The Old Man and the Rock

It is said that a hermit lived in a secluded place, and one day God gave him an unusual obedience:

“Every day, go and push the great rock beside your cell.”

Without asking why and without grumbling, the old man began to carry out the command. From dawn until dusk, day after day, year after year, he braced his shoulders against the stone and pushed it with all his strength. But the rock did not move even an inch.

After many years of toil, the devil whispered into his heart:

“Do you see? All your labor is in vain. You’ve lost whole years and accomplished nothing.”

