Parable of the Loser and the Winner

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,

In a village where the whispers of men carried more weight than the truth of hearts, there lived a woman named Camille. Her success in the humble endeavor of justice was a beacon of light, yet the shadows of envy and prejudice cast dark tales upon her name. The villagers, in their misguided beliefs, whispered that her achievements could only be the fruit of scandalous liaisons, for they could not fathom a woman rising through virtue and hard work alone.

In stark contrast, there was villager Don, a man cloaked in the trappings of power and authority. His victories over the outcasts and his ruthless dealings were seen as signs of divine favor. The villagers, blinded by his outward success and his fierce stance against those they deemed unworthy, hailed him as an apostle of God. They mistook his cunning and cruelty for righteousness, believing that his might and wealth were the marks of a chosen leader.

One day, a wise elder, whose sight was not clouded by appearances, came to the village. He spoke to the people in parables, as our Lord often did. “There were two lamps,” he began. “One shone brightly, its light pure and steady, though its source was humble. The other flickered with a harsh glare, dazzling to the eyes but fueled by a dark and corrupt flame. The villagers, drawn to the dazzling light, praised the flickering lamp, unaware of the darkness it harbored. But the steady lamp, though modest, brought true illumination and warmth.”

The elder’s words stirred the hearts of the villagers. They began to see Camille as the steady lamp, whose light was genuine and life-giving, despite the false shadows cast upon her. And they saw Don as the flickering lamp, whose brilliance was but a facade, hiding the darkness within. The villagers repented of their false judgments and sought Camille’s forgiveness, recognizing the truth of Jesus’ words in John 7:24, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

In this tale, let us discern the dangers of false assumptions and misplaced judgments. Let us remember that true righteousness and success are not found in outward appearances or the whispers of men, but in the purity of heart and the light of Christ within us.

In Christ’s service, A humble disciple