I
would like to share a story of a
fisherman, Bob, who
lived close to a river. Bob was a good Christian man who had a family
to
support. He made a meager living in the town near by and supplemented
his
provisions with fish he caught in the river. He was a quiet man who
lived in
peace with himself and others and was respected for his kindness and
generosity.
Every
now and then a hobo, Jack,
would pass by when he
was fishing. "Dear Sir, would spare a fish for a lonely man who has no
food?"
asked Jack each time he passed by. Bob was slightly repelled by the
odour and
dress of the hobo, but was filled with compassion for Jack and gave him
a few
fish that he could not really do without, and God knew this.
One
day when Jack came by and
asked for some fish, Bob gave
him some fish and wished him well on his journey. After Jack left Bob
herd a
voice asking him "Why do you give Jack fish?". Bob was astonished by
the
question and looked around for the owner of the question.
When
he did not see anyone he knew
who it was. His reply
was "But Father, I have compassion for Jack, what more can I do?".
There was no
reply, which mystified him. That night during his prayer time Bob asked
our
Father what he needed to do. Once again he got no answer.
A
few weeks later when Jack came
by again Bob had
forgotten about the question. After Bob gave Jack some fish Bob heard
the
question again. Once again Bob was puzzled. He had a restless night
that night
and didn't know what else he could do.
The
third time Jack came by Bob
remembered the question
our Father had asked him. When Jack asked him for some fish Bob was
about to
give him some and then 'the penny dropped' and he understood the
question.
Bob's reply was "No, I'm not giving you any fish. But come and sit
beside me
and I will teach you how to catch fish". Mildly surprised by the
request Jack
sat down.
Bob
got a long branch and line and
a hook with some food
scrap attached, and gave it to Jack, and showed him what to do.
While
they were fishing Bob was
able to share his story
about his own life and share his experiences with Jack. Jack was a
lonely person
and related his own story with tears in his eyes. No one had ever
stopped to
listen to his story. Jack's story touched Bob in a way that he had
never
experienced before. Bob felt a bond of Love between Jack and himself
that came
from the Holy Spirit, and from out of nowhere he started talking about
Jesus.
As
the time passed by Bob felt a
change in Jack. Jack
felt different. Jack felt his burden being lifted of him. For the first
time in
his life Jack felt Loved.
A
few hours later after they both
caught some fish Bob
invited Jack to his humble home to share a meal and prayer time with
his
family. Jack was welcome into Bob's home anytime he passed
by. And God was pleased, both Bob and Jack were blessed, and
richer for the experience. Bob did not need to give Jack any fish
anymore. Jack
was empowered in being able to provide for himself and others, and
shared the
message of Jesus whenever he was led by the Spirit.
How
will you respond when our
Father calls?
Am I Available...
- to Surrender to Others?
- to Forgive Others?
- to Listen to Others?
- to Receive from Others?
- to Learn from Others?
- to Grow with Others?
- to Care for Others?
- to Love Others?
