WISDOM OF A WEALTHY MAN

A well-known multimillionaire was travelling to a distant city. On the way, he approached a hotel to spend the night. The manager of the hotel easily recognized him and greeted him most heartily. He personally led the rich man to the most luxurious suite in the hotel and instructed the staff to provide all necessary amenities to the wealthy guest. While they were busily decorating the rooms and arranging more luxuries, he called the manager and said, “Sir, I don’t need such a luxurious room for a night’s stay. I need only an ordinary room.”


The manager was surprised to hear the unexpected request of his very wealthy guest. He told him, “But, Sir, Your son visits this hotel occasionally. He asks for the most expensive suite with all available amenities. I thought you too would appreciate the facilities available here.”

The rich man replied quite politely, “Please do not compare me with him. He is the son of a very wealthy man. But I am not.”

Later he told the manager that he came from a poor family and gradually became rich by his earnest and honest efforts, minimizing his expenses. Even after he became rich, he used to follow his principles and spend money very wisely, avoiding all unnecessary luxuries in life. A substantial portion of his income was regularly set apart for charity.

As he was not born rich, he was aware of the value of money. He believed that it was a sin to spend money for luxuries when millions were suffering from constant poverty and frequent starvation. Growing rich by rightful means and hard work is not sinful. But love of money and unwillingness to help the poor and needy around us using the money we received as God’s gift, are grave sins.

“Many people have been ruined because of money, brought face to face with disaster. Money is a trap for those who are fascinated by it, a trap that every fool falls into” {Sirach 31: 6, 7}.

“Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have” {Hebrews 13:5}.

“No one can be a slave of two masters; he will hate one and love the other; he will be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” {Matthew 6: 24, Luke 16:13}.

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

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WORDS AS SWORDS

A little boy was in the habit of using abusive words. His mother wanted to change his habit. She brought a hammer and a box of nails to the boy’s room and told him that she would hammer a nail to the door of his room every time he used an abusive word. The nailing continued everyday. Seeing the growing ugly sign on the freshly painted door, he gradually began to behave in a better manner. Later he stopped his bad habit altogether and proudly reported his decision to the mother. To encourage him, she told him, “Now, at the end of every day you complete without uttering even a single bad word, we will pull out one nail from the door.”

Gradually, all the nails were pulled out and the boy was delighted to display the door to his mother. Then the mother showed him the holes left in the door. She said, “Words are sharper than swords. Whenever you say an abusive word to another person, it leaves a scar in his mind and another one in your own mind like the nail-marks left in your door. It is better to avoid using bad words than repenting after repeating them.”


He understood her advice and followed it faithfully.

St. Paul advises, “Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you” {Ephesians 4:29}. “No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips” {Colossians 3:8}.

St. James advises, “Every one must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry” {James 1: 19}. “Just think how large a forest can be set on fire by a tiny flame! And the tongue is like a fire” {James 3: 5, 6}.

“May my words and my thoughts be acceptable to you, O Lord, my refuge and my redeemer! {Psalms 19: 14}.
© 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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GOD’S MYSTERIOUS MOVES

William Cowper, British poet and Bible scholar (1731-1800) suffered from occasional bouts of deep depression and doubt. There is a legend about the last hymn composed by him. One night when he was in a dark mood of deep despair, he left his home, determined to end his life by jumping into the River Thames in England.

That night the city of London was covered with an unusually heavy fog and Mr. Cowper, who was searching to find the river, lost his way and wandered aimlessly. After a long while, he saw a distant light and proceeded towards it. He was surprised to reach the doorstep of a house. The light was burning brightly within the house and the front door was open as if to welcome the wandering William. He soon realized that it was his own home and that God had mercifully brought him back to safety. Entering his room he wrote the following words of the beautiful hymn in praise of the living Lord by whose loving grace he could return to his own residence.

God moves in a mysterious way

His wonders to perform;

He plants His footsteps in the sea

And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines

Of never failing skill

He treasures up His bright designs

And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;

The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy and shall break

In blessings on your head

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

But trust Him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,

And scan His work in vain;

God is His own interpreter,

And He will make it plain.

(By William Cowper, ‘Light Shining out of Darkness’, Olney Hymns, published in 1779)

King David, in a prayer of Praise, sings, “In times of trouble He will shelter me; He will keep me safe in His Temple and make me secure on a high rock” {Psalms 27: 5}.

God said through Prophet Isaiah, “Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you. Jerusalem, I can never forget you! I have written your name on the palms of my hands” {Isaiah 49: 15, 16}.

Our loving heavenly Father is ready to rescue us during times of despair and depression. He protects us in the shelter of His infinite love and kindly leads us to the place of safety and peace.

© 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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KNEE-MAIL

A person was driving his ‘Model-T’ Ford car through a remote village in USA. He stopped it to take some refreshments from a wayside restaurant. Then he tried to start the car, but failed. He tried his best but could not identify the problem or solve it. As he remained worried and stranded in a strange place, another similar car came forward and stopped near his car. An elderly man alighted from the car and smiling softly, asked the person about his problem. Hearing that the car refused to start, the stranger told him, “Let me try. I have some experience in handling this model.” He examined the car, made some quick adjustments and started it. The car roared into life. The man thanked the helper and praised his skill. Then he asked his name. The stranger told him, “My name is Henry Ford. I am familiar with every part of this car as I was closely associated with every stage of its design, development and manufacture.” The man was surprised to find that the stranger was the great Henry Ford, who founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903.

