespect? How can we strike a balance between these interpretations?
  2. Can you recall instances in your life when you felt uncomfortable or disrespected in a spiritual or religious context? How did you navigate those situations?
  3. In moments where spirituality and personal boundaries clash, what should be the priority: maintaining the sanctity of the ritual or ensuring one's own comfort and consent?
  4. How do you think this peculiar incident might have impacted your perception of faith, trust, and authority figures within your religious community?
  5. Reflecting on the broader context of religious practices, what are the boundaries that should never be crossed in the name of faith, and how can individuals protect their own spiritual well-being?


In conclusion, the story of receiving the vision, as bizarre as it may be, invites us to explore the intricate interplay between spirituality, cultural rituals, and personal boundaries. It highlights the need for mutual respect and understanding within religious communities, as well as the importance of questioning practices that may go against our comfort and consent, even in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.