Life

Merry Christmas!

When their teacher called them to their commission, they were only in their youths. They were simple people—fishermen, tax collector, etc.—and they lived with their parents and siblings. Their teacher had high expectations and hopes on them, and with tremendous courage and vision he entrusted the future in their hands.

When their teacher called them to their commission, they were only in their youths. They were simple people—fishermen, tax collector, etc.—and they lived with their parents and siblings. Their teacher had high expectations and hopes on them, and with tremendous courage and vision he entrusted the future in their hands.

Throughout the few years their teacher taught them the most humble principles in life. When he taught, they listened attentively. Though they were slow in learning their teacher was always patient, often repeating what he had taught. Mentoring them was a gruesome task, but with sweat and tears he taught and took care of them meticulously. Day and night their teacher kept on looking into their needs, like a mother taking care of her infant their teacher would be awaken at night concerned about their well-being. During meals, their teacher never failed to leave the best for them though they knew enough the love their teacher had for them and would also give their teacher the best foods. On weekends, their teacher would bring them for outing, embracing in the beauty and wonders of the earth.

For more than three years they lived in a little, simple hut and they were happy. Their land was in a political uproar then and there were intentions to liberate the land from the conquerors. Their teacher knew there was one of them who desired to free their land and to achieve that he would betray his teacher. Their teacher was filled with sorrow seeing the hardened heart of him. Many times had their teacher persuaded him to repent. One evening, the fateful evening, while having dinner, their teacher said to them “the one who take and eat this bread will betray me. ” He said that with intense pain in his heart, hoping that upon listening the disciple would not take the bread. Nevertheless, the disciple’s heart was hard and set to betray his teacher, and he took the bread and ate. His taking of the bread sent his teacher’s heart tumbling down; he knew there was no way back for his disciple. But as a teacher, he wouldn’t retaliate, for he was to set himself as an example to them so that they might understand the core of his teaching. He willingly gave up his life so that they might live, and live to the full. By the end of the dinner, he washed their feet, demonstrating his love for the very last time.

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