WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 36

The Last Supper

When Leonardo da Vinci was painting his famous work, The Last Supper, he wanted to paint Jesus first. So he sent people far and wide with the hope of finding a person whose overall countenance would be representative of Jesus. His representatives brought back the perfect fit – a handsome, upright young man with good manners. Da Vinci was very happy with the young man modelling as Jesus.

Over the next few years Leonardo found models to portray eleven of the disciples and at last there was only Judas left to paint. Finally a man was brought to the artist, whose appearance was testimony to many years of anger, hatred and selfishness. Leonardo was satisfied and started to paint. The model began to cry.

“What is the matter?” Leonardo asked him.

“Don’t you know me?” the man wailed.

“I’m sorry…” Leonardo said in confusion looking at the man more closely.

“Look at your own painting,” he pleaded to the painter, “I’m the same man you choose to portray Jesus so many years ago.”

Da Vinci looked closely and saw that it was true. Due to years of spending time in bad company, becoming selfish, angry and hurtful, the same man that had so well represented Jesus was now a perfect match for the man who betrayed him.

We become like those we associate with.

WISDOM OF THE WORLD WEEK 14 - BUILDING HOUSE

There was a skilled master carpenter who built strong, beautifully finished houses for his employer. His work was renowned throughout the land for its quality. He built with love and patience working painstakingly on all details. However he was nearing his retirement and looking forward to putting his working life behind him. His employer came to him one day and said, “I need you to build one more house for me before you retire”.

The master carpenter started the work but somehow he didn’t feel his usual pride in the work. The site for the home was beautiful; near woods and streams and rich land and resentment started to build up in him. All those years he had been building for others, never having the time or money for his own projects. This time he didn’t use such quality wood, he was careless with the building and didn’t bother about the details. When he had finished the house looked OK but the carpenter knew of the cut corners and shabby workmanship and didn’t care.

He handed over the keys to his employer and was surprised to see all his friends and colleagues there. The employer handed the keys back, “This house is for you for your retirement.” The carpenter realised that his resentment and bitterness had only hurt himself.