An Unexpected Fishing Trip

Anthony lived with his family in a small village by the sea, and his father, Peter, was a fisherman.

Those were difficult days. They lived from fishing but the fish were gone from the sea.

Anthony's mother worked hard, doing all the housework and still helping to clean the fish that would be offered for sale.

They had never lacked the basic things even though they were poor. Now, however, hunger roamed their house.

For many days his father had gone out to sea, had thrown his nets, but the boat had returned empty.

A great discouragement took over the fisherman’s heart who no longer wanted to go fishing.

Food became scarce in his home, for he had no money, and Peter could foresee with concern the day when his family would starve.

One day, an old lady knocked on their door asking for a plate of food.

- I’m starving! - she said weakly - For God's sake, help me!

Peter, irritated about the difficult situation he was experiencing at the time, answered rudely:

- Help you how? We barely have enough food for us! I cannot.

Little Anthony, full of compassion for the poor old lady, replied:

- But, Daddy, she's asking in the name of God! Mom has taught me that Jesus said we should do to others what we would like others to do to us. If we were in this lady's situation, wouldn’t you like to be treated kindly?

Anthony's mother, generous in heart and willing to help the old woman, agreed:

- Our son is right, Peter. Also, a plate of food is so little! We will not miss it and Jesus will be pleased with us.

Convinced by his family, Peter ended up agreeing.

It was dinner time and affectionately Anthony's mother had the beggar come into their home.

They sat at the table and shared the little they had, fraternally.

The next morning the boy woke up and saw his father at home.

- Are not you going out fishing today? - he asked curiously.

- It's no use. The fish are gone from the sea - replied the fisherman, full of discouragement.

Anthony, with his bright eyes, said:

- Trust in Jesus, Dad. He never forsakes us. Let’s go to the sea and I will help you fish. I have faith in God that we will succeed.

More excited by the boy's words, Peter packed up his things quickly and off they went with their boat.

Peter threw the net and, to his surprise, brought it back full of fish. And that happened again the second and third times. They returned home happy.

Peter could not contain his joy:

- Thanks to you, son, we had a great catch and tranquility will reign in our house again.

He paused, hugged the boy and continued, moved to tears:

- If it weren't for your faith in God, we would have done nothing. Well, Jesus taught us that anyone with faith the size of a mustard seed can do anything. But how were you so sure that we would not come back home empty-handed?

- Because I learned, with Jesus, that when we help someone we are also helped! - Anthony replied displaying a great sense of logic.

Peter stared at his son with tears in his eyes, thanking God for the lessons he had had on that unforgettable day through the mouth of a child.

From that day on, Peter began to trust God more, and being informed that the old woman had neither a home nor relatives, he invited her to live in his house and to be part of his family.

Aunt Celia

Translation:
Johnny Silveira / silveirajohnny@yahoo.com