Overwhelmed with Terror
At Genoa, the story of Lull’s life was not unknown. Men had heard with wonder of the miraculous conversion and now it was whispered that he had devised a new and certain method for converting the “infidel,” and was setting out all alone for the shores of Africa. The expectations of the people were raised to a high pitch. A vessel was found ready to sail for Africa—the ship was lying in the harbour; but, at this juncture, a change came over him. Lull says that he was “overwhelmed with terror at the thought of what might befall him.”
Llull hurried back to shore with his books and his trunks, too frightened to continue. But no sooner had the ship sailed than he was thrown into a terrible remorse that quickly led to a fever. Experiencing a “Jonah change of heart,” as soon as he booked another passage, and stayed on board, his health once again improved and his peace of mind returned.
Engaging Muslim Scholars
Once he arrived in Tunis, the western centre of the Muslim world, Llull got busy. He invited all the Muslim scholars to a conference and announced that he was willing to submit Christianity and Islam to a fair comparison. He even promised that if he was convinced, he would embrace Islam! The scholars were happy to agree. Remember, Llull was able to speak to them fluently in their own language because of his years of study. After a long, fruitless discussion, Llull stuck with two weak points of Islam: the lack of love in the being of Allah, and the lack of harmony in his attributes. Christianity, on the contrary, has both a loving God and the revelation of that love and goodness in the Person and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
This style of argument, whatever else may be thought of it, is orthodox and evangelical to the core. The office of the cross is met everywhere in Llull’s argument with the Muslims. He never built a rickety bridge out of planks of compromise. The result proved it when persecution followed. There were some who accepted the truth and others who turned fanatics. Llull was thrown into prison, and one Imam (religious leader) pointed out to the Sultan of Tunis that it was dangerous to allow such a teacher to claim that there were errors in Islam. Another Imam, however, argued that Llull’s devotion was commendable, and recommended a release. Eventually, Llull was banished and a Muslim mob tried to stone him on his way to the boat! Llull did not heed the conditions of his banishment right away.
To be continued…
Date: 13th July 2024
Martyr: Ramon Llull
Location: Not specified
Source: God’s Generals – The Martyrs
Author: Roberts Liardon
Suffering Saturday 099
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