St. John the Dwarf–yes, that was the name attached to this short-of-stature Egyptian who lived primarily in the 4th century–had a story that he loved telling others about how best to overcome one’s own ego when faced with people making fun of you (something he, himself, had to deal with frequently). As paraphrasing Butler’s paraphrase of John’s story of some other person (real or imagined) would not add anything of value, I will simply reproduce the words from Butler:

By the following example, he (St. John) inculcated to others the great necessity of overcoming ourselves, if we desire truly to serve God. [Now begins the story lesson John would tell:] A certain young man entreated a celebrated philosopher to permit him to attend his lectures. “Go first,” said the philosopher, “to the marble quarries, and carry stones to the river, among the malefactors condemned to the mines, during [for] three years.” He did so, and came back at the end of that term. The philosopher bid him go again, and pass three years in receiving all sorts of injuries and affronts, and make no answer, but give money to those who should most bitterly revile him. He complied likewise with this precept, and upon his return the experienced tutor told him he might now go to Athens, and be initiated in the schools of the philosophers. At the gate of that city sat a man who made it his pastime to abuse those who came that way. The young novice never justified himself, nor was angry, but laughed to hear himself so outrageously railed at, and being asked the reason, said: “I have given money these three years to all who have treated me as you do; and shall I not laugh, now it costs me nothing to be reviled?” Hereupon the old man replied; “Welcome to the schools of philosophy: you are worthy of a seat in them.” [End of story.] The saint added: “Behold the gate of heaven.”

I tend to love all these stories of wise old people telling young people to do seemingly senseless things that turn out to teach invaluable lessons. For me, this story that John liked to tell is particularly timely, because recently I have been the object of insults and venom that were actually unwarranted (but no less vicious on that count). This happened online, but I wonder now how very different my entire last week would have been for me if my response was, instead of stewing and feeling wronged, sitting down at the table, writing out a check for $1.00 and simply put it in the mail!

Think about it! To be THIS FREE of concern for others’ insults, unkindnesses, or nasty words. Imagine how flummoxed each of these people would be to get money instead of seeing you upset, hearing your attempts to defend yourself, or watching you try to formulate a comeback! “Hey, Nasty Human Being: You know that thing you said that was so vile? Here’s a dollar for your troubles!”

Thanks, John the Dwarf!!