Two Ladies

By Dincy Santhosh

TWO LADIES

Once there lived two ladies in a town. Sherly was a housewife. She was very busy with taking care of her family. Her days were hectic with cooking, cleaning, taking care of her in-laws, etc. Many days, there were no family prayers. Sometimes her yelling at kids were so loud that neighbours would advise her “Try to spend more time in prayers, do not miss Sunday Holy mass to do household chores.” Her face always resembled anxiety. “Why cannot she be like Jincy”, some of the neighbors murmured.

Jincy was a teacher. She was extremely busy with her job and community activities. She had a housemaid working 7 days a week. Besides, she volunteered to teach catechism to kids. She did fund raising activities for the society. She was always pleasant and good in organizing and entertaining people. Everyone loved and respected her. 

One day both Sherly and Jincy died. Peter came to Jincy and asked, “Who are you? How was your life on earth”?

Jincy:     “I had a wonderful life on earth. I worked hard and earned money. I spend my time free of cost to teach Word of God to children. I raised crores of rupees for the welfare of people suffering from cancer.”

Peter:  “That is great. Let me check your name in the Book of Life. Your guardian angel has written all your activities and rewards in it. Your records say that you helped a lot of people and you received all rewards, all praises then and there. You were not available for your children and husband. Your housemaid took care of the needs of your children and in-laws. Your children keenly observed you and look how they live a show-off life. They do not know to worship God with their heart. They consider prayer as a duty or responsibility. We do not have any place for you here in heaven. “

 Jincy was left there and Peter came to Sherly. He asked “Who are you? How was your life on earth”?

Sherly:           “I was a sinner, I yelled at my children. I failed to attend Holy mass every Sunday. I did not teach my children to pray. I did not help my neighbors.”

Peter: “ Let me check your name in the Book of Life. Your guardian angel has written all your activities and rewards in it. Your records say that you taught your children to keep the house and surroundings clean, to take care of your parents, to respect elders, to give importance to obedience and kindness than verbal prayers. You had spent your time with your family. Your soul prayed for your needs when you failed to attend church. You have worshipped God with your heart. All these deeds were blessed by God. See how your parents were happy, how your children knew to help others. They took care of elders and needy and that was their prayer. Their prayer was love as Jesus taught. When God said people should not have any other God than Him, he meant to love, because God is love. All your deeds on earth were never recognized by your neighbors. Come with me to heaven. Jesus is awaiting with rewards for you.”

Sherly was taken to heaven.