123- Bless the Lord O my Soul

On his way to church, the preacher met one of the church workers and the following conversation took place.

“I’d like to ask you about the meaning of a biblical verse”, said the worker.

“What is it?”

“It is written in the Psalms,

“Bless the Lord O my soul.”

I understand that the older bless the younger; God blesses my soul not vice versa. What do you think?”

“Do you have children?”

“Yes, three.”

“How old are they?”

“Marc is seven, Mary is six and Mathew is five.”

“At Christmas do they bring you gifts?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know what kind of presents they bring you?”

“No.”

“Who buys it for them?”

“They arrange this with their mother without my knowledge to surprise me.”

“Who pays?”

“I do.”

“Are you pleased with the gifts?”

“Sure, they show me how much they love me.”

“What do you do when they offer you the presents?”

“I hug them, kiss them and I offer them much more valuable presents.”

“This exactly what happens With God, we cry to Him saying “we bless You and glorify You, we give You of what You blessed us with.”

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: باركي يا نفسي الرب.

+ Lord, You ask me,

“Give me to drink.”

Let me give You with the Samaritan woman from my pail.

I give You from the well that You gave me.

Then You give me everlasting water from which whoever drinks will never thirst.

+Lord, You are the source of every heavenly or earthly blessing.

We will give of whatever You gave us.

Accept our gift, O the Giver of all gifts.

Bless my soul, for without You I shall be deprived of all blessings.

Belonging to the Cannibals

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

The Happiest Man On Earth