The story is told of a monastery governed by a wise and virtuous abbot who presided over a small group of monks. As the years passed, the number of monks declined as each aged and passed away, while fewer young men joined the order. Finally, only a handful of brothers remained and the abbot was deeply troubled. One morning he left the abbey to visit a renowned hermit, a rabbi, to seek his counsel on how to restore the order. The rabbi told him: “I cannot answer your question. I can only tell you that one of you is the messiah.”
This revelation greatly troubled the abbot. Returning to his abbey, the old priest recounted to the assembled brothers what the rabbi had said. Uncertain as to who among them was the chosen one, they began to treat each other with a newfound respect and humility.
It did not escape the notice of the villagers how compassionately and lovingly the monks treated each other. And, soon, many young men sought out the brothers, inquiring how they themselves might join such a respectful and loving order. So it came about that the monastery was renewed and prospers to this day.
