Christian Reflection and Prayer

“He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.” — Psalm 136:25

A story is told about a prominent rabbi in
Jerusalem who was held in such high esteem by
his followers that wherever he walked, a large
number of followers accompanied him. One day,
as the rabbi walked home from prayers with the
usual entourage in tow, he heard the sound of
crying. The rabbi stopped and searched for the
source. He discovered a little girl wailing behind
a bush.

The rabbi’s followers watched speechlessly as the
elderly man sat himself on the ground, wiped
away the tears of the little girl, and asked what
was bothering her. “My friend told me that my
dress is ugly,” the girl cried. “You tell your friend
that I think your dress is beautiful,” replied the
rabbi. With that, the girl broke into a smile and
happily ran off to play.

Friends, let us remember that no job is beneath
us. Whether it is wiping away the tears of a child,
feeding the homeless, or even taking out the
garbage, it is our honor and privilege to help
other people. The great praise of God can be our
praise, too. When we humble ourselves before
others, we rise to great heights in the eyes of God.

With prayers for shalom, peace,
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

(excerpts from Holy Land Moments)