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Pastor's Letter August 17, 2008 |
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A man owned a very proud, handsome horse and an ugly, broken down donkey. One day the three set out on a long journey. The man placed the full burden of carrying the supplies on the back of the donkey. The burden weakened the donkey so much that it could move only with great difficulty.
The donkey finally spoke to the horse, “If you would kindly take a fair portion of this load, I shall get strong again. But if you refuse to help me, all of this weight will surely kill me.” The horse told the donkey to get back to its work and stop complaining. The horse adamantly refused to share any of the burdens. Because the horse would not help out, the donkey was soon overcome by the weight and dropped dead. The owner unhooked the pack and placed it upon the horse’s back. Then, wanting to take the donkey’s carcass back to bury it, he loaded it on to the horse's back as well. Then the horse cried out, “Alas for my ill nature! By refusing to bear my portion of the load I must now carry the whole of it, with a dead weight into the bargain as well.”
This Aesop fable certainly makes us think about our own relationships. Does your refusal to contribute to your family cause a heavy burden on someone else? Are you bearing your share of responsibility for strengthening your marriage? Do you share equally in the duties of rearing your children? Do you use your gifts to assist others in your parish and community?
This fable is a powerful reminder to each of us to examine how willing we are to share the load that living entails.
Have a great week!
Love,
Fr. Bill
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the parish festival. Many people put countless hours into setting up, counting money, handling security and cleaning up from the event. THANK YOU for your efforts – especially Brian Smith, chairman & Jeremy Patterson, co-chair.
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