PARABLE OF THE GIFTS

Written in 1998

One day a poor man working in the field was surprised to see a stranger before him. The stranger was dressed in fine clothes and there appeared to be a glow about him.

“Do not be concerned my friend,” the stranger said. “My name is Thomas. My Master is holding a great banquet and wishes the honour of your attendance.”

The farmer looked at his own tattered clothing and the dirt on his hands and arms, then stared at the stranger quizzically, seeing the fine clothing and rich jewellery. “Me? Your Master wants me? I am a poor man. Why would a rich man want me to sup with him?”

“Truly,” the stranger replied, “you are much valued by the Master. He desires beyond anything else to enrich your life.”

Still bewildered, the peasant said, “Alas, I cannot leave my fields. They are my life. They need ploughing and seeding. No, I can’t go to your Master’s banquet.”

Once more the stranger spoke, “You need have no fear for your crop. You will not be gone long enough for any harm to come to them. Indeed, my Master wants you to have the very best life possible. Come now. I am certain you will find much pleasure at the Master’s banquet.”Finally, persuaded though still apprehensive, the cultivator of fields left to go to the banquet looking just as tattered and dirty as when the stranger first appeared.

Much to the farmer’s astonishment, some of the other guests at the banquet were also dressed in ragged clothing. Others were dressed in an array of fine clothing. Servants gave each guest a large cup and poured a delicious wine into it. The farmer was not used to rich wine. He husbanded it such that he drank hardly any during the evening. Occasionally, he would dump out some of the wine into nearby flowers.

Occasionally, he noticed some of the guests leaving for a short time then returning. Upon returning, their wine cups became beautiful chalices into which servants poured an even more delicious wine and their clothes become less ragged and finer.

The peasant did not understand what was going on and grew increasingly agitated. He called to Thomas. “See here! Those others who leave then come back are getting things I don’t. Your Master should give the same to all of us!”

Thomas looked with great pleasure and pride at those guests who were coming and going. Returning his gaze to the farmer he said, “How are you finding the wine the Master have given you?”

Reluctantly, the peasant said, “A little to fancy for my taste I’m afraid.”

Thomas said, “The guests you see leaving and returning are going out into the world and sharing their wine, their food and their fine clothing with others less fortunate. The Master is so pleased with this love and unselfishness that He replenishes their wine and gives ever-finer cups and clothing. You see, my Master wants all is His kingdom to share with Him, but He needs the unselfish acts of others to help in the sharing of His riches. Those that join my Master in sharing will always be in the circle of giving and receiving.

You chose to hoard your wine or throw it away. You did not think to share it with others who were not as fortunate as you to be invited to this banquet. Yet, our Master still has great love for you. When you give

unselfishly and out of love, you will immediately begin to receive such gifts as you have seen others receive tonight. Our Master will replace what you have given to others. As well, you will receive what you need, when you need it.”