Henry Ford (1863-1947), after innovative and extensive experiments had developed the Model T car in1908 as a simple, reliable and affordable car which was within the economic reach of the average American. By developing the concept of ‘assembly line’ in motor car manufacture, Ford could increase the efficiency of manufacture and decrease the cost of production. He lowered the price of the car and revolutionized the manufacture and use of cars in USA.

In the journey of life, we may encounter a variety of problems concerned with different facets of our life such as health, education, work, relations, family and finance. We often create unnecessary tension, anxiety and worry when we try to solve the problems by ourselves. Like the car- designer in the story, we have an expert creator, who knows everything about us and our life, our requirements, weaknesses and capabilities and so is able to solve any problem associated with our life. Let us have the humility to surrender ourselves before the omnipotent God. He is the loving Lord who has a definite plan for the welfare of each of us.

It is said that the shortest distance between a problem and its solution is the distance between our knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can face any problem with confidence. When prayers go up, blessings come down. Prayer should be the ‘steering wheel’ and not the ‘spare wheel’ in the vehicle of our life. God answers ‘KNEE-MAIL’ without fail.

The Lord has said, “By my great power and strength I created the world, mankind and all the animals that live on the earth {Jeremiah 27: 5}. David praises the creator, “Lord, you have made so many things! How wisely you made them all! The earth is filled with your creatures {Psalms 104:24}.

“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}.

“Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised!”{Matthew 5: 5}.

“Ask, and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” {Matthew 7:  Luke 11: 9}.

St. Paul advises, "Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking Him with a thankful heart" {Philippians 4:6}.

“Come near to God, and He will come near to you” {James 4:8}.

© 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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A CLOAK FOR CHRIST

St. Martin of Tours (A.D. 316-397) was born as the son of a senior military officer of the Roman army. Attracted by the Christian doctrines, he went to the church as a candidate for baptism (catechumen) at the age of ten, even against the wishes of his pagan parents. At the age of fifteen he had to join the military.

On a bitterly cold winter day, he was passing through the city gates of Amiens. He saw a scantily dressed poor beggar, shivering in the snow storm. No one cared for him. Out of compassion, Martin cut his fine military cloak into two pieces with his sword. He gave one piece to the poor man who thankfully wrapped himself with it as a shawl. Martin covered himself with the other half.

That night, Martin had a dream. Jesus appeared before him, dressed in the half-cloak which he had gifted to the beggar. Jesus showed the mantle and said to the surrounding saints and angels “Martin, as yet only a catechumen, has covered me with this cloak.”

Martin remembered the words of Jesus: “I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did this for me” {Matthew 25: 40}. He got baptized soon. He renounced the army and announced that he would be a soldier of Christ. He spent the rest of his life as a zealous missionary, preaching the word of God and suffering humiliation and punishment to uphold his faith. He lived as a monk and formed the first monastery in France. Later he was ordained as the Bishop of Tours. He led the fight against heresy. He is a patron saint of soldiers and of France. The piece of the cloak kept by him became a holy relic, known as ‘St. Martin’s cloak’.

The early Christians cared for everyone, especially the sick and needy and shared their assets equitably to benefit everyone {Acts 4: 32-37}.

“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? So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead” {James 2: 15-17}.

St. John advises, “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}. "If someone says he loves God, but hates his brother, he is a liar. For he cannot love God, whom he has not seen, if he does not love his brother, whom he has seen"{1 John 4: 20, 21}.

“Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. Never tell your neighbour to wait until tomorrow if you can help him now” {Proverbs 3: 27}.

© 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 our web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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A GLASS OF MILK

A poor student was walking along a road, carrying a bundle of books, to his school. He was from a very poor family and his parents could not provide him even regular food. As he was already late, he was almost running. He was hungry and very weak. Suddenly he felt exhausted and fell down, scattering his books on the roadside. Seeing his fall, a lady rushed to the spot from her house. She helped the boy to get up, collected his books and carried him to her house. The boy was very weak and hungry, but he did not ask for food. He asked for a little water to drink. The lady sensed his state and offered him a glass of milk. The boy accepted it with gratitude and continued his journey to the school. The incident remained fresh in his mind.

Several years rolled by. The lady became old, sick and weak. She was admitted to the local hospital. As her condition became worse, she was shifted to a large medical institute in a distant city. The senior doctor, who was also the director of the institute, examined her. He diagnosed her disorder and performed an immediate surgery. She was carried to the best room in the hospital and provided expert medical care. The staff was always ready to offer all assistance and care. Within a month, she could regain her health fully. She was informed that she would be discharged the next day. She was worried about the bill as she was poor and could not afford to pay a large amount. She planned to sell her house to settle the bill. She enquired about the bill. The bill was presented to her. She examined it anxiously. On the top of the bill, there was a note signed by the director of the institute, “THE AMOUNT HAS BEEN PAID IN FULL BY A GLASS OF MILK.”

