After some time the rumor was shown to be false, yet people who had believed every word of it were not inclined to revise their opinions of the man.
Later the couple who had spread the false report were convicted and came to the pastor to ask his forgiveness.
"Of course I forgive you," said the pastor. "I, too, have been forgiven much. Could I ask you to do something for me now? It may seem strange, but please hear me out."
"Of course," said the couple.
"Okay," said the pastor, "I'd like you to go home and butcher one of your chickens. Pluck out all the feathers and put them in a bag. Will you do that for me?"
As strange as they found the request, the couple agreed.
"After that I'd like you to walk around town scattering the feathers on all the streetcorners. Before the bag is empty take it up to the water tower and pour out the remaining contents to the wind. Will you do this for me?"
Perplexed, but willing, the couple said they would do it and turned to leave the pastor's office.
"Just one more thing," he called after them. "Just one last thing: After you come down from the water tower take your bag with you and go back through town, collecting all the feathers. When you've gathered every one - make sure you find them all and put every single feather back in the bag - bring the bag here to me." He paused. "Can you do this for me?"