Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Parable of the Wine

A parable to share this day; what I call the parable of the wine.  Walking on a pilgrimage to Santigo de Compostela one day a pilgrim came to a hostel or Albergue that was somewhat unique; a place where pilgrims were told to be at home; where the kitchen was fully stocked with food for the use of pilgrims and the cost was left up to the individual.  It was called an honest kitchen; one where you used whatever you wished and placed in the container the value of that which was used; as you alone determined it.  It as a communal experience.

One pilgrim bought a bottle of wine; fine Spanish wine costing 1.50 euros and brought it back to the kitchen had a glass wine and told other pilgrims it was theirs to enjoy.  Later in the day the pilgrim who bought the wine came back for another glass; but found a smiling German pilgrim who had just finished the wine.  The pilgrim who had purchased the wine had not told his German friend the wine was for anyone; but rather he assumed it as such and finished the bottle.

Later at dinner time the first pilgrim was making his dinner from the communal kitchen; opened the refrigerator and there was a bottle of fine Spanish wine; communal wine he thought and he took a glass.  As he sat down in the garden to enjoy dinner and a fine wine he heard a cry from the Spainish pilgrim at the other end of the table. "Why are you drinking my wine; a wine of five euros in cost; and my wine!" What responded the first. "Any wine in the communal kitchen is for the community; the value of my glass is in the collection box." The Spansh pilgrim was angry, finished HIS bottle quickly, muted run the whole time. 

Now what is the meaning of this parable? That is up to the reader. First drink a glass of wine!

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