Parable of the Bird that Lost its Wings
Once upon a time there was a bird of multi-coloured feathers and wings. He used to soar high up in the skies. He was free and happy. One day he fell into a deep dry well. Fortunately he was unhurt since the well was pretty broad and he glided slowly down. Once at the bottom of the well, the bird did not do a thing to get out of trouble. Instead, he sat down at the bottom of the well and expected people to get him out of the well. When no one came to his rescue, the bird began lamenting his lot and started indulging in self-pity.
Poor me said the bird to itself, what wrong have I done to deserve this lot? Down here, if left to my self I am sure to die. Blaming the misfortune it has faced the bird went on to say, it is not due to any of my fault that I fell here into the well. It is really the fault of the person who dug the well in this open place. It is the fault of those people who did not care to cover the mouth of the well. It is the fault of the people who walk around here not to have warned me of the existence of the well and of the impending danger. No, it is not my fault. And with that it began to shout for help asking people to get it out.
But the people outside went on telling the little bird: you have got the wings. You make use of them and you can fly and come out of the well.
But the bird went on howling: if I fly to come out I may bump into the wall of the well, you know. It is so narrow and some simple fool has made it this way placing difficulties on all. Certainly I will hurt myself. It is better you get me out of here. It is not my fault that I am caught up in this mess.
But those outside, advised him saying you have the beautiful smart wings. Come on, make an effort and use them. You are certainly unhurt and if you don’t try your self, no one will come forward to help you. Surely you can help yourself.
But the bird refused to try. It made no effort to save itself. It just kept on lamenting and expressing how people are cruel saying, no one cares. All are heartless. They are unable to see how much I suffer. It only tried to attract self pity.
Without any further realisation, the bird settled for itself and began enjoying being trapped at the bottom of the well. Finally he gave up his thought of getting out of the well and so also out of his misery. People soon lost interest. The wings of the bird slowly withered away and it could fly no more. Feeling pity for itself, it crippled and lived in a sorry state at the bottom of the well.
God Bless you
Fr Eugene Lobo sj
