599- The Chosen Pot

Andrew noticed that his son Moses suffered from frustration.

Moses said, “Dad, I feel unequal to my colleagues. I hardly have very few talents. I’m weak. Why did God created me thus?”

Andrew narrated to his son this symbolic story:

Lord Jesus Christ wanted to choose a pot to use. He found several pots on the shelf.

The golden pot said proudly, “I’m made of gold. I’m expensive and glittering. I’m the best.” Lord Jesus answered, “I don’t work in the proud heart. I don’t want an expensive pot.”

Then, the tall thin silver pot said, “I think that I’m suitable. The rich put me on the table and drank wine from me.” The Lord answered, “I don’t want a pot which the rich only can possess.”

The glittering huge brass pot, which had a wide mouth, said, “I’m strong and can bear much.” Lord Jesus said, “I don’t want an empty pot with a wide mouth boasting of his strength.”

Then, the glass pot said, “I’m made of transparent glass. When You put me on the table all people can see what’s inside me. Though I can be easily broken no one can behave well like me.” The Lord answered, “You aren’t fit, as I don’t want him who thinks himself better than others or him who reveals his hidden secrets and his relation with Me.”

The wooden pot said, “I’m made of wood and decorated by carvings. You can put fruits in me.” Lord Jesus Christ said, “I don’t want him who boast of his outer appearance.”

Finally, the clay pot said in humility, “Lord, I desire that You use me. I’m made of worthless dust. I’m fit for nothing, despised by many. I can only be filled with water for the poor to drink. I can be easily broken. You only can make me valuable when You fill me with Your strength.”

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: الإناء المختار.

I know that You do not despise anyone.

You want to work in all.

You know that I am not a pot made of gold or silver.

I am not made of invaluable brass or crystal.

I am not made of expensive wood.

I am a clay pot.

Yet, as I possess You

I carry You as a Treasure inside me.

The Naughty Boy and the Encouraging Words

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

Isaac on a Journey to the Moon