END OF ENVY

Two beautiful fishes lived in a river. They used to boast about their beauty and were envious of each other. Often they quarrelled with each other, each one claiming to be more beautiful than the other.

One day while quarrelling as usual, they found a crocodile close to them and silently watching them. They did not know that it was patiently awaiting its prey. Assuming that it was appreciating their beauty, they sought its mediation to resolve their long-time dispute.

Which one of us is more beautiful, uncle? they asked the crocodile. The crooked crocodile stared at the pair and said, Both of you are beautiful. I will test it in detail and judge. So saying, it made a sudden movement and snatched them with its powerful jaws. While swallowing them gladly, it finalised the judgment: You are equally pretty and equally tasty too!

Peace of mind makes the body healthy, but jealousy is like a cancer {Proverbs 14: 30}.

Where there is jealousy and selfishness,there is also disorder and every kind of evil {James 3: 16}.

Whoever does not love does not know God, for GOD IS LOVE {1 John 4:8}.

Rid yourselves, then, of all evil; no more lying or hypocrisy or jealousy or insulting language. Be like new-born babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved {1 Peter 2:1,2}.

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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Wedding Passbook

Monica married Nick this day. At the end of the wedding party, Monica's mother gave her a newly opened bank saving passbook with Rs.1000 deposit amount.

Mother: 'Monica, take this passbook. Keep it as a record of your marriage life. When there's something happy and memorable happened in your new life, put some money in. Write down what it's about next to the line. The more memorable the event is, the more money you can put in. I've done the first one for you today. Do the others with Nick.

When you look back after years, you can know how much happiness you've had.'

Monica shared this with Nick when getting home. They both thought it was a great idea and were anxious to know when the second deposit can be made. This was what they did after certain time:

* 7 Feb: Rs.100, first birthday celebration for Nick after marriage
* 1 Mar: Rs.300, salary raise for Monica
* 20 Mar: Rs.200, vacation trip to Bali
* 15 Apr: Rs.2000, Monica got pregnant
* 1 Jun: Rs.1000, Nick got promoted
* ..... And so on...

However, after years, they started fighting and arguing for trivial things. They didn't talk much. They regretted that they had married the nastiest people in the world.... No more love...Kind of typical nowadays, huh?

One day Monica talked to her Mother: 'Mom, we can't stand it anymore. We agree to divorce. I can't imagine how I decided to marry this guy!!!"

Mother: 'Sure, girl, that's no big deal. Just do whatever you want if you really can't stand it. But before that, do one thing first.

Remember the saving passbook I gave you on your wedding day? Take out all money and spend it first. You shouldn't keep any record of such a poor marriage.'

Monica thought it was true. So she went to the bank, waiting at the queue and planning to cancel the account. While she was waiting, she took a look at the passbook record. She looked, and looked, and looked. Then the memory of all the previous joy and happiness just came up her mind. Her eyes were then filled with tears. She left and went home.

When she was home, she handed the passbook to Nick, asked him to spend the money before getting divorce.

The next day, Nick gave the passbook back to Monica. She found a new deposit of Rs.5000. And a line next to the record: 'This is the day I notice how much I've loved you thru out all these years. How much happiness you've brought me.'

They hugged and cried, putting the passbook back to the safe. Do you know how much money they had saved when they retired? I did not ask. I believe the money did not matter any more after they had gone thru all the good years in their life.

"When you fall in any way, don't see the place where you fell instead see the place from where you slipped. Life is about correcting mistakes."

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A RING FOR THE KING

There are several legends about King David and his wise son, King Solomon. Different versions of the same folk tale are popular. In one of these stories, King David sees in a dream a magic ring, wearing which makes a hopeless man happy and a merry man worried.

The next morning, he summoned his goldsmith and ordered him to make such a ring for him to wear, as a cure for the frequent episodes of depression in his stressful life. The confused goldsmith went out worried about his fate if he failed to follow the kings order. On the way home, he met prince Solomon. Solomon asked him about his worry. He told about the kings strange order.

The wise prince consoled him and told him, It is easy. Make an ordinary golden ring for the king. Engrave the words, THIS TOO SHALL PASS on the ring and present it to the king. When he reads it in a depressed mood, he will become hopeful and happy, learning that his problems would pass away. Later, when he reads it in a merry mood, it will remind him that his pleasures are not permanent. It will enlighten him and remove his joy.

The old goldsmith fashioned the ring as suggested by the prince and presented it to the king. The king was pleased to read the meaningful message. He gave rich rewards to the goldsmith and praised the wisdom of the young prince.

King David wore the ring and after several years, gifted it to his heir, Solomon. King Solomon also preserved it as a treasure . It provided him inspiration and peace of mind both in prosperity and adversity.

The words on the ring could provide consolation to a depressed mind and enlightenment during moments of pride. The ring could make a sad person glad and a glad person sad.

Life is short and all worldly riches and luxury have to be left behind when we die. They give only a temporary joy. Sinful indulgence in worldly pleasures may lead to everlasting agony in a hell of horror.

If winter comes, can spring be far behind? There is an Easter following every Good Friday. Hope in the promises of Christ enable us to overcome periods of pain, poverty and adversity. Our ultimate goal is a close communion with our Creator in a heaven of happiness.

Be strong, be courageous, all you that hope in the LORD {Psalms 31: 24}

The Book of Revelation reveals the good news about The New Heaven and the New Earth: God Himself will be with them, and He will be their God. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared {Revelation 21: 3, 4}.

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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A LOVELY LITTLE LILY

A little lily plant developed pretty, white flowers with a fine fragrance. The fragrance reached a tall teak tree standing near the lily. The teak tree became envious of the lily as it could not produce such beautiful and fragrant flowers. The teak told the lily, Hey Lily, you are silly and too tiny. You are weak and fragile.But I am tall and strong. I can withstand heat, rain or storm. The lily was silent and continued to enrich the environment by its fine fragrance.

