Children Moral Short Stories | Funny Kids, Bible, Inspirational Stories

PRACTISE BEFORE PREACHING

>> 27 February 2008

A boy was diagnosed to be diabetic. The Doctor gave a strict instruction that he should not eat sweets or sugar. His mother tried to persuade the boy to stop the practice of eating sweets. But she failed. So she took the boy to a saintly priest who was respected and obeyed by all. She requested him, "My son is diabetic. Kindly instruct him to stop the dangerous habit of eating sweets and sugar." The priest asked her to return with the boy after two weeks and promised that then he would give the necessary instructions to the boy. The mother was surprised but followed the directions. She returned with the boy after two weeks. The priest issued a stern warning and the boy readily agreed to follow the order. Later, out of curiosity, the mother asked the priest why he did not give the instruction during their first visit. "That is simple", he said, "When you came to me on the first day, I myself was in the habit of eating sugar and sweets. Unless and until I change my habit and practice this myself, how can I ask another person to follow my instruction?"

The story reminds us that example is better than precept. An ideal leader is one who "knows the way, shows the way and goes the way." A preacher who has the habit of smoking does not have the authority or credibility to ask others to quit the habit.

Society needs credible leaders who practice what they preach.

St. Paul advises, "Put into practice what you learnt and received from me, both from my words and from my actions" {Philippians 4: 9}.

St. Paul says, "Imitate me, then, just as I imitate Christ" {1 Corinthians 11: 1}

Jesus said," I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you" {John 13: 15}. Jesus warns against the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, "So you must obey and follow everything they tell you to do; do not, however, imitate their actions, because they don't practise what they preach {Matthew, 23: 3}.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

A LOVING AND LOVELY GIFT

It was Christmas Eve. A small girl came to a jeweller’s shop. She pointed to a fine necklace displayed in the shelf and said that she wanted to buy it. The jeweller asked whether she had the money to pay for it. “Yes, I have,” she said, laying a packet of small coins on his table. He noticed that it amounted to only about ten rupees whereas the necklace was valued at thirty thousand rupees. Out of curiosity, he asked her why she wanted the necklace. She told him that she wanted to give it as a Christmas gift to her loving sister, who is looking after her after the death of their parents. The coins were from her piggy bank, her collection since last Christmas. She had been watching this necklace in the showroom for several days and was eagerly awaiting Christmas to purchase and present it to her sister.

He was deeply moved by the admirable affection of the innocent infant. He readily packed the necklace and gave it to her in exchange for her coins. She jumped with joy and ran home. She presented the gift to her sister. The elder sister assumed that the girl had stolen the necklace and scolded her. She dragged the girl to the shop and asked whether the article was stolen from there. The jeweler told her that he had sold it to the girl ant that she had made full payment for it.

It is remarked that during that Christmas, Jesus was born in the lives of all the three persons- the loving girl, the merciful jeweller and the truthful sister.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

THE UNSEEN SCENES

Two patients in very serious condition were admitted to a room in a hospital. One patient was bedridden. The other one was in a better condition and could be held upright with external assistance. His bed was close to the only window in the room. Everyday he used to describe to his room-mate, the beauty of the world outside, as if he was observing the scenes through the window near his bed.

Enlightened by the encouraging words of his friend, the first man got better day by day. Inspired by his friend’s description, he wished to recover soon and longed to witness the beautiful world outside. One morning the doctors declared that the patient near the window was dead. His friend was in tears. Later he was shifted to the bed near the window. Eagerly he raised his head with great effort to enjoy the delightful scenery his friend had been describing. To his surprise, he found that a huge wall was obstructing his view through the window. He wondered how his friend was describing the outside world as if seen through that window. He asked the nurse and was stunned by the news that the dead patient was totally blind. He had been describing the delightful scenes using his imagination with the intention of encouraging his friend and instilling in him a desire to recover and live longer.

