The Brothers

From Ikon

This is the story of two brothers who became Christians together at the age of six. One of the brothers stayed in his heavenly father’s home, diligently working day and night for the kingdom. He gave up all wealth and worked in the slums. Many of his friends deserted him and he even lost the one woman who he ever loved, forsaking their marriage for the sake of his work among the poor - the pain of which haunted him all his days. Because of the conditions in which he lived he was frequently ill and lived alone. When he died, no one was present; his body was not discovered for five days and only a handful of people showed up for his funeral.

The other brother left his heavenly fathers home almost as soon as he entered it. He became wealthy and well liked. He married the woman he loved had children and made a beautiful home. While his fame and wealth grew his thoughts of God quickly dissolved to nothing. Not only this, but he never gave any of his money to charity, ‘why should I’ he thought, ‘I have worked hard for it’. After a happy and successful life he died in the arms of his loving wife with his children surrounding him.

In heaven God called the two brothers before Him and to each He gave an equal reward.

The brother who had stayed in his father’s house was surprised – this man had given up everything to live a difficult and torturous life of charity. As a result of his sacrifices he had deep inner scars that remained in heaven and dark memories that could never be erased.

As you can expect this man turned quickly to his brother… and embraced him, holding him as if he would never let go. He began to weep and said, ‘today my brother, our joy is finally complete for we are one again. What a merciful and loving God who would lavish such grace upon us and give so generously. Come let us break bread together’.