The next day, a team of wood-cutters reached that site. They cut down the branches of the teak tree and finally felled the whole tree. Then they carried it away, cut its timber into planks and blocks and built several pieces of furniture with its wood. The small lily stood there silently, worrying about the fate of the teak and spreading its fragrance all around.

A tiny fish was swimming silently across a lake. A larger carnivorous fish rushed to the spot and opened its large mouth to swallow the little fish. The tiny fish begged to let her free. But the large fish laughed at him and asked with anger and arrogance, How dare you talk to me? You are too small and silly. I am so strong and stout. I will finish you in a moment. But suddenly, a fisherman lowered his net from a boat. The large fish was caught in the net, entangled and entrapped in its meshes. The tiny fish easily escaped through a mesh of the net.

It is sometimes safer and sweeter to be small and insignificant. Ben Jonson (1572-1637), in his famous poem on true growth, comments on the contrasting characteristics of a little lily and a gigantic oak tree. He concludes,

A lily of a day
Is fairer far in May.
Although it fall and die that night,
It was the plant and flower of light.
In small proportions we just beauties see;
And in short measures life may perfect be.

Cain and Abel were the children of Adam and Eve with contradictory character. The life of the saintly Abel was short but sweet. The wicked Cain led a long but lamentable life {Genesis 4:1-16}..

Jesus loved children. When His disciples argued among themselves to decide who among them was the greatest, Jesus introduced a child and asked them to become like children. He said, I assure you that unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. The greatest in the kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles himself and becomes like the child. And whoever welcomes in my name one such child as this, welcomes me {Matthew 18:2-5}.

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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Who's Your Daddy?

A seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg, TN. One morning, they were eating breakfast at a little restaurant, hoping to enjoy a quiet, family meal. While they were waiting for their food, they noticed a distinguished looking, white-haired man moving from table to table, visiting with the guests. The professor leaned over and whispered to his wife, "I hope he doesn't come over here." But sure enough, the man did come over to their table.

"Where are you folks from?" he asked in a friendly voice. "Oklahoma," they answered. "Great to have you here in Tennessee," the stranger said. "What do you do for a living?" "I teach at a seminary," he replied. "Oh, so you teach preachers how to preach, do you? Well, I've got a really great story for you." And with that, the gentleman pulled up a chair and sat down at the table with the couple. The professor groaned and thought to himself, "Great... Just what I need... another preacher story!"

The man started, "See that mountain over there? (Pointing out the restaurant window). Not far from the base of that mountain, there was a boy born to an unwed mother. He had a hard time growing up, because every place he went, he was always asked the same question, 'Hey boy, who’s your daddy?' Whether he was at school, in the grocery store or drug store, people would ask the same question! 'Who's your daddy?' He would hide at recess and lunchtime from other students. He would avoid going in to stores because that question hurt him so bad. When he was about 12 years old, a new preacher came to his church. He would always go in late and slip out early to avoid hearing the question, 'Who's your daddy?' But one day, the new preacher said the benediction so fast he got caught and had to walk out with the crowd. Just about the time he got to the Back door, the new preacher, not knowing anything about him, put his hand on his shoulder and asked him, Son, who's your daddy? The whole church got deathly quiet. He could feel every eye in the church looking at him. Now everyone would finally know the answer to the question, 'Who's your daddy.'

This new preacher, though, sensed the situation around him & using discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the following to that scared little boy..." Wait a minute!' he said. 'I know who you are. I see the family resemblance now. You are a child of God.' With that he patted the boy on his shoulder and said, Boy, you've got a great inheritance. Go and claim it. With that, the boy smiled for the first time in long time and walked out the door a changed person. He was never the same again. Whenever anybody asked him, 'Who's your Daddy?' he'd just tell them, 'I'm a Child of God.'"

The distinguished gentleman got up from the table and said, "Isn't that a great story" The professor responded that it really was a great story! As the man turned to leave, he said, "You know, if that new preacher hadn't told me that I was one of God's children, I probably never would have amounted to anything!" And he walked away.

The seminary professor and his wife were stunned. He called the waitress over & asked her, "Do you know who that man was who just left that was sitting at our table?" The waitress grinned and said, "Of course. Everybody here knows him. That's Ben Hooper. He's the former governor of Tennessee!"

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CORRECT CONCEPTION

George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950), the renowned Irish dramatist and prolific writer was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1925. When he was at the peak of his career, a very beautiful and famous actress approached him with a proposal for their marriage. She suggested that they would be very lucky if they got a child with his brains and her beauty. Shaw, who was not particularly handsome, humorously asked her to consider the ridiculous situation of the child getting her brains and his beauty!

An Indian girl child got the idea from her father that good children are born to parents who pray to God for that gift. She prayed for years to get a good child. She gave birth to the greatest ascetic and philosopher of India, Swami Vivekananda.

There is a view that Cain was conceived in sin while Abel was conceived after the repentance of Adam and Eve. This was proposed to explain the contradictory behaviour of the two brothers.

Mother Teresa said that children are to be conceived in the mind long before conception in the womb. Hence even men can conceive children- in their mind. An adopted child later defined adoption as being born in your mothers mind though not conceived in her womb.

It is feared that children born to aged mothers may be defective. But the Bible lists mothers who conceived in their old age after long years of fervent prayer and delivered outstanding children. Abraham and Sarah, Elkanah and Hannah, St. Joachim and St. Anne and St. Zechariah and St. Elizabeth were parents whose prayers were answered by God and were blessed with exceptionally gifted children in their old age. Children are the lovely and living gifts of our loving God.

A saintly woman was praying to God for the gift of an effective remedy for the deadly disease, AIDS. In a vision she was told that God had sent the information for making the medicine through the brain of a gifted child, but the child was ruthlessly aborted by his cruel parents.

Life is a great gift of God and man has no right to end it by suicide or homicide. Abortion is early infanticide and euthanasia is another form of brutal murder. In these evil acts the victim is helpless and unable even to react.

Jesus taught his disciples, And whoever welcomes in my name one such child as this, welcomes me {Matthew 18: 5}.

