Have you seen the rabbit? The following story comes from the early Christian hermits in the deserts of Egypt: It seems that a young aspirant to holiness came to visit the hermitage of...

padremike Loc: Phenix City, Al

The following story comes from the early Christian hermits in the deserts of Egypt:

It seems that a young aspirant to holiness came to visit the hermitage of an old holy man who was sitting in the doorway of his quarters at sunset. The old man's dog stretched out across the threshold as the young spiritual seeker presented his concern to the holy man. "Why is it, Abba, that some who seek God come to the desert and are zealous in prayer but leave after a year or so, while others, like you, remain faithful to the quest for a lifetime?"

The old man smiled and replied, "Let me tell you a story."

"One day I was sitting here quietly in the sun with my dog. Suddenly a large white rabbit ran across in front of us. Well, my dog jumped up, barking loudly, and took off after that big rabbit. He chased the rabbit over the hills with a passion. Soon, other dogs joined him, attracted by his barking. What a sight it was, as the pack of dogs ran barking through thickets and thorns! Gradually, however, one by one, the other dogs dropped out of the pursuit, discouraged by the difficult course and frustrated by the chase. Only my dog continued to hotly pursue the white rabbit."

"In that true story, young man, is the answer to your question,"said the old man.

The young man sat in confused silence. Finally he said, "Abba, I don't understand. What is the connection between the rabbit chase and the quest for holiness?"

"You fail to understand," answered the old hermit, "because you failed to ask the obvious question. Why didn't the other dogs continue on the chase? And the answer to that is they had not seen the rabbit. Unless you see your prey, the chase is just too difficult. You will lack the passion and determination necessary to perform all the hard work required to continue the chase."

"Have I not been speaking to Him in my prayers each day, listening to Him as He spoke to me in His Holy Bible and that inner voice called conscience? Have I not been touching Him in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist? Has he not strengthened me in my weakness and comforted me in my sorrow. Has he not raised me up each time I have fallen?"

To some Christianity is an argument. To many it is a performance. To a few it is an experience for they have seen the rabbit.

DaWg44

Thank you.

BigMike Loc: yerington nv

padremike wrote:

The following story comes from the early Christian hermits in the deserts of Egypt:

It seems that a young aspirant to holiness came to visit the hermitage of an old holy man who was sitting in the doorway of his quarters at sunset. The old man's dog stretched out across the threshold as the young spiritual seeker presented his concern to the holy man. "Why is it, Abba, that some who seek God come to the desert and are zealous in prayer but leave after a year or so, while others, like you, remain faithful to the quest for a lifetime?"

The old man smiled and replied, "Let me tell you a story."

"One day I was sitting here quietly in the sun with my dog. Suddenly a large white rabbit ran across in front of us. Well, my dog jumped up, barking loudly, and took off after that big rabbit. He chased the rabbit over the hills with a passion. Soon, other dogs joined him, attracted by his barking. What a sight it was, as the pack of dogs ran barking through thickets and thorns! Gradually, however, one by one, the other dogs dropped out of the pursuit, discouraged by the difficult course and frustrated by the chase. Only my dog continued to hotly pursue the white rabbit."

"In that true story, young man, is the answer to your question,"said the old man.

The young man sat in confused silence. Finally he said, "Abba, I don't understand. What is the connection between the rabbit chase and the quest for holiness?"

"You fail to understand," answered the old hermit, "because you failed to ask the obvious question. Why didn't the other dogs continue on the chase? And the answer to that is they had not seen the rabbit. Unless you see your prey, the chase is just too difficult. You will lack the passion and determination necessary to perform all the hard work required to continue the chase."

"Have I not been speaking to Him in my prayers each day, listening to Him as He spoke to me in His Holy Bible and that inner voice called conscience? Have I not been touching Him in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist? Has he not strengthened me in my weakness and comforted me in my sorrow. Has he not raised me up each time I have fallen?"

To some Christianity is an argument. To many it is a performance. To a few it is an experience for they have seen the rabbit.

The following story comes from the early Christian... (show quote)

Very good. I may not be the smartest, cleanest or most perceptive dog...