It is a great gift to be able to make others happy even when we are in great grief and pain. Sorrows appear to halve and happiness to double when we share our feelings with a friend. “Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them!” {Matthew 5: 7}. Jesus said, “And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples” {John 13: 34, 35}.
By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

MIGHTY MILO

Milo of the ancient city of Kroton, a Greek colony of Southern Italy, was a legendary wrestler with extraordinary strength, who won the Olympic wrestling championship six times between the years 540 to 516 B.C.

While he was a boy, his father gifted a newborn bull calf to Milo. He used to lift up the calf in his arms and carry it on his back everyday. Since it grew up only gradually, Milo did not notice the change in its weight. He continued the exercise everyday and his strength grew along with his calf. He could easily lift it in his arms even when it grew into an adult bull. This enabled him to become an athlete of unparalleled strength and stamina.

The story of Milo's successful training teaches us a lesson in spiritual development. We can gain the power to resist great temptations if we practice resisting minor temptations of life regularly and constantly with the power of prayer and faith in God's infinite grace {Hebrews 4:15, 16}. God will grant us the strength to endure temptations {1 Corinthians 10: 13, 1 Peter 5: 8-10}. St. James advises, "Submit to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you"{James 4:7}.

The pretty, smooth and round pebbles found near waterfalls are formed by years of slow, natural grinding and polishing. Similarly, our wilful and prayerful resistance to even minor temptations gradually reforms our character and leads to a life of spiritual strength and moral maturity.

St. Paul advises, "Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of His mighty power. Put on all the armour that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil's evil tricks" {Ephesians 6: 10, 11}.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

CHARITY AND CHASTITY

>> 12 February 2008

A monk and his disciple reached a river bank. They had to cross it to reach their monastery. The river was full and the flow heavy. But they could walk across the river.

A young woman was on the bank. She had to cross the river but could not cross it alone. She sought the help of the monk. He immediately picked her up and carried her on his back, across the river. When they reached the other side of the river, he lowered her to the ground. She thanked him. They went in different directions.

The disciple was tremendously shocked to see the monk carry a woman on his back. He believed that it was against their vow of chastity to touch a woman. But he did not dare to question his teacher. He was constantly being disturbed by the incident and after three months, one day he asked the teacher why he had broken the vows of chastity and celibacy.

The monk laughed and remarked, "I carried her across the river and left her at the bank. You have been carrying that burden for three months!" Clearly the sage had kept his vow but the disciple had been breaking the vow of chastity in his mind all those days!

The story teaches that the merit of an action is determined by our attitude. The saintly and scholarly sage had done an act of charity without affecting his vow of chastity. We must do our duty without caring for reward or recognition or ridicule. It is said, "Do your duty. That is your beauty."

"Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them! Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God!" {Matthew 5: 7, 8}.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

The Mouse Trap

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package.

What food might this contain?" The mouse wondered - he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap. Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning. There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers."

The mouse turned to the cow and said "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital, and she returned home with a fever.

Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.

But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer's wife did not get well; she died. So many people came for her funeral; the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them.

The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

The next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember - when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage and help one another.

THE LAST LESSON

>> 06 February 2008

Alexander the Great, of Macedonia, was one of the greatest conquerors in human history. He established a vast empire spread over Asia and Africa and reached even the borders of India during his final conquest. At his deathbed, he instructed his close associates to leave his hands hanging free on either side of the coffin during his royal funeral procession. That was to teach the world that he could carry nothing with him on his final journey.

We fail to realize this truth till we reach the last moments in life. We waste a major share of our time, health and energy to amass fame, wealth and glory.

Money may fetch us a bed, but not sleep; a car, but not safety; food, but not appetite; education, but not wisdom; medicines, but not health ; a violin, but not music.

"Provide for yourselves purses that don't wear out, and save your riches in heaven, where they will never decrease, because no thief can get to them and no moth can destroy them. {Luke 12:33}

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

THE PERFECT PAIR OF SANDALS

A fashionable lady entered a footwear store in search of a pair of new sandals for her use. She tried every sample available in the store but none of them seemed to suit her feet. Disappointed, she was about to leave the store when she noticed a pair lying near the entrance. She put them on and was delighted to find that the pair suited her perfectly. She enquired about its price. The manager told her, "It is free. You can use them".

