Jesus and the Dead Dog

A parable. (Don’t worry, Sister, the Labrador, is just acting!)

This is an old story told, retold, written and spoken for centuries in the Middle East.  It is a true story, as all parables are, although they are rarely factual. For in fact, for a parable to be truthful, its facts must be heard by the heart and not with the literal mind.

This is a story about the good, the true and the beautiful.

Like all parables, this one can have many meanings, fertilizing many actions.  This one has been told and retold for generations.  Listen to this story, play with this story and tell this story and find where it leads you.

Jesus and his disciples were walking, down a street in Jerusalem, or perhaps it was a field near Nazareth, or perhaps it was just down the road from you.  Anywhere, they came across the remains of a very dead dog.  “Oh, GOD,” exclaimed one of them, not realizing what he said as he covered his nose & mouth with his robe, “This stench is disgusting!” Another gathered her robes up around her knees and ran as fast as she could away from the decaying carcass, stifling small gasps. A third was quite fearful and tiptoed away, urging the rest to do likewise, and so they did.

And as they were all leaving, Jesus, who had not moved, stepped closer.  Even as the others were gaining greater distance, Jesus bent closer.

“What beautiful teeth you have,” he said.   “They are as bright as pearls. “

Please know that we are all beloved, at all times. You are authentic, you are true, you are beautiful and you are good – may you smile and know that your teeth are more beautiful than pearls to all who see the corners of your eyes lifted in love.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/omid-safi/jesus-and-the-dead-dog_b_1265657.html?ref=religion

http://www.themorgan.org/collections/works/islamic/manuscript.asp?page=97

and play the jigsaw, puzzle out the story at:

http://www.themorgan.org/collections/works/islamic/manuscript.asp?page=97