...but I see the rabbit, I smell the rabbit and he's running just fast enough to keep me going.

I have a feeling, if that rabbit wanted, he could leave me in the dust.

I think he's leading me somewhere...

BigMike Loc: yerington nv

Funny...after running a while you seem to catch a Second Wind.

jeff smith

padremike wrote:

The following story comes from the early Christian hermits in the deserts of Egypt:

It seems that a young aspirant to holiness came to visit the hermitage of an old holy man who was sitting in the doorway of his quarters at sunset. The old man's dog stretched out across the threshold as the young spiritual seeker presented his concern to the holy man. "Why is it, Abba, that some who seek God come to the desert and are zealous in prayer but leave after a year or so, while others, like you, remain faithful to the quest for a lifetime?"

The old man smiled and replied, "Let me tell you a story."

"One day I was sitting here quietly in the sun with my dog. Suddenly a large white rabbit ran across in front of us. Well, my dog jumped up, barking loudly, and took off after that big rabbit. He chased the rabbit over the hills with a passion. Soon, other dogs joined him, attracted by his barking. What a sight it was, as the pack of dogs ran barking through thickets and thorns! Gradually, however, one by one, the other dogs dropped out of the pursuit, discouraged by the difficult course and frustrated by the chase. Only my dog continued to hotly pursue the white rabbit."

"In that true story, young man, is the answer to your question,"said the old man.

The young man sat in confused silence. Finally he said, "Abba, I don't understand. What is the connection between the rabbit chase and the quest for holiness?"

"You fail to understand," answered the old hermit, "because you failed to ask the obvious question. Why didn't the other dogs continue on the chase? And the answer to that is they had not seen the rabbit. Unless you see your prey, the chase is just too difficult. You will lack the passion and determination necessary to perform all the hard work required to continue the chase."

"Have I not been speaking to Him in my prayers each day, listening to Him as He spoke to me in His Holy Bible and that inner voice called conscience? Have I not been touching Him in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist? Has he not strengthened me in my weakness and comforted me in my sorrow. Has he not raised me up each time I have fallen?"

To some Christianity is an argument. To many it is a performance. To a few it is an experience for they have seen the rabbit.

The following story comes from the early Christian... (show quote)

running after the goal is the quest of all Christians . believe , do the best you can with HIS guidance and receive HIS help when you fall .

BigMike Loc: yerington nv

jeff smith wrote:

running after the goal is the quest of all Christians . believe , do the best you can with HIS guidance and receive HIS help when you fall .

Gettherabbitgettherabbit!

no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

padremike wrote:

The following story comes from the early Christian hermits in the deserts of Egypt:

It seems that a young aspirant to holiness came to visit the hermitage of an old holy man who was sitting in the doorway of his quarters at sunset. The old man's dog stretched out across the threshold as the young spiritual seeker presented his concern to the holy man. "Why is it, Abba, that some who seek God come to the desert and are zealous in prayer but leave after a year or so, while others, like you, remain faithful to the quest for a lifetime?"

The old man smiled and replied, "Let me tell you a story."

"One day I was sitting here quietly in the sun with my dog. Suddenly a large white rabbit ran across in front of us. Well, my dog jumped up, barking loudly, and took off after that big rabbit. He chased the rabbit over the hills with a passion. Soon, other dogs joined him, attracted by his barking. What a sight it was, as the pack of dogs ran barking through thickets and thorns! Gradually, however, one by one, the other dogs dropped out of the pursuit, discouraged by the difficult course and frustrated by the chase. Only my dog continued to hotly pursue the white rabbit."

"In that true story, young man, is the answer to your question,"said the old man.

The young man sat in confused silence. Finally he said, "Abba, I don't understand. What is the connection between the rabbit chase and the quest for holiness?"

"You fail to understand," answered the old hermit, "because you failed to ask the obvious question. Why didn't the other dogs continue on the chase? And the answer to that is they had not seen the rabbit. Unless you see your prey, the chase is just too difficult. You will lack the passion and determination necessary to perform all the hard work required to continue the chase."

