igion was undoubtedly an individual matter between people and God. No institution was necessary, no sacrifice was necessary — with respect to the slaughter of animals or the delivery of goods to the priesthood — and the only thing that was really necessary was the good will of people and their intention to come closer to God.

For us, this idea was revolutionary — and a little bit worrying, to say the least. When people grow up in a specific religious environment, they simply accept all associated institutions without questioning them. It is very difficult then, to imagine that those institutions were unnecessary, superfluous, and even harmful, because they substituted empty ritual for true delivery of people.

So, Jesus proceeded to tell us the following parable:

Once there lived a rich man who had a beautiful rose garden, the most beautiful in the entire country. Every day in the morning he went out and cut flowers, which he used to adorn his house. One day, when his birthday celebration was approaching, two of his servants decided to give him a present, in order to thank him for his kindness and to find favor in his eyes. Each of them thought, “My master has all sorts of things. But what he likes most are flowers. I will give him a bunch of roses."

The first servant cautiously sneaked into his master’s garden and cut some roses, gathering in this way a precious bouquet.

The second servant went to his own small garden, where he also grew roses. Of course, they could not be compared with his master’s flowers, but with good intention and with sacrifice he was able to pick a bouquet, which he hoped would find favor in his master’s eyes.

When the two servants finally entered the house to give their presents, the master of the house realized at once what had happened.

He called the first servant and said to him: “You have taken what is already mine, and you have tried to gain my favor. But what you have done is nothing else than to flatter your own vanity." And he expelled him.

He called the second servant and said to him: “You have sacrificed for my sake what is yours. I will name you my steward and you will be the man of my trust."

Then, Jesus proceeded to explain to us the parable. God is already the owner of all His creation. He does not need us to sacrifice something that is already His. But within His creation, He has separated two things for the exclusive use of men, two things they may dispose of freely: Love and free will. Therefore, when people wish to sacrifice something in order to find favor in the eyes of the Lord, they should subordinate their will under His, and they shouldl give their love to Him.

It did not turn out so difficult, did it?

Well, I am happy that we have finally managed to conclude this message. It is another small stone in the colorful mosaic of Jesus’ life we are piecing together.

God bless you,

A Disciple of Jesus

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------