The Parable of  The Twins

Dear friends,

In the aftermath of Easter and in the style of the parable, which Jesus used effectively, I offer the following, for your reflection.

Once upon a time, twin boys were conceived in the same womb.  Weeks passed, and the twins developed.  As their awareness grew, they laughed for joy: Isn’t it great that we were conceived? Isn’t it great to be alive?”

Together, the twins explored their world.  When they found their mother’s cord that gave them life, they sang for joy:  “How great is our mother’s love, that she shares her own life with us!”

As weeks stretched into months, the twins noticed how much each was changing.  “What does it mean?” asked the one.  “It means that our stay in this world is drawing to an end,” said the other.  “But I don’t want to go,” said the other one.  “I want to stay here always.”  “We have no choice,” said the other.  But maybe there is life after birth!”  “But how can there be?” responded the one.  “We will shed our life cord, and how is life possible without it?  Besides, we have seen evidence that others were here before us, and none of them have returned to tell us that there is life after birth.  No, this is the end.”

And so the one fell into despair, saying, “If conception ends in birth, what is the purpose of life in the womb?  It’s meaningless!

Maybe there is no mother after all?”  But there has to be,” protested the other.  “How else did we get here?  How do we remain alive?”

“Have you ever seen our mother?” said the one. “Maybe she lives only in our minds. Maybe we made her up, because the idea made us feel good?’

And so the last days in the womb were filled with deep questioning and fear.  Finally, the moment of birth arrived.

When the twins had passed from their world, they opened their eyes and cried for joy.  For what they saw exceeded their fondest dreams.  

Chris