Once upon a time, there was a man who adopted a loyal dog. The man loved the dog dearly, but as the dog aged, he made a tragic decision.
He took the dog to a nearby lake, intending to drown him. In the middle of the lake, he tied a rope around the dog’s neck with a heavy rock and threw him overboard. But the dog broke free from the rope, surfaced, and tried to climb back into the boat.
The man, in his panic and frustration, stood up and attempted to strike the dog with his paddle. He lost his balance, fell into the water, and began to drown, as he didn’t know how to swim.
Seeing his master in distress, the dog swam to the man, grabbed onto his shirt, and pulled him towards the shore. The dog’s love for his master, bravery and determination saved the very man who had intended to kill him.
Exhausted and trembling on the shore, the man realized the grave mistake he had made. From that day forward, he cherished his faithful companion, their bond grew stronger, and he cared for the dog with love and respect until his final days.
This story echoes the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus came into the world to show us God’s love, to heal us, and to give us eternal life. Yet, out of jealousy and fear, we rejected Him and nailed Him to a cross. Even as He hung there, He asked the Father to forgive us (Luke 23:34). Three days later, He conquered death and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe. Just as the man was saved by the dog’s love and loyalty, we are saved by Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.
Pierre-Alain Giffard
Director of Pastoral Work
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