hermit’s animals
The story is told of an old anchorite or hermit, that is, one of those people who, for love of God, take refuge in the solitude of the desert or the mountains to dedicate themselves to prayer and penance.
Well, this man was visited by many people for advice. When they asked him how he was doing, he used to tell them that he had too much to do. People did not understand how it was possible that he had so much work in his retirement.
On one occasion, they asked him to explain what he was doing. The hermit replied, “You don’t know, but I have to tame two hawks, train two eagles, keep two rabbits quiet, watch a snake, carry a donkey, and subdue a lion.”
The visitors, between surprised and admired, asked him: “We don’t see any animal near the cave where you live. Where are all of them?” Then the hermit gave the following explanation that everyone understood:
“We carry these animals inside us: the two falcons pounce on everything that comes their way, be it good or bad. I have to train them to only pounce on good prey… They are my eyes.
“The two eagles with their claws wound and destroy. I have to train them so that they only serve and help without hurting… They are my hands.
“And rabbits want to go where they please, run away from others and avoid difficult situations. I have to teach them to be still where they should be, even if there is suffering, a problem, or anything I don’t like… They are my feet.
“The hardest part is keeping an eye on the snake. Although it is locked in a 32-bar cage, it is always ready to bite and poison those around it as soon as the cage is opened. If I don’t keep a close eye on it, it does damage. It is my language.
“The donkey is very stubborn, it doesn’t want to do its duty. It pretends to be tired and doesn’t want to carry its daily burden… It is my body.
“Finally, I need to tame the lion, because he wants to be the king, he wants to always be the first, he is vain and proud… That is my heart.”
Let us ask God to know how to dominate the animals “that we carry inside”.
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