323- Let All Enjoy the Gods

A massive Indian temple stood by the shore of a deep river. George was looking upon a stone. On it was engraved a huge calf ridden by a god and his companion. George asked about the meaning of this drawing and was told:

An ancient Indian myth tells that a good man lived in this place. He loved people and the gods. The gods loved him and used to descend from heaven to visit him.

One day the gods visited him, and talked with him. His heart was rejoicing exceedingly, and he desired that all farmers would see the gods and speak with them. As he thought on these matters he asked the gods to permit him to go and call his brethren the farmers that they might enjoy them. They assured him that they would wait for him. He hurried to call his friends, but he thought thus: “It will be very joyful that gods remain on earth forever. Instead of bringing my friends to see them for a while, I will jump in the river and die. The gods promised they would stay until I return. If I fail to return, they will wait for me forever! I will die, but all humanity will enjoy the gods.”

And indeed, he jumped in the river and did not return. The story continues that when the gods waited and he did not return, they decided to return to heaven. Before leaving, they etched on that stone a picture of a god and his companion on a calf.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: لينعم الكل بالآلهة.

This story reveals the inner longing for every soul that God come to her and embraces her and others in an atmosphere of practical love. The Word of God came down to us and lived among us like one of us and died to take us with Him to heaven.

With love You came down,

You made Your home with me, O the Word of God.

You died for me and prepared me for Your dwelling.

You rose and ascended.

With Your Holy Spirit You raise me to Your Father’s bosom.

With Your descent You turned my world into heaven.

With Your ascension You turned Your heaven into my homeland.

What can I give in return for Your abundant giving?

I Killed my Son

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

A Priest Learns