"Have I not been speaking to Him in my prayers each day, listening to Him as He spoke to me in His Holy Bible and that inner voice called conscience? Have I not been touching Him in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist? Has he not strengthened me in my weakness and comforted me in my sorrow. Has he not raised me up each time I have fallen?"

To some Christianity is an argument. To many it is a performance. To a few it is an experience for they have seen the rabbit.

The following story comes from the early Christian... (show quote)

Fodaoson Loc: South Texas

The Gospel is less about how to get into the Kingdom of Heaven after you die, and more about how to live in the Kingdom of Heaven before you die. Dallas Willard

badbobby Loc: texas

padremike wrote:

The following story comes from the early Christian hermits in the deserts of Egypt:

It seems that a young aspirant to holiness came to visit the hermitage of an old holy man who was sitting in the doorway of his quarters at sunset. The old man's dog stretched out across the threshold as the young spiritual seeker presented his concern to the holy man. "Why is it, Abba, that some who seek God come to the desert and are zealous in prayer but leave after a year or so, while others, like you, remain faithful to the quest for a lifetime?"

The old man smiled and replied, "Let me tell you a story."

"One day I was sitting here quietly in the sun with my dog. Suddenly a large white rabbit ran across in front of us. Well, my dog jumped up, barking loudly, and took off after that big rabbit. He chased the rabbit over the hills with a passion. Soon, other dogs joined him, attracted by his barking. What a sight it was, as the pack of dogs ran barking through thickets and thorns! Gradually, however, one by one, the other dogs dropped out of the pursuit, discouraged by the difficult course and frustrated by the chase. Only my dog continued to hotly pursue the white rabbit."

"In that true story, young man, is the answer to your question,"said the old man.

The young man sat in confused silence. Finally he said, "Abba, I don't understand. What is the connection between the rabbit chase and the quest for holiness?"

"You fail to understand," answered the old hermit, "because you failed to ask the obvious question. Why didn't the other dogs continue on the chase? And the answer to that is they had not seen the rabbit. Unless you see your prey, the chase is just too difficult. You will lack the passion and determination necessary to perform all the hard work required to continue the chase."

"Have I not been speaking to Him in my prayers each day, listening to Him as He spoke to me in His Holy Bible and that inner voice called conscience? Have I not been touching Him in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist? Has he not strengthened me in my weakness and comforted me in my sorrow. Has he not raised me up each time I have fallen?"

To some Christianity is an argument. To many it is a performance. To a few it is an experience for they have seen the rabbit.

The following story comes from the early Christian... (show quote)

excellent!!

Rose42

BigMike wrote:

Very good. I may not be the smartest, cleanest or most perceptive dog...

...but I see the rabbit, I smell the rabbit and he's running just fast enough to keep me going.

I have a feeling, if that rabbit wanted, he could leave me in the dust.

I think he's leading me somewhere...

Make sure you're not chasing a f**e rabbit like the ones greyhounds chase on a track...

BigMike Loc: yerington nv

Rose42 wrote:

Make sure you're not chasing a f**e rabbit like the ones greyhounds chase on a track...

That isn't possible...either the Holy Spirit's ability to guide us into t***h is fictional or it isn't. I think it isn't. I know who my trust is in and it ain't me.

Rose42

BigMike wrote:

That isn't possible...either the Holy Spirit's ability to guide us into t***h is fictional or it isn't. I think it isn't. I know who my trust is in and it ain't me.

This isn’t directed at you btw. We have to be constantly on guard against self deception. Satan can come as an angel of light. Many are deceived.

Wonttakeitanymore

BigMike wrote:

That isn't possible...either the Holy Spirit's ability to guide us into t***h is fictional or it isn't. I think it isn't. I know who my trust is in and it ain't me.

Amen!!!!!!!!praise the Lord!

no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

Rose42 wrote:

This isn’t directed at you btw. We have to be constantly on guard against self deception. Satan can come as an angel of light. Many are deceived.

You are so right!!!

BigMike Loc: yerington nv

Rose42 wrote:

This isn’t directed at you btw. We have to be constantly on guard against self deception. Satan can come as an angel of light. Many are deceived.

All my angels look like mechanics.