Abba Achilles: Give a man a fishing net

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Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

“Three old men, of whom one had a bad reputation, came one day to Abba Achilles. The first asked him, ‘Father, make me a fishing-net.’ ‘I will not make you one,’ he replied. Then the second said, ‘Of your charity make one, so that we may have a souvenir of you in the monastery.’ But he said, ‘I do not have time.’ Then the third one, who had a bad reputation, said, ‘Make me a fishing-net, so that I may have something from your hands, Father.’ Abba Achilles answered him at once, ‘For you, I will make one.’ Then the two other old men asked him privately, ‘Why did you not want to do what we asked you, but you promised to do what he asked?’ The old man gave them this answer, ‘I told you I would not make one, and you were not disappointed, since you thought that I had no time. But if I had not made one for him, he would have said, “The old man has heard about my sin, and that is why he does not want to make me anything,” and so our relationship would have broken down. But now I have cheered his soul, so that he will not be overcome with grief.’

Abba Achilles, a desert father in The Sayings of the Desert Fathers, translated by Benedicta Ward (Kalamazoo: Cistercian, 1975) 28-29.

I read, re-read, and re-read this one and I think I am starting to understand it, maybe.

For those two who were brothers it seems that Abba Achilles merely puts up a boundary. This is something I have been learning, that is, to put up a boundary to limit my charity and service. I cannot serve all people at all times. It’s humanly impossible. I need time for rest or other responsibilities.

But for the third one, it seems he makes the most of this opportunity. He acts wisely and even multiplies himself by doing it in view of the others. He bless the undeserving person. This shows that God’s charity is for everyone. It leaves an impact on not just one but on all three.

Consider the lesson as it relates to your generosity. Have boundaries. And yet, make space, even on busy days to make the most of an opportunity to combine a teachable moment for some and to extend grace and kindness to even the most undeserving. This is a powerful lesson.

God help us go and do likewise.