There is a story, a parable, about an abbey where the abbot was becoming increasing despondent because all the brothers were getting old and were dwindling in numbers. He could see that before long the abbey would have to close.
He decided to visit a hermit, a Jew, who lived in a hermitage in the woods nearby. He told him about his concern. The old man listened sympathetically and spoke of his own disheartenment. So few people now were prepared to live the solitary life that he did. The two old men commiserated with each other and shared their sorrow.
As he got up to leave, the abbot asked "is there anything you could say that might be an encouragement". The old hermit shook his head sadly. "I don't know. Except perhaps this. The messiah is among you."
The abbot walked away puzzling over what had been said. He went back and told the brothers. They listened in astonishment. The messiah among us? Who could it be?! Perhaps brother John? But he is such an old gossip. And yet, do you remember the time .... And brother Francis? Surely not! And yet .... And as they watched for the messiah among them they began to treat each other with extraordinary respect.
Some young men from the villages nearby who occasionally called at the abbey noticed the changed atmosphere and the way the brothers treated each other. A few of them began to visit. After a time one asked if he could join.
Others followed and over the years the abbey became a thriving community again and a place of blessing to all who visited it.
YOU ARE READING
Behold The Man*
SpiritualThis is mainly a five part idiosyncratic reflection on the life of Jesus of Nazareth; someone whom many people with little time for religion still find attractive. It is mostly from a talk I gave in 1988 while visiting a church in Pennsylvania. Plea...