Slowly she recollected the incident when she gave a glass of milk to a poor, weak and hungry boy who fell down on the road near her residence. By this time, the director himself came to her room and she could recognize his face. He was the same boy whom she had helped with a glass of milk a long time ago. He had recognized her earlier and gratefully made elaborate arrangements for her treatment and paid the expenses from his own pocket, all for a glass of milk and tender care received in a crucial moment of his life, during his hard times, long before he became a distinguished doctor by his hard work and earnest efforts.

The road from Jerusalem to Jericho passes through our front. Let us behave like the Good Samaritan and be of help to any one in need.

“Give to the poor and you will never be in need” {Proverbs 28:27}.

“Be generous and share your food with the poor. You will be blessed for it” {Proverbs 22: 9}.

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

“ I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me;I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me {Matthew 25:35, 36}

“”I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of brothers of mine, you did it for me!” {Matthew 25: 40}.

© 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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A CRUEL CUSTOM

A country had a cruel but compulsory custom. Every man who attains the age of seventy five years was to be sent to the forest where he would spend the remaining years of his life practicing renunciation of all pleasures and meditation to attain salvation. As the custom prevailed for centuries, no one dared to question it or disobey it. It was deemed to be a divine decision.

An old man celebrated his 75th birthday and tearfully bid farewell to his family. His eldest son accompanied him in the long and arduous journey to the forest. The old man carried a knife with him and he was carefully cutting down the thorny bushes on either side of the narrow path. Finally they reached the forest and while departing, the son asked him why he was cutting the thorns on the way. The loving father replied, “It was to make your return journey safe and comfortable.”

The son was deeply moved by the tender care his father was showing to him even when he was abandoning the old father in the forest to lead a painful life in a dangerous jungle with uncertain future. The incident opened his eyes. Returning home, he talked to his friends and relatives about the desperate plight of the old people they abandoned for the sake of complying with a cruel custom. Gradually, his mission found results. The people began to think about the cruelty of their traditional ritual. The matter was discussed in the king’s court and respecting the opinion of the majority, the king proclaimed that the custom shall not continue. He sent his troops to bring the abandoned old men back to their homes. The citizens gladly followed the army and they could trace many old men from different parts of the dense forest. But the loving old man could not be found anywhere. At last, his son spotted parts of his clothes near a cave. He rushed to examine the clothes but they were found to be stained with blood. It was obvious that the old man had fallen prey to some wild carnivore. The sad citizens returned to their country in silence, but enlightened in spirit.

God commanded, “Respect your father and your mother, so that you may live a long time in the land that I am giving you” {Exodus 20: 12}. This is a commandment written by God for man. This commandment is special in that it is associated with a reward.

St. Paul teaches, “Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. ‘Respect your father and mother’ is the first commandment that has a promise added,’ so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land” {Ephesians 6:1-3}.

“God’s curse on anyone who dishonours his father or mother” {Deuteronomy 27:16}. “Any one who makes fun of his father or despises his mother in her old age ought to be eaten by vultures or have his eyes picked out by wild ravens” {Proverbs 30: 17}.

“Honour your father with all your heart, and never forget how your mother suffered when you were born. Remember that you owe your life to them. How can you ever repay them for all they have done for you?” {Sirach 7: 27, 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 my web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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LOFTY LOVE

There was a tree with several branches overhanging a pond. A flying crane landed on a branch with a thud. An ant was resting on the branch. In the jerk of the bird’s landing, the ant lost its grip and fell into the pond. Looking down, the crane saw the ant in the water, struggling for its life. The bird was kind and felt sorry for causing the ant’s fall. To save its life, the bird plucked a leaf from the tree and dropped it into the pond. It fell close to the ant. With much effort, the ant climbed on to the leaf and was driven ashore by the wind. It looked at the bird with gratitude. Suddenly he saw a hunter aiming his gun at the bird. The ant rushed to the hunter with all his might. Just as he pulled the trigger, the ant gave a sharp bite on his leg. He lost his aim. The bird, warned by the sound of the gunshot, flew away to a safer place.

The bird’s act of love was a compensation for causing the fall of the ant. The action of the ant exemplifies ‘reciprocal love’ or love for those who love and help us. Another form of love is ‘aesthetic love’ shown towards lovely objects like fragrant flowers, beautiful butterflies and smiling kids. ‘Selfish love’ is a false show of affection in anticipation of some material benefit.

Christian love or sacrificial love is different from and superior to all other forms of love. It is more extensive and extends even to our enemies and to those who cannot return our love. It has no limits or conditions.

Jesus taught us, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who ill-treat you'{Luke 6: 27, 28}; "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the sons of your Father in Heaven"{Matthew 5: 44, 45}.

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}.

Christ on the Cross prayed for the cruel people who crucified Him. His outstretched hands on the Cross could embrace the entire human race. Lying on the Cross, He prayed, “Forgive them, Father! They don’t know what they are doing.” {Luke 23: 34}.

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

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