The Sun and the wind were having an argument over which was more powerful. They pondered over a simple peasant who wore an over cloak over his clothing. The Wind stated “I know what will settle this argument. Which ever of us can cause the peasant to open or lose his over cloak will be the strongest.”
The Sun agreed and stated”An excellent suggestion and you may proceed to try first!”
So the wind gathered its powers and drew cold air into it self and began to blow upon the peasant who simply tightened his cloak around him. The wind, growing frustrated drew upon cloud and rain and blew ever more furiously upon the peasant which caused the peasant to draw his cloak ever more tightly about him. Tried as he might the wind was never able to get the cloak off of the peasant.
“Enough!” exclaimed the sun “and now it is my turn!” So the Sun brightened and the sky cleared. The air began to warm and the birds began to sing. The peasant walked on and soon he loosened his cloak. The sun continued to warm the air and the smell of the fresh grass and flowers were simply delightful. The peasant’s face began to flush and he opened his cloak completely. Just a little more warming and soon the peasant thru off the cloak, completely basking in the glow of a warm spring afternoon.
Said the Sun to the Wind...”You can never force a man with condescending cold brutality to perform what he will volunteer to do with an expression of warmth and honesty born of sincerity!”
”You can never force a man with condescending cold brutality to perform what he will volunteer to do with an expression of warmth and honesty born of sincerity!”
an interesting parable for a skillful homilist to deliver at Mass or service...but skillful homilists are at a premium...