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

179- Wellington was Defeated

 

St-Takla.org Image: A big ship under the sun. صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: سفينة ضخمة (مركبة) تحت الشمس.

A tour guide at Winchester cathedral used to tell the following story:

Every body in England was waiting for the news about “waterloo.” At that time there were no telegrams or telephones. A man would use sign language from a ship, which could be seen by a person standing on the top of the Winchester cathedral, who would signal to some one on top of the hill in London, then to the rest of the country.

The first sign was Wellington; the second word was defeat. At that time, there was a thick fog that made visibility impossible. Every body thought that Wellington was defeated. Two hours later, when the fog was lifted the third word came “the enemy.” So the complete statement was that Wellington defeated the enemy. The whole country was happy.

This is similar to what happened when Jesus died on the cross. Every one thought that it was over but on the third day when He rose from the dead the disciples rejoiced.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: والِنْجِتُن هزم.

At the feet of the Cross, I cry with the three Marys but only for a while,

On His Resurrection I rejoice with them too.

At the feet of the Cross, I realize the power of God for my eternal salvation.

I see an open gate for my fellowship with the heavenly host of saints.

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