Sunday, August 3, 2003
Sunday, August 3, 2003
Besides, all their days they eat in darkness, in much vexation and sickness and
resentment.
Once, the royal potter grew envious of the man who washed the king's elephant. The jealousy
led the potter to hatch a scheme to ruin the washerman. The potter persuaded the king to order
the washerman to scrub the elephant, which was black, until it was completely white.
The washerman stated that he would have to have a container large enough to contain the
elephant. Thereupon, the king commanded the potter to make a pot big enough to accommodate
the elephant. The potter fashioned such a container. However, as soon as the elephant stepped
into the huge clay bowl, the container broke into pieces. The king ordered the potter to make
another bowl for the elephant. Again, the weight of the elephant broke the vessel. The potter
tried crafting many more pots big enough to hold the elephant, but each time the bowl crumbled.
The potter was finally ruined. His jealousy backfired! That's what happens every time we let
resentment into our hearts. It is we who pay the greatest price.
(Ecclesiastes 5.17
NRSV)
There is a story of a king's entourage in Burma many years ago. Members of the king's advisors
were often deeply resentful of one another. Sometimes they plotted against each other.
Loving God, clean by heart from all resentment, as I focus on the blessings you have given to
me. Amen.
