In AD 80 Rome saw the opening of a huge amphitheatre, known as the colosseum. For almost four centuries this became the foremost place of enjoyment for the Romans. Bloody sports took…
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The song of eternity
A monk was walking in the monastery grounds one day when he heard a bird sing. He listened, spellbound. It seemed to him that never before had he heard, but really heard,…
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Prayers all
The village priest was a holy man so each time the people were in trouble they had recourse to him. He would then withdraw to a special place in the forest and…
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Prayer from the heart
Late one evening a poor farmer on his way back from the market found himself without his prayer book. The wheel of his cart had come off right in the middle of…
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Going higher
It intrigued the congregation to see that their rabbi disappeared each week on the eve of the Sabbath. They suspected that he was secretly meeting the Almighty, so they deputed one of…
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Respect the “NO”
Once, a bird was searching for a home to lay her eggs and shelter in the rainy season. In her search, she saw two trees, and she went to ask them for…
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Seeing, before and afterward
The lean man closed the door to his old truck. It was stacked high with firewood for me. Slowly he walked toward me, and put out his hand. “Good day,” he said.…
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True importance
Jean was out walking with his grandfather in Paris. At one point, they saw a shoemaker being insulted by a customer who claimed that there was something wrong with his shoes. The…
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The Moonlight Sonata
One evening renowned composer Beethoven and a friend were taking a walk. As they were passing through a narrow, dark street, they heard music coming from a little house. “Hush!” Beethoven said.…
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Four candles burning
In a room there were four candles burning. The ambiance was so soft you could hear them talking. The first one said, “I am PEACE, however nobody can keep me lit. I believe…