(You may have read this article before, but it may be worth reflecting upon again).
Deacon John Juneau at the Cathedral Parish told me this story. I think it’s a great example of a modern day parable. After reading this, see if you can summarize its meaning in a single sentence.
A famous professor, known for her ability to engage her students, began the lecture one day by holding up a crisp new $20 bill. “Anyone who would like this piece of paper raise your hand.” All hands went up.
Next she crinkled the twenty into a little ball. “Who wants this piece of paper now?” Again all hands were raised. Unfolding the wadded twenty, she wiped it across the chalk board. “Still want this?” All hands raised.
On she went, grinding it with her shoe, slamming the door on it, finally dunking it into her morning coffee. “Who wants this now?” Everyone raised their hands wanting to get this filthy, soaking, ragged $20 bill.
Two questions:
- So what’s the meaning? Try saying it in one sentence.
- Do you see any lesson it might have for human beings?
Reveal the Answer
- It’s not just a piece of paper; it’s a twenty dollar bill!
- Battered, stepped on, filthy, it doesn’t matter; we never forfeit the sacred value we have as being human beings, created in God’s image.
So summer has officially begun. I hope you find time to relax and do the things we’ve not been able to do for this past year.
I plan on a couple trips to Ohio to visit my sisters, a bit of golf, some reading and loafing around. Enjoy these days.
Fr. Tim