The lady was surprised and asked, "Why?"

The manager said, " That was the pair you had on your feet when you came in. You removed them to try the new sandals."

We may be in a similar situation when we worry about our present predicament on seeing better options elsewhere. We may feel that we should have received a more rewarding job, a more comfortable house, a more beautiful spouse etc. Let us realize that God has given each of us the best gifts that suit us most. Let us thank God for the blessings received.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

BURDEN OR BROTHER?

A boy was carrying his crippled younger brother on his shoulder through the street. Seeing this, an old lady lamented," Poor boy! What a burden you are carrying at this small age!" Hearing this, the boy told her emphatically, "He is not a burden. He is my beloved brother."

There is a story about a procession held in a church after a retreat. Wooden crosses were arranged in the church to be carried by each during the procession through the street as a symbol of penance. The preacher announced, "Now each one shall carry your cross and get ready for the procession. Suddenly, a drunken man advanced towards the ladies' section and lifted his wife, loudly declaring, "Father, she is my cross." A comedian once explained that the term "WIFE" was the abbreviation of the phrase, "Worry Invited For Ever".

Let us be ready to bear others' burdens instead of being burdens to others. The distance to God is the distance to our nearest person. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho passes through our home. Let us be a "Good Samaritan" to any one who needs our kind consideration and affectionate assistance, especially the aged, sick and suffering members of our own family. Charity begins at home.
"Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don't have enough to eat. What good is there in your saying to them," God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!"- if you don't give them the necessities of life?" {James 2:15,16.}

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

UNIVERSITY OF ADVERSITY

>> 05 February 2008

The Rev. Josiah Henson (1789-1883) was born as a slave. His parents and siblings were victims of the cruelty of slavery. He led a life of suffering, experiencing and witnessing the horrible life of slaves. Later he escaped to Canada and led a historic mission against slavery and apartheid. He was denied formal education, but by his own efforts became a renowned scholar and a distinguished communicator. Impressed by his vast knowledge and attractive personality, the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury once enquired about the University where he was trained.

He replied, "I studied in the University of Adversity."

History reveals the success of great personalities like Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin who were exposed to poverty and hardship during childhood. They could overcome their hardships by hard work and determination. But they are exceptions.

Adversities impede the development of millions of children. Many are exposed to the disgusting bitterness of poverty and starvation. It is the prime duty of the Church and its institutions to pool all resources for the uplift of the poor, suffering and downtrodden children of our community. Unfortunately some of our institutions, which offer expensive education and healthcare, appear to serve an 'affluent minority' in spite of public demands to protect the rights of 'religious minorities.' Let us work with Jesus who proclaimed, "Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest" {Matthew 11: 28}.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

INNOCENCE OF INFANCY

Tony was a simpleton. He was not very intelligent and could be deceived easily. His neighbour Johny was a crook. Tony used to consult Johny in all matters. Once he asked Johny to suggest a way to gain more intelligence. Johny used this opportunity to fool Tony. He advised Tony to eat the heads (with the brains) of four sardines (the common fish in Kerala, called mathi or chaala) every day to improve his intelligence. He agreed to pay Johny for the heads. The treatment continued for four months. Everyday Johny used to get money from Tony to buy four sardines, supply the heads to Tony and eat the rest himself. Then, one day Tony told Johny, "You were deceiving me. For the price of four sardines you were giving me only the heads and you were eating the better portions free." Johny consoled Tony, "See, my friend, your intellect has improved a lot. My medicine has worked wonderfully. You don't need the treatment from tomorrow."

There are several intellectually impaired persons in our society. They are like innocent infants. They need our assistance, affection, care, concern, encouragement, help and support. It is a crime to neglect them or tease them.

