Orthodox Parables and Stories: The Priest and the birds

The Priest and the birds.

The old priest went up to the pulpit holding an empty cage in his hand. People below were looking at puzzled, while some said that he lost his mind..

"Yesterday I saw a boy who had this cage in his hands. In the cage there were two little birds shaking with fear. I stopped the boy and asked him:

"What have you got there son?"

"Two little birds, look!"

"And what are you going to do with them?" I asked again.

"I'll take them home and have fun with them there", replied the boy smiling.
"I'll torture them, tear their wings to hear them cry, I'll hit them, I'll make them laugh at each other, I think it'll be fun for me."

"But someday you'll get tired of them.. What will you do with them then?"

" I have a cat at home, and she really likes birds.. I'll give them to her," said the child.

I thought for a moment and I asked:

"how much money do you want for these birds, son?"

"Why do you want to buy these birds? They are not beautiful."

"How much money do you want,"  I asked again.

Thinking I was crazy, he shouted out: "50 euros!!!"

"Wait a minute," I told him and I took the money out of my pocket, and I gave it to the boy. Taking the money, the boy disappeared.

I carefully took the cage, took it to the country where there were so many flowers, and I released them. That's where I came from with this cage.

When the priest finished telling the story, he told different story:

"Satan and Jesus spoke and the devil full of pride said:

"I conquered all humanity! Yes, I used the trap I invented, and I had no resistance from any of them. They and their kids now belong to me."

"And what are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked. 

"I'll play with them and have fun. I will teach them how to get married and then get a divorce, how to hate each other and betray friends, how to harm each other. How to drink wine, use drugs and swear lies. How to kill each other and kill their children.. I will have fun in this world created by me!"

"And after the game what will you do with them?" Jesus asked.

"I will take them with me to fiery hell," shouted Satan with pride.

"How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked.

"Do you want these people? They are useless, they will hate you, they will betray you, they will mock you, they will deny you, you can't want these people! They don't deserve your mercy."

"What do you want for these people?" Jesus asked again.

Satan, looking at Jesus, said: "All your blood! All your tears! Your life!"

"Agreed," answered the Lord. And paid the price.

There was absolute silence in the temple..

The priest took the cage and came down from the pulpit.


Translated by Susanna Schneider