A third-century story recorded in The Sayings of the Desert Fathers illustrates how the inward-outward journey manifests itself. Abba Agathon, a third-century monk, was going to town to sell articles. On the roadside, he met a cripple with paralyzed legs who asked the monk where he was going. Abba Agathon replied, “To town, to sell some things.” The cripple replied, “Do me the favor of carrying me there.” So Agathon carried him to town. When they arrived, the cripple said, “Put me down where you sell your wares.” He did so. After Agathon sold something, the man asked, “For how much did you sell it?” Agathon told him. The man said, “Buy me some food.” Agathon did. When he had sold all his wares and was preparing to leave, the cripple asked, “Will you do me the favor of carrying me back to the place where you found me?” Agathon picked him up and carried him back to that place. Then the cripple said, “Agathon, you are filled with divine blessings, in heaven and on earth.” Raising his eyes, Agathon saw only an angel of the Lord. (Paul R. Dekar)

Putting the quote next to the story illustrates the delicate balance we face when trying to follow the principles and practices of Christianity – not dogmatically, but from the heart and without abandon. Sure, I can try to go to bed without malice and I want to help people, but this is too much. How I am I supposed to help people only to have them ask for more and more and more. On top of that, I’ll bet that guy planned it all along. I’m no sucker. That’s not right. It’s not fair. What about me? Waa, waa, waa.