Orthodox Parables and Stories: "The fullness of understanding the world."

The fullness of understanding the world

Once, an elder and his disciple entered the gates of a large city to talk about the Christian faith.

A Christian resident of this town approached him and said:

"Father, the inhabitants are unlikely to need your sermons. These inhabitants are heavy- hearted and resist the word of truth. They do not want to study at all. Do not waste your time on them."

The old man looked at him and said:

"You are right."

A few minutes later another Christian approached the elder and said:

"Father, do not doubt: you will be warmly welcomed in this beautiful city. People are waiting for you and hope to hear the precious words of the doctrine of the gospel. They asked for knowledge and are ready for service. Their hearts and minds are open to you."

The old man looked at him and said:

"You are right."

The student could not resist and asked the elder:

"Father, explain to me that you said the same things to each other, even though they told you the exact opposite."

The elder said to the student:

"You are right. But you have to notice that both people said the truth that corresponds to their world. The first sees in all the bad only, the second seeks for the good. They both perceive the world as they expect it to be. Each person derives his experience to understand this world. None of them lied. They both had the truth.