"Whoever calls his brother a worthless fool will be in danger of going to the fire of hell" {Matthew 5:22}. "See that you don't despise any of these little ones. Their angels in heaven, I tell you, are always in the presence of my Father in heaven" {Matthew 18:10}.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

THE BEAUTY OF TEARDROPS

>> 03 February 2008

There is a story of a competition held in heaven. God offered a grand prize for the angel who collected the most beautiful object in the universe. The angels searched everywhere and returned with several beautiful articles such as flowers, feathers, butterflies, coral fishes and dewdrops.

God was not fully satisfied with these collections. Finally, an angel returned with a small bottle containing the tears of a repenting sinner. This angel was given the first prize.

The sacrament of penance and reconciliation is instituted in the church so that those who approach the sacrament may obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against Him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins (and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labours for their conversion).[Ref:-Catechism of the Catholic Church, Part-2, Section-2, Chapter-2, Article-4, No.1422] .

Jesus said, "I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine respectable people who do not need to repent." {Luke 15:7}. David sings in the Psalms, "You know how troubled I am; you have kept a record of my tears. Aren't they listed in your book?" {Psalms 56:8}

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

A LESSON FROM THE LIZARDS AND CRABS

Three lizards were resting upside-down sticking to the roof of a room. One of them fell down accidentally. A few seconds later, the other two lizards also fell down. Why? This is a silly question often asked to kids to entertain and enlighten them. The expected funny answer is as follows: The lizard is held tightly to the supporting surface even against gravity by operating the special structure of the palms. On seeing the fall of their friend, the two lizards laughed at him and enjoyed his fall by clapping their hands. This abolished their contact with the roof and they fell down flat!

Crabs captured from water are often transported in open cages. A lid is not needed, as any crab trying to rise to the top to escape will be quickly caught and dragged back to the bottom by the other crabs in the cage.

How do we react when others fall or try to rise? Are we stepping-stones or stumbling-blocks for the progress of others? Jesus taught us the language of love for inter personal relationship, communication and evangelization. Even the blind, the deaf and the mentally retarded can perceive love.

In the book of Genesis, we read that Cain killed his brother. God asked Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” Cain answered, “I don’t know. Am I supposed to take care of my brother?” (Genesis 4: 8,9.).

Like the Good Samaritan, let us render a helping hand to the helpless people around us. Otherwise we will be cursed like Cain.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

THE LAZY CROW

The summer was very hot. Water was scarce. A thirsty crow searched for water everywhere. At last she found a little of water in a tall pot made of clay. She could not reach the water to drink. She was worried. Then she remembered the story of the wise crow that gathered small pebbles and dropped them patiently into the water in a pot. This raised the water level and then he could drink it easily. But this crow was very lazy to collect a lot of small pebbles. She did not have the patience to follow the wise crow. So she lifted a large piece of rock with great effort and dropped it into the pot. The pot broke with a loud noise. All the water was lost. The lazy crow remained thirsty and flew away in shame. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop!”

We read in the Holy Bible, “Lazy people are no better than dung; they are repulsive, and no one wants to get near them”{Sirach 22:1,2}. St. Paul says, “Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat” {2 Thessalonians 3: 10}.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

LOVE AND LIFE

This is a version of a popular children's story of India that teaches the nature of true love.

A dry leaf fell down from a tree and lay near a lump of clay. The leaf and the lump became good friends. The leaf told the lump that it was afraid of being carried by a storm into the river flowing nearby. There were signs of a severe storm. The lump of clay moved slightly and sat on the leaf and saved it from the storm. The weather became calm and they remained close. One day, they heard the sound of rain. The lump of clay was afraid of getting wet and being washed away in the water. The leaf saved the lump by covering it like an umbrella. The rain stopped and they were happy. Later, one night, a severe storm and a heavy rain arrived together. The dry leaf was flown far away and destroyed. The lump of clay was washed away. Their loving friendship continued till their end.

Our Lord Jesus Christ loves us infinitely. He suffered the Passion and sacrificed His life to save us from sin and lead us to salvation. He taught us, “My commandment is this: love one another, just as I love you. The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them" {John 15: 12, 13}.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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