A TALE OF TWO BROTHERS

Two brothers lived side by side on adjoining lands. One was the head of a large family, while the other lived alone. One night, the older brother lay awake, thinking about his younger brother. He thought, “My brother lives alone; he does not have the companionship of wife and children to cheer his heart as I have. While he sleeps, I will carry some of my sheaves into his field.” And so, he did.

At the same time, the younger brother was also awake, thinking about his older brother. He thought, “My brother has a large family, and his necessities are greater than mine. While he sleeps, I will put some of my sheaves on his side of the field.” And so, he did.

That night, under the cover of darkness, both brothers went out, laden with sheaves, and met at the dividing line between their fields. There, they cried and embraced each other. This spot, where the two brothers met, is said to be where the altar of Solomon’s Temple was later built.

Our Lord Jesus tells us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). When we give, we are not just blessing others; we are also blessing ourselves. There is a deep joy and satisfaction that comes from knowing that we have made a difference in someone’s life. True wealth is not measured by what we have but by what we give. And as we give, we receive in ways we could never imagine.

We may not always have sheaves of wheat to give, but we have our time, our kindness, our support, and our love. It might be as simple as lending a helping hand to a neighbor, offering a kind word, or sharing our blessings with those in need. When we do this, we create a space, an altar where God’s love can flow, where miracles can happen, and where hearts can be touched and transformed.

Remember, it’s not about how much we have but how much we love. Because in the end, it’s the love we give that makes the difference.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
July 30, 2024