Evangelizing Mowgli

Evangelizing Mowgli is a new work of Catholic Fiction by James Penrice:

Jeremiah Rhys joined the Brothers of St. Aurelius to care for orphans. While in India he learns of a boy raised by wolves in the jungle--and hated by villagers who tried to kill him. Moved to find the boy and bring him the Good News of God’s love, Jeremiah journeys to Rudyard Kipling’s enchanted jungle in search of Mowgli. There he discovers http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifa world of unexpected wisdom and grace, enlivened by Mowgli’s Franciscan-like camaraderie with the animals: Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther, Kaa the python, Hathi the elephant, and others. The jungle provides insights into love, mercy, humility, courage, and the sanctity of all creation, lessons Jeremiah never thought possible outside the “civilized” world. Its dangers confront Jeremiah with his weakness, and how his frailty holds the key for God’s power to work through him.

Excerpt from Chapter Five:

“Mowgli, there is someone very wonderful, very powerful, and very, very good, who made this world and put us here in it.”

The eagerness in Mowgli’s eyes turned quickly to a cynical glare.

“You speak of a god?” the boy asked in a deflated voice. He threw a stick into the fire with a disgusted fling. “I know of gods. The cruel villagers believe in them.”

Like many children Jeremiah ministered to, Mowgli had been hurt by adults who should have known better. Keeping this in mind, Jeremiah gently continued.

“Yes, Mowgli,” he replied. “I speak of a god. One who made you and me, and who led me here to find you.”

Mowgli momentarily regained interest, assuring Jeremiah he had permission to continue. Pausing a moment to think, he continued along a wider track.

“Look at the two of us,” said Jeremiah. “Our skins are different colors; we come from very far-away places. You have lived among animals in the jungle, I among men in villages. But we are so much alike. I know you realize that. I saw it when you told Kaa to release me by the look in my eyes alone. I see it in your eyes now.”

Mowgli nodded slowly. “I know we are of one blood,” he said. “Just as Messua and I are of one blood. But the rest of men want to spill my blood—men who also speak of gods and fear them.”

Mowgli squinted at Jeremiah, as it seemed they had veered off the subject.

“What does your god have to do with any of this? Why do you speak of gods when I asked about your dead friend? Was he a god?”

Jeremiah knew a broader foundation must be laid to answer this question. He also knew he had enough of the boy’s attention and trust to continue to try.

“You and I are of one blood, Mowgli, because we have the same Father.”

The scrunch of the boy’s eyebrows was expected. Jeremiah smiled and continued.

“I do not mean the fathers we lost as children. I mean God, Mowgli. There is one true God who fathered all creation and filled it with his love.”

Mowgli trusted Jeremiah, and it was this trust alone that kept his ears and heart attentive to his friend’s bewildering theory. This “God” was obviously important to Jeremiah; on that basis alone Mowgli knew he must listen and respect—and try to understand. But there was so much that was confusing.

“The people of the village who stoned me, the animals who try to kill me, they are made by this same God of love?”

“They are, Mowgli,” replied Jeremiah, “as strange as that sounds.”

“Then why is there not the same love, the same bond as between you and I?”

Jeremiah was excited the boy was interested enough to ask questions, and was energized by his curiosity.

“God made the same loving bond with all, but everyone must choose whether to keep it or break it,” said Jeremiah, “because God wants his creatures to return his love of their free decision. Some break the bond completely and turn bad, but even good people break it to some extent. And it is for that reason that my friend came to be.”

And in the soft moon of a warm summer night, Jeremiah opened his heart to Mowgli, and shared the Savior that lived within.

Find out more at: Evangelizing Mowgli