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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INNOCENT INQUIRIES

A child complained to his mother that he has severe stomach-ache. She told him, "It is because your belly is empty. Come and have some food." The child obeyed. The next day the mother had a heavy head ache. The child consoled her, saying innocently, "Mommy, it is because your head is empty!"

On another occasion, the curious child asked his mother, "Mommy, why are some of your hairs turning grey?" She tried to use this occasion to reform him. "It is because of you, dear. Every bad action of yours will turn one of my hairs grey!" The child replied innocently, "Now I know why your mother has only grey hairs on her head."

A catechist was explaining in his class the verse 9 from Psalm 51: "Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be pure; wash me, make me whiter than snow." An inquisitive student asked him, "What is meant by the word, 'hyssop'?" The teacher thought for a moment but could not recollect it. But he was reluctant to expose his ignorance before his students. He posed to be a scholar and explained that hyssop was a type of 'soap' used by King David to cleanse his body. The students were satisfied. But later on, they would have understood what hyssop really is and then they would have mocked at their haughty teacher. The hyssop is a Biblical bushy plant, whose twigs were dipped in sacrificial blood or blessed water and sprinkled on people or door-posts as a Jewish religious ritual for purification.

Parents and teachers often forget that children have the right to learn the truth from them. Children may try to imitate their parents and teachers as the children appreciate, admire and adore them. Children should hear and learn only the truth from their elders. Teachers, preachers and catechists need the humility to admit their ignorance in a particular matter before their students instead of imparting incorrect information, pretending to be scholars.

A true Christian should not tell a lie even if telling the truth may cause loss, suffering or pain. We should not tell a lie even if telling the lie may give us money, power or pleasure. St. Paul advises, "No more lying, then! Everyone must tell the truth to his fellow-believer, because we are all members together in the body of Christ" {Ephesians 4: 25}.

Jesus said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free"{John 8: 32}. "Just say 'yes' or 'no' anything else you say comes from the evil one {Matthew 5: 37}.

"You can be sure that on Judgement Day everyone will have to give account of every useless word he has ever spoken. Your words will be used to judge you to declare you either innocent or guilty" {Matthew 12: 36, 37}.

By: Dr. Resmy Susan Babu, M.D, Senior Resident in Medicine, Govt. Medical College, Kottayam, Kerala, India & 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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How our inner Ego sometimes misjudges a PERSON

A lady in a faded grey dress and her husband, dressed in a home-spun suit walked in timidly without an appointment into the Harvard University President's outer office. The secretary could tell in a moment that such backwoods, country hicks had no business at Harvard and probably didn't even deserve to be in Harvard.

"We want to see the President "the man said softly.

"He'll be busy all day "the secretary snapped.

"We'll wait" the lady replied.

For hours the secretary ignored them, hoping that the couple would finally become discouraged and go away. They didn't and the secretary grew frustrated and finally decided to disturb the president..

"Maybe if you see them for a few minutes, they'll leave" she said to him. The President, stern faced and with dignity, strutted toward the couple.

The lady told him "We had a son who attended Harvard for one year. He loved Harvard. He was happy here. But about a year ago, he was accidentally killed. My husband and I would like to erect a memorial to him, somewhere on campus."

The president wasn't touched....He was shocked. "Madam "he said, gruffly, " we can't put up a statue for every person who attended Harvard and died. If we did, this place would look like a cemetery."

"Oh, no," the lady explained quickly” We don't want to erect a statue. We thought we would like to give a building to Harvard."

The president rolled his eyes. He glanced at the gingham dress and homespun suit, and then exclaimed, "A building! Do you have any earthly idea how much a building costs? We have over seven and a half million dollars in the physical buildings here at Harvard."

For a moment the lady was silent. The president was pleased. Maybe he could get rid of them now. The lady turned to her husband and said quietly, "Is that all it costs to start a university ? Why don't we just start our own?"

Her husband nodded. The president's face wilted in confusion and bewilderment. Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford got up and walked away, traveling to Palo Alto, California where they established the University that bears their name: -StanfordUniversity, a memorial to a son that Harvard no longer cared about.

Most of the timewe judge people by their outer appearance, which can be misleading. And in this impression, we tend to treat people badly by thinking they can do nothing for us. Thus we tend to lose our potential good friends, employees or customers.

Remember

In our Life, we seldom get people with whom we want to share & grow our thought process. But because of our inner EGO we miss them forever.

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BOUNTEOUS BLESSINGS

It was a Christmas Eve. A mother and her child were shopping in a large super market. There was a heavy rush of customers as the shop was to be closed on Christmas day. The shop was decorated beautifully. At the exit, a large bowl full of toffees was placed for the children. A stout gate-keeper was asking the children coming out of the store to have a handful each of the sweet toffees as Christmas gift.

When the mother and child came out, he politely asked the child to take the gift. But he stood still. The mother compelled him, but he was not willing to take it. Since more children were coming out, the gate-keeper took a handful of sweets from the bowl and put them into their carrier bag. The child was happy. When they were outside, the mother asked the child why he refused to take the toffees himself. He showed her his tiny hands and told innocently, My hands are small, Mommy; but the gate-keepers hands were so large in size. If I collect a handful, it will be too little. But he filled his large hand and gave me all of it. That was much more than what I could have collected! I was waiting for him to do it.

The childs attitude teaches us an important lesson about the abundance of Gods grace being bestowed upon us. What we acquire by our own efforts is too little compared to the infinite gifts of God. If we seek Gods grace, He will shower His gifts on us. Gods hands and mind are infinitely larger than ours. His gifts will be the best and most suitable for us and much more than what we can ask or think of {Ephesians 3:20}.

Jesus promised, Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you {Matthew 7: 7, Luke 11: 9}. I have come in order that you might have life life in all its fullness {John 10: 10}.

He gives generously to the needy, and His kindness never fails {Psalms 112:9}.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should pray to God, who will give it to him; because God gives generously and graciously to all {James 1:5}.

