Written by Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

William R. White has written a book of stories that are reimagining folktales to help us learn about the Kingdom of God as presented to us in the Gospels. “The Magic Seed” is one of those stories. In this particular story, a thief was sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a small package of meat.  Before he was taken to the gallows, he was allowed to address the king. “Your majesty,” the thief said, “I am the only man living who knows how to plant an apple seed that will grow and bear fruit overnight. To atone for my crime, I would like to teach you and your court the secret.  I will need a shovel and a handful of apple seed.”

The thief dug a small hole and then said, “Now we are ready for the planting.  However, the seed can only be placed in the earth by someone who has never taken a single item that did not belong to that individual, no matter how small or how long ago. Obviously, I can’t be that person, so I will need someone from your kingdom to help with that.”

“I would like to have my most trusted advisor, the prime minister, be the one who plants this magic seed in the ground,” the king announced. Hesitating, the prime minister announced, “I am afraid that I am not eligible, your majesty.  When I was young, I took a jacket that was not mine.”

One by one the king’s advisors coughed, sputtered, and explained that they were not able to be the one to plant the seed. Finally, even the king admitted that he once took a small item that belonged to his father.

When each had spoken, the thief addressed the king. “The members of your court are men and women of the highest ethical standards. They are recognized as devoted public servants, yet not one of them can say that they have never taken something that did not belong to them.  How is it that I am to be hanged for taking a small bit of food?”

One of our Core Values is Justice and Peace. This story offers a clear example of the obstruction of justice in the punishment of the thief. It reminds us of the Pharisees who have little trouble finding the faults and the sins in others, but they act as if they themselves have no such faults or sins. Jesus continually promotes justice and dignity for all of God’s people. When he heard that he and his followers were being criticized for eating with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus responds that those who are well have no need for a doctor, but those who are sick do have such a need. Jesus calls us to care for the poor and for those in need.

Jesus and his followers have a mission to fulfill. They have come to call people to repentance and to bring life and healing and salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus. 

Blessed Angela: “Do not become weary of the life of dedication for others.”