425- The Birds Preacher

Mark was on his way to Church to meet his friends to celebrate Christmas in Assisi, Italy. While walking, he saw a pious man with a beautiful smile on his face. He was throwing pieces of bread next to a tree trunk. Surprised, the boy stood observing the simple man’s behavior. Then, he asked, “What are you doing sir?”

“I’m giving the birds and the little insects food to eat.”

“Today is a feast and everybody is getting ready to celebrate. Why don’t you postpone that work till tomorrow?”

“I’m very happy for the birth of my Lord Jesus Christ. I want to see every creature, even animals, birds and insects, happy with us. How can I celebrate and be happy and full when the creation doesn’t share in my joy?”

Mark went to Church and told his friends about what he saw. They were amazed and wished that the creation would praise its Creator.

Mark went home to find that the net he put in his garden caught two doves. He looked at them and tears fell down from his eyes. He thought, “On this blessed feast this man gives food to the birds and insects to share his joy whereas, I catch two doves and deprive them of their freedom. Let me give the doves to the man as gifts and see what he will do with them.”

Mark rushed to give the doves to the man. The man made a nest for them on a tree. After hugging them and touching them lovingly, he put them in the nest and gave them food to eat.

The man looked at the doves saying, “On this day my Lord came to release my soul to His Heavens to enjoy freedom. I love freedom so how can I keep you in a cage? I can walk freely, not only in the city, but also toward heaven. You can move freely as you wish.”

Mark was very touched and every now and then he would come and visit the friend of the birds.

Some days passed and Mark came to visit his friend. He was surprised to see him standing and talking to the birds that gathered around the branches listening to his sweet voice as he preached them saying, “I love you little birds for you’re my brothers and sisters in the air. Let me talk to you.

Love God, praise Him and look at what He gave you. He gave you wings to fly in the air. You don’t sow or reap and He supports you. You don’t weave or make clothes and He covers you with beautiful feathers. You don’t build homes and nature is there for you to fly in freely. You see the huge mountains, the rivers and the fields. You play and sing joyfully. Don’t be ungrateful but praise God for the greatness of His love and beneficence.”

When the man finished his sermon the birds soared in a wonderful arrangement, flying around him while singing to their God the Creator in a sweet and beautiful song.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: واعظ الطيور.

President Schimel and His Mother

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

Different From Us