And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause {2 Corinthians 9: 8}.

And with all His abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs {Philippians 4: 19}.

Let us praise God for His glorious grace, for the free gift He gave us in His dear Son! For by the sacrificial death of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God, which He gave to us in such large measure! {Ephesians 1:6-8}.

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 my web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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What Exactly Is a Hero?

Once, many years ago, I pulled a family out of a burning car somewhere in the middle of Wyoming. Last week I received a telephone call from a woman who could not stop crying as she told me that one of my stories had saved her son from committing suicide. In closing she called me a hero.

That got me to thinking about what a hero really is. Was I a hero because I pulled a family from a burning car? If so, how could I be a hero just because I wrote a story that saved someones life?

Today I decided to look up the word hero in the dictionary to see exactly what it meant.

It read A person who does something brave. As I read on, it also said A person who is good and noble. That statement impressed me more than did the part about being brave.

That got me to thinking about something very important. Say I was walking into the local Wal-Mart Store and I happened to open and hold the door for someone as a courtesy. As they passed me by, I say How are you today?

Most of the time that would be no big deal, but this time lets say it was for someone who is deeply depressed and near the end of the rope. That may have very well been the only kindness or courtesy shown to them in a very long time.

Having been near the end of my rope, after my marriage of twenty years ended, I was in such a condition. I was within hours of trying to get up enough nerve to end the pain and misery. When I returned home, someone had sent me a card in the mail which told me how much they appreciate me as a friend. That wonderful card probably saved my life. That person, without even knowing it, saved a life and became a hero.

I went on to write many stories which last week saved the life of a teenage boy. In turn that makes the person who sent me the card a double hero.

I suppose that is why I fight so hard to help the children now living in orphanages. Most children come out of these institutions with a very hard and vindictive attitude against the world. The gifts we send them let them know that they have not been forgotten. Hopefully, most of them will never hurt anyone because of the kindness shown to them by those of us who cared. If it works we will also become heroes.

Gee, who would have ever thought that anyone can become a hero, and possibly save a life, just by being kind and courteous to others? The best part of all is that becoming a hero is free to all who wish to wear such an honour.

By Roger Dean Kiser

God has instilled greatness within each of us that is meant to be used to bring glory and honour to His name. The gifts that we have been given may seem miniscule to us, but it can mean the world to someone in need of what we possess. We should never undervalue our gifts thinking that we are not special enough to touch someone else and encourage them to continue on.

God has us here for a special purpose that is meant to minister grace to those near to us to let them know that All will be well and nothing by any means shall be able to harm them. Believe in yourself this day and allow the Lord to use you to encourage and bless someone else that is in need of what only you can give. (Isaiah 54:17) (Philippians 2:13-15)

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that will show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. -- 1 Peter 2:9

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No Pain No Gain

No Pain No Gain… Accept the Pain, Future will be Fruitful…

Don't feel the work you are doing is pain, because there will be always a reason for that pain or work.

So face the pain, for the pain you face, there will definitely be happiness ahead.

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LOVE WITHOUT LIMITS

St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941) was a saintly Franciscan priest of Poland. He was arrested and imprisoned by Gestapo, the German secret police under the Nazi regime. Later he was shifted to the Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz in Poland.

One day, one of the prisoners in the concentration camp was found to be missing. The authorities assumed that he had escaped, though later it was found that he had died by drowning in the camp latrine. It was ruled that instead of the missing prisoner, ten prisoners from the same barracks should be starved to death, to deter further attempts for escape. Of the ten prisoners selected to be killed, one was Franciszek Gajowniczek. Hearing the sentence of doom, he cried out desperately, Oh, my poor wife, my poor children! I shall never see them again. The prisoners present were in tears seeing this scene.

Hearing his cry in agony, Fr. Kolbe boldly stepped forward and said, I am a Catholic priest. Let me take his place. I am old. He has a wife and children.

The request of Fr. Kolbe to die instead of Franciszek was granted. The ten prisoners including Fr. Kolbe were shut in a closed chamber and left to die by starvation. Fr. Kolbe strengthened the prisoners and led them in prayer, rosary and singing of hymns. The prisoners died one after another by dehydration and starvation. Fr. Kolbe stayed alive, enlightening them by his words and prayer.

Finally, on 14th August, 1941, Fr. Kolbe was killed by injecting poisonous carbolic acid into the vein in his left hand. He readily raised his hand for receiving the deadly injection, with a prayer on his lips. The cell in which Fr. Kolbe was killed is now a shrine, a source of inspiration to innumerable pilgrims.

Franciszek Gajowniczek died at the age of 95 in 1995, 53 years after Fr. Kolbe saved him. He could witness the canonisation of Fr. Kolbe by Pope John Paul II on 10th October, 1982.

St. Maximilian Kolbe was a martyr of charity, a true follower of Jesus who taught and demonstrated the Gospel of love and sacrifice. Jesus said, 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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NICE NEIGHBOURS

Miss. Maria was a poor, old woman staying alone in a cheap house in the outskirts of New York City. She subsisted on the meager pension granted by the Government to unemployed poor people.

She was kind and considerate to everyone. She was fond of children. They enjoyed her company and her nice words. She enlightened them by her wise words and interesting illustrations. She was loved by all her neighbours. They were willing to support her financially, but she thankfully refused all their offers. Still, they were waiting for a chance to help her.

On the first of a month, she returned home after collecting her regular pension. Later, she could not find the money in her house. She assumed that she had lost it on the way. She put up a notice on a board near her house stating that she had lost 100 dollars on the road and anyone who finds the money may kindly give it to her. She then went to the church and returned soon.

Reaching home, she was surprised to find several packets dropped into her house through an open window. She examined them and found that each contained exactly 100 dollars and a note that the money was picked up from the road. Obviously, these were the voluntary contributions of her loving neighbours, who were awaiting a chance to help her. She removed the notice soon, saying, "If it remains here, many more may find out the missing money!" Later, she could recover the missing money from her own house as it had been misplaced by her by mistake.

