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Alfred was a
very intelligent
guy who always
carried books
with him. He was
always trying to
learn more and
more.
One of his best
friends knew him
since childhood.
His name was
Mario, who was a
very cheerful
person. Mario
was always
playing and
making jokes
with people.
Alfred was
always warning
his friend
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— You need to
study more,
Mario. You need
to take life
more seriously! |
The other one
would then say:
— Why? I study,
but I also enjoy
cheering people
up; seeing them
happy. What
about you? What
do you do with
your knowledge
to others?
— Me? Nothing. I
enjoy learning
just to have
knowledge!
They continued
discussing this
subject, but
could not come
into any
agreement.
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Many years
later, alfred
had to go to the
hospital to
visit his little
sister who was
very sick. He
got quite
surprised to
find a man
dressed as a
clown in the
hospital.
This man was
cheering the
chidlren up, the
sick people who
were laying in
beds. He would
give them hope
by saying some
nice words to
them:
— Trust God! You
will be well
soon!
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— Don’t feel
sad. You will
soon get better.
Trust!
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— Let’s pray to
Jesus and your
pain will go
away!
Alfred felt
quite moved by
the work of that
man. When the
clown left the
room, it could
be seen that the
environment had
changed
completely. The
children were
much happier; it
was as if their
eyes had a new
colour... A new
wave of hope
seemed to take
over their
hearts.
Alfred decided
to search for
the clown and
talk to him. He
wanted to thank
him for smile he
put on her
little sister’s
face and on the
other children.
He saw him
distributing
biscuits and
toys at another
room. He came
close to him and
said:
— I want to
thank you for
the work you are
doing at this
hospital. It is
noticeable the
change in the
environment due
to your work!
The clown looked
at Alfred for a
while and then
said:
— Don’t you
recognise me?
It’s me; Mário!
Your friend
Mario!... You
know Alfred I
really wanted to
be just as
intelligent as
you are and
learn as much as
possible but
it’s difficult
for me. I use
the skills I
have to bring
happiness to
people. Jesus
taught us we
should share
what we have
with others. I
share my
happiness!
Alfred meditated
for a few
moments, feeling
shamed of
himself. He, who
knew so much,
never shared any
of his knowledge
with anyone.
Mario, the one
he criticised
for not having
much knowledge,
used what he had
to benefit
children.
Alfred felt
quite moved,
place his hand
at Mario’s
shoulder and
said:
— You taught me
a great lesson
today, Mario. I
want you to
forgive me for
my behaviour in
the past. I
learned all the
knowledge I
acquired has no
value if we
can’t apply for
something
useful.
Alfred looked
down and added:
— I don’t know
how but I wanted
to help you with
your work, if
it’s ok with
you. I can see
this helps the
children so
much.
— This will
please me so
much, my friend!
— Mario said.
They hugged each
other and, from
that day
onwards, started
to work together
on the weekends.
Alfred would
tell stories and
teach passages
from Jesus’
Gospel. This
would be adapted
to each age
group. Mario
would later on
cheer the
children dresses
as a clown,
singing songs
and making
jokes.
The one
who knows a lot,
But
doesn’t share
what he has
Is just like the
avaricious
Who doesn’t
please anyone.
Aunt Celia
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