When we show kindness to others, others will shower it on us, especially when we are in need. But we must be kind to all, expecting nothing in return.

"Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them! {Matthew 5: 7}

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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Non-Violence in Parenting

Dr. Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and founder of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Non-violence, in his June 9 lecture at the University of Puerto Rico, shared the following story as an example of "non-violence in parenting":

"I was 16 years old and living with my parents at the institute my grandfather had founded 18 miles outside of Durban, South Africa, in the middle of the sugar plantations. We were deep in the country and had no neighbours, so my two sisters and I would always look forward to going to town to visit friends or go to the movies.

One day, my father asked me to drive him to town for an all-day conference, and I jumped at the chance. Since I was going to town, my mother gave me a list of groceries she needed and, since I had all day in town, my father ask me to take care of several pending chores, such as getting the car serviced. When I dropped my father off that morning, he said, 'I will meet you here at 5:00 p.m., and we will go home together.'

After hurriedly completing my chores, I went straight to the nearest movie theatre. I got so engrossed in a John Wayne double-feature that I forgot the time. It was 5:30 before I remembered. By the time I ran to the garage and got the car and hurried to where my father was waiting for me, it was almost 6:00.

He anxiously asked me, 'Why were you late?' I was so ashamed of telling him I was watching a John Wayne western movie that I said, 'The car wasn't ready, so I had to wait,' not realizing that he had already called the garage. When he caught me in the lie, he said: 'There's something wrong in the way I brought you up that didn't give you the confidence to tell me the truth. In order to figure out where I went wrong with you, I'm going to walk home 18 miles and think about it.'

So, dressed in his suit and dress shoes, he began to walk home in the dark on mostly unpaved, unlit roads. I couldn't leave him, so for five-and-a-half hours I drove behind him, watching my father go through this agony for a stupid lie that I uttered.

I decided then and there that I was never going to lie again. I often think about that episode and wonder, if he had punished me the way we punish our children, whether I would have learned a lesson at all. I don't think so. I would have suffered the punishment and gone on doing the same thing. But this single non-violent action was so powerful that it is still as if it happened yesterday. That is the power of non-violence.

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A PRINCIPLED PRESIDENT

In the eighteenth century, in a stormy night, a huge tree got uprooted and fell across a busy road in Baltimore in the state of Maryland in the USA. A team of soldiers were deputed to clear the block. They cut the branches of the tree and tried their best to move the large log from the road. But they could not move it as it was very heavy. Their superior officer, a stout and strong man on horseback, was watching their work, giving strong directions and stern commands, without any physical participation in the work.

A passer-by on a white horse saw the scene. He asked the officer why he did not lend a helping hand to the sweating soldiers instead of giving loud oral orders. The officer replied in a rage, "I am the officer in command of this operation. I am their superior officer. It is below my dignity to work with them."

The traveller readily removed his hat and coat and joined the soldiers. Toiling together, after much effort, they could remove the log and clear the block on the road. While departing, the traveller told the officer, "When you have a difficult work, you can call me. I will come to help you." "Who are you?" asked the officer. "I am George Washington," replied the stranger as he speeded on his horse. The officer was struck with wonder and shame. The stranger was the President of the USA and the Commander-in-Chief of the US military.

George Washington (1732-1799) who commanded the American forces during the historic War of independence was the first President of the USA. He was a principled leader, a great statesman and a renowned philanthropist.

Kindness and compassionate love to all, especially to the poor and underprivileged, is the sign of genuine greatness and real leadership. A leader is one who knows the way, shows the way and goes the way. He should not be like passive sign boards which show the way silently, without active involvement in the movement.

Jesus taught His disciples, "The greatest one among you must be like the youngest, and the leader must be like the servant But I am among you as one who serves" {Luke 22: 26, 27}.

Jesus advised, "The greatest one among you must be your servant {Matthew 23: 11}. Jesus promised, "Everyone who makes himself great will be humbled, and everyone who humbles himself will be made great {Luke 14: 11, Luke 18:14}.

Humility is the greatest of graces.

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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A DARING DONATION

An orphanage in a remote village in Vietnam was bombed in the Vietnam War. Many children were wounded and some died. The French missionaries who owned the orphanage and the vigilant villagers tried their best to rescue the children. But medical care was not available. Some of them ran to the neighbouring town and sent a message to the MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) Unit of the American military. The mobile medical unit rushed to the orphanage with a team of doctors, nurses and other staff and started their operation to save the wounded children. An eight year old little girl was badly wounded. She had lost a lot of blood and was in a very critical state. The only step to save her life was an immediate blood transfusion.

They examined her blood. It was of a very rare group. A donor with a compatible blood group was needed urgently. None of the members of the medical team or the staff of the orphanage or the available villagers had a matching blood group. They tested the blood of the children and identified a few little boys with the required blood group. As the members of the team were not proficient in the local language, they could not communicate with the boys clearly. They tried their best to request them to volunteer to donate blood to save the dying girl. One little boy stepped forward, ready to donate his blood. During the transfusion he started to sob and appeared to be mentally disturbed. The staff tried their best to console him.

Then a Vietnamese nurse arrived. She talked to the boy and enquired in the local language about the cause of his worry. She had a long conversation and hearing her words of assurance, the boy appeared to be remarkably relieved. His sobs were replaced by a smile. He was peaceful and jubilant. The nurse then explained the real situation. When the team requested his blood to save the girl, the poor boy had a major misunderstanding. He thought that they were demanding ALL the blood in his little body. He believed that when all his blood is drained, he would die. Still he was ready to offer his blood to save the girl. The barrier of language made the team unable to explain the details to him. The words of the local nurse consoled him considerably.

The American staff then inquired why the boy volunteered to donate his blood though he feared it would end his life. The Vietnamese nurse replied that she had asked the same question to the boy. His answer was, Because she is my friend!

Jesus taught, 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}.

St. John reminds us, My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action {1 John 3:18}.

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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Let Go...

The following is a very meaningful story which is called "Let Go", and written by Dr. Billy Graham.

A little child was playing one day with a very valuable vase. He put his hand into it and could not withdraw it. His father too, tried his best, but all in vain. They were thinking of breaking the vase when the father said, "Now, my son, make one more try. Open your hand and hold your fingers out straight as you see me doing, and then pull."

To their astonishment the little fellow said, "O no, father. I couldn't put my fingers out like that, because if I did I would drop my penny."

Smile, if you will--but thousands of us are like that little boy, so busy holding on to the world's worthless penny that we cannot accept liberation. I beg you to drop the trifle in your heart. Surrender! Let go, and let God have His way in your life.

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Chicken a la Carte

Chicken a la Carte : Director: Ferdinand Dimadura Genre: Drama Produced In: 2005
Synopsis: This film is about the hunger and poverty brought about by Globalization. There are 10,000 people dying everyday due to hunger and malnutrition. This short film shows a forgotten portion of the society. The people who live on the refuse of men to survive. What is inspiring is the hope and spirituality that never left this people.

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THE SILENCED BELL

The poem, 'Curfew Must not Ring Tonight' by Rose Hartwick Thorpe written in 1867 is based on an incident during the reign of Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) as 'Lord Protector' of England. It describes the deep love of Bessie, a young and beautiful girl, with the young soldier, Basil Underwood. The soldier was charged with a crime and imprisoned. He was tried, found guilty and condemned to be shot dead at the moment when the bell rings to signal the evening curfew.

The executioners were waiting to hear the curfew bell to carry out the execution. Exactly at the prescribed moment, the bell-ringer grabbed the large rope and pulled it with full force to sound the huge bell. The bell moved but there was no sound. He pulled several times but the bell was silent. Cromwell sent soldiers to investigate why the bell did not sound. They found that Bessie, the soldier's fiance had climbed to the top of the bell tower and tied herself to the huge clapper hanging in the heavy bell to prevent its striking against the bell. She was knocked back and forth and smashed between the bell and the clapper with every pull of the rope. Her head, hands and ribs were crushed. She was produced before Cromwell with a bruised and bleeding body. Cromwell was deeply impressed by her willingness to suffer for love. He appreciated her heroic and courageous action and immediately pardoned the prisoner. He said to the lady, "Your lover shall live because of your sacrifice. Curfew shall not ring tonight."

True love enables one to bear any injury or insult. St. Paul writes "I may be able to speak the languages of men and even of angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell {1Corinthians 13: 1}. He adds, "Love never gives up; and its faith, hope and patience never fail" {1 Corinthians, 13: 7}.

Jesus demonstrated God's infinite love by suffering public humiliation, agonizing pain and death on the Cross at Calvary to save humanity from the clutches of sin.

Jesus taught "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

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TRUTH TRIUMPHS

The story, "God Sees the Truth, but Waits" by Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) depicts the sufferings of a truthful merchant, Ivan Dmitrich Aksionov of the Russian City of Vladimir. He left his family on a business tour. On the way he shared an inn during night with a fellow merchant. He left the inn before dawn and continued his journey. He was chased and stopped by a police officer and two soldiers. They questioned him about his role in the murder of the merchant who shared the inn with him. Aksionov was innocent but the officials recovered a blood-stained knife from his bag. He was arrested, tried, convicted, scourged and deported as prisoner to Siberia where he had to do hard labour for twenty six years. He prayed fervently expecting mercy from God, who alone knew the truth. He was loved by his authorities and fellow-prisoners.

A new batch of convicts reached his prison. One of them was Makar Semyonich, a hardened criminal from Vladimir. From his talk, Aksionov learned that Semyonich was the criminal who had murdered the merchant, robbed him and hid the knife in Aksionov's bag. But Aksionov was not ready to take revenge. One day, he found that Semyonich was digging a tunnel under the wall of the prison to open a secret passage for his escape. The guards discovered the hole and questioned every prisoner. They questioned Aksionov, hoping that he would reveal the real culprit. But he did not reveal the matter. This saved Semyonich .That night, he knelt before Aksionov and sought his forgiveness, confessing his earlier crime for which the innocent Aksionov had to suffer for 26 years in prison.

Aksionov forgave and consoled the criminal saying, "God will forgive you!" The next day, Semyonich confessed his guilt to the authorities. Askionov was granted full pardon. He died in peace. Truth triumphed finally.

The story gives hope to innocent persons who are accused falsely. God will answer their prayers and finally give them relief, peace and joy. But God has His own plans about everybody. Our prayers may not be answered immediately. Criminals who conceal their crimes and pretend to be saints will be exposed and brought before the law one day. God has plans about every man.

"The Lord saysI alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for" {Jeremiah 29: 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

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Perspectives

One day a father and his rich family took his young son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose to show him how poor people can be. They spent a day and a night in the farm of a very poor family. When they got back from their trip the father asked his son,

"How was the trip?" Very good, Dad!" "Did you see how poor people can be?" the father asked. "Yeah!" "And what did you learn?"

The son answered, "I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden, they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lamps in the garden, they have the stars. Our patio reaches to the front yard, they have a whole horizon. When the little boy was finishing, his father was speechless.

His son added, "Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are!" Isn't it true that it all depends on the way you look at things? If you have love, friends, family, health, good humor and a positive attitude toward life, you've got everything!

You can't buy any of these things. You can have all the material possessions you can imagine, provisions for the future, etc., but if you are poor of spirit, you have nothing!

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A Little Boys Temper

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the fence.

The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily, gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said "you have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one."

You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there.

Make sure you control your temper the next time you are tempted to say something you will regret later.

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A HELPING HAND

A father was working in his garden. His child was with him, trying his best to impress his father by performing minor works as directed by his father. The father saw a stone in the garden near his son and asked him to remove it. “We will plant a nice plant there instead”, he said. The child tried to move the stone but it did not move. He declared aloud that he could not move it. The father was at a distance and so he replied aloud, “Try again. Use all your means to remove it.” The child used all his might and still could not dislodge the stone. So he started to cry aloud. The father ran to him and pacified him.

“I told you to use all your means, didn’t I?" he asked. “Yes, I tried my best”, replied the crying child. “But you forgot about me, my dear. You could have sought my help. Why didn’t you include me in your ‘means’?” the child was enlightened. Working along with his father, he could easily move the large stone and plant a new plant in its place.

This happens to all of us. When we fail in an action, we feel depressed and dejected. We may forget God and His infinite strength. We must seek His help, always.

He is sure to help us, if our action suits His plan for us.

Without God, we are zeroes. With God, we are heroes.

God says,

“Do not be afraid- I am with you!

I am your God- let nothing terrify you!

I will make you strong and help you;

I will protect you and save you” {Isaiah 41: 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

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CATS AND RATS

Cats and rats are natural born enemies. Fight at first sight is the policy of most of the cats when they encounter rats. In stories, rats have tried to bell the cats but failed miserably. The rats have always failed in the fight against cats.

A group of rats held a serious discussion about their futile fights against cats. Lack of real leaders was suggested as the major reason for their constant failure. So the rats decided to form a strong army. The strongest warriors were selected and conferred the title of Generals. As a mark of distinction and identification, the Generals were crowned ceremoniously. Cracked shells of large nuts were stuck to the heads of the Generals using strong glue- the sticky gum of the jack fruit tree.

The crowned Generals were proud and glad. They gave commands to the ordinary warrior-rats and after several training sessions, organized their first major assault against the cats.

Filled with confidence in their new professional leadership, they marched forward to attack a group of cats resting nearby under the shade of a tree. The arrogant Generals adorned with the majestic crowns led the army. The cats instantly sprang upon the approaching rats and attacked them violently. The rats were scattered and ran in all directions. The frightened rats fled with full speed and quickly entered their narrow burrows to escape from the attacking cats. But the Generals who ran for their lives could not enter the narrow burrows. Their decorative crowns got stuck at the entrance and they were immobilized. All the Generals were killed and eaten by the rapidly advancing cats. The bulky crowns betrayed the boastful leaders and prevented their escape.

Jesus warned against the Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees who wore royal robes but were full of hypocrisy and sins. Do not imitate their actions, because they dont practice what they preachLook at the straps with scripture verses on them which they tie on their foreheads and arms, and notice how large they are! Notice also how long are the tassels on their cloaks!...The greatest one among you must be your servant. Whosoever makes himself great will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be made great {Matthew 23: 1-12}.

Watch out for the teachers of the Law, who like to walk around in their long robes and be greeted with respect in the market-place, who choose the reserved seats in the synagogues and the best places at feastsTheir punishment will be all the worse! {Mark 12: 38-40, Luke 20: 46, 47}.

Arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected {Proverbs 29: 23}. Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised!{Matthew 5: 5}.

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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Nick Vujicic, No Arms, No Legs, No Worries! Part 1 of 3

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Nick Vujicic, No Arms, No Legs, No Worries! Part 2 of 3

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Nick Vujicic, No Arms, No Legs, No Worries! Part 3

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Nick Vujicic Life Without Limbs

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A GREAT AND GENEROUS GIFT

In 1971, a civil war erupted between the Eastern and western provinces of Pakistan. With the military involvement by India, it developed into an Indo-Pakistan war or Bangladesh Liberation war. Finally, East Pakistan was released as an independent nation, Bangladesh, with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as its first prime minister.

During the war, more than ten million refugees fled East Pakistan across the border to India. India opened several large refugee camps along its border. The camps were crowded and the refugees were left jobless, far away from their native land. Though all possible measures were taken to provide essential facilities to them, many refugees were in constant poverty and frequent starvation.

The head of a family of five children was wandering in search of a job or some food to feed his family in the camp. They had been starving for several days and the children were dying of hunger. He could not find any job or food. Finally, he made a bold decision.

After sunset he returned to the camp and gave his wife a packet covered with leaves. He said in a tired voice, "This is all I could gather today. It is some meat for you. Cook it and eat. Feed our children well. I don't need it. Let me take some rest outside, in the open ground."

She quickly cooked the meat and fed the children. She ate some of it and laid the children to sleep. Then she came out, holding a lamp, to meet her husband. Seeing him lying in a pool of blood, she cried aloud and fainted. The other refugees rushed to the scene and found that he was dead. There were two large wounds on his thigh. They realized that he had cut off the flesh from his thighs and presented it to his wife and children as his last gift, as he failed to find any food for his starving family.

His sacrifice was an ex-pression of his abundant affection.

In the sacred sacrifice of Jesus we find a shower of infinite affection. He voluntarily sacrificed his life and shed even his last drop of blood to save us from sin and hell. He continues His holy sacrifice in the Eucharist, offering His body and blood to purify, redeem and strengthen us.

Jesus taught us, "The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them" {John 15: 13}.

St. Paul advises, "Since you are God's dear children, you must try to be like him. Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave his life for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God" {Ephesians 5: 1, 2}.

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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ENJOY YOUR DAY!!!!

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: 'I am blind, please help.' There were only a few coins in the hat.

A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words. Soon the hat began to fill up.

A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, 'Were you the one who changed my sign this morning?

What did you write?' The man said, 'I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a
different way.' What he had written was: 'Today is a beautiful day and I cannot see it.'

Do you think the first sign and the second sign were saying the same thing?


Of course both signs told people the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective? Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively.

The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling…

And even more beautiful, knows that you are the reason behind it…

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CEASELESS SEARCH

An old man was reclining on an easy-chair. His grandson brought the news paper to him. Eager to read the news, he started to search for his spectacles. After a while the child asked what he was searching for. He replied that it was to find his spectacles. Laughing aloud, the child pointed to his face and said, "Grandpa, it is there-right on your face."

The old man realized that he was searching for his spectacles wearing them on his face.

On a dark night, a man was found to search for some article under the bright light of a street-lamp. Passers-by enquired about it. He replied that he was searching to find a lost needle. They gladly joined him in the search. After sometime they gave up the search as they could not find it. The man told them, "I was sure that you would not find them." They asked, "Why?" He replied, "That is because I lost the needle on the other side of the road." "But why did you search here, instead of searching on the other side?" they asked him. He replied calmly, "Simple. There is no light there. But here we have plenty of light." The people left the place cursing the crazy man.

Man is in continual search for many things- God, peace and joy. But he forgets to find them within him. Jesus taught, "The Kingdom of God is within you" {Luke 17: 21}.

Peace and joy are the results and reflections of a pure and innocent heart. "Happy are the pure in heart, they will see God!" {Matthew 5: 8}. Let us learn to listen to the whisper of our conscience. That is the word of God from within us.

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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A smart and active child was playing with a battery-operated toy car. It fell from his hands and stopped working. He took it to his father who was an engineer.

His father opened the car with a screwdriver to examine the trouble. The curious child was watching carefully. Suddenly he cried out in joy, "Daddy, I have found out why it doesn't work." He put his tiny fingers into the car's front seat and took out a dead fly. He declared aloud, "How can it work when the driver is dead?"

Actually, it was a wrong diagnosis. The father had found that the cells had been displaced by the fall. But he enjoyed the child's innocent comment. Later he repaired it and returned it to the child who resumed his play.

Whenever we encounter a failure or disaster in our life or career, we assign the responsibility to some other person. In some cases, the actual fault may be our own. But we attribute it to others or to 'ill-fate'.

Failures and negative incidents in life should be seen as part of God's plans for our ultimate welfare.

. God has definite and specific plans about every man.

"The Lord says I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for" {Jeremiah 29: 11}.

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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TEST BY TASTE

A baby squirrel and her mother were seated on a branch of a tall tree near a cemetery. They saw a huge crowd of people in and around the cemetery. The dead body of a great leader was brought in a costly coffin in a decorated vehicle in an endless procession. Hundreds of cars followed the vehicle. Thousands of pretty wreaths were unloaded. The funeral was ceremonious. The Archbishop was the Chief Celebrant. Hundreds of priests and nuns and a multitude of political and religious leaders were present. After the funeral, a grand condolence meeting was held in the premises of the church nearby.

As the meeting was in progress, four people brought the dead body of a poor man to the cemetery. There was no vehicle or procession. The body was buried in a pit close to the place where the great man's body was buried.

The baby squirrel asked his mother, "We saw the funeral of two bodies. One was very showy. The other was very simple and silent. What is the difference between these two bodies?" The mother could not find any difference. But when the baby insisted, she decided to investigate it in detail. When everyone left the cemetery, they burrowed a small hole at the centre of the two pits to reach the bodies. Deep in the hole, they met a worm which survived on decayed dead bodies. The worm enquired about their action. They told that they were trying to study the difference between the two bodies buried in adjacent pits. The worm said, "I am an expert in examining dead bodies. Let me have a closer look. I will return soon and clarify your doubt." The worm went down into the pits, returned and declared, "I have tested the dead bodies thoroughly. There is no difference. They have the same taste!"

Diogenes was a great philosopher and a friend of Alexander, the Great. Once Alexander found Diogenes examining a large pile of bones. To Alexander's inquiry, Diogenes replied, "I am searching for the bones of your father, King Philip; but I cannot distinguish them from the bones of his slaves." Alexander learned a great truth from this action. Death is the universal equalizer. Everyone is equal before death as death comes to all - great and small {Job 3: 13-19}. At his deathbed, Alexander 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.

"Don't be upset when a man becomes rich, when his wealth grows even greater; he cannot take it with him when he dies; his wealth will not go with him to the grave. Even if a man is satisfied with this life and is praised because he is successful, he will join all his ancestors in death, where the darkness lasts for ever. A man's greatness cannot save him from death; he will still die like the animals" {Psalm 49:16-20}.

"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}.
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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A ROYAL REWARD

Mr. George. C. Boldt reached USA as a poor immigrant from Europe. He did humble jobs in different hotels. In recognition of his honesty, hard work and dedication, he was raised to the level of manager in a hotel in Philadelphia.

On a cold, raining and stormy night, an enormously wealthy man, Mr. William Waldorf Astor visited the hotel with his wife and requested a room for the night. All the rooms in the hotel were already occupied. Mr. Boldt, who was very kind and considerate, did not have the mind to send them away in the stormy night to search for a room in another hotel. He offered them his own room in the hotel and spent the night in the office itself. The couple was immensely impressed by the managers compassionate concern for them.

The next morning, they thanked the manager most sincerely. While departing, Mr. Astor told him, You are the kind of manager who should be the boss of the best hotel in the USA. May be some day, I will build a hotel for you.

Mr. William Waldorf Astor (1848-1919), was a Senator and Statesman and the richest man in the USA. He later moved to England and was made a Baron in 1916 and a Viscount in 1917.

In 1893, he completed the construction of the grand, glamorous and splendid Waldorf Hotel in New York. He kept his promise to Mr. Boldt and invited him to New York. He appointed M. Boldt as the first manager of the grand new hotel. Mr. Boldt gladly accepted the offer and managed it most efficiently. Four years later, Mr. John Jacob Astor, the cousin of Mr. William Waldorf Astor erected the Astoria Hotel in the adjacent land and joined the two hotels as Waldorf-Astoria. Mr. Boldt managed the joint hotel excellently for several years and raised it to the level of the finest hotel in the world. It was world-renowned for the magnificent management and superb service.

God sees and values our actions, even the simplest and humblest of them. Every one who comes to us needs our care, concern and kindness. In the Parable of the Gold Coins, the king says to the faithful servant, You are a good servant! Since you were faithful in small matters, I will put you in charge of ten cities {Luke, 19: 17}.

Remember to welcome strangers in your homes. There were some who did that and welcomed angels without knowing it {Hebrews 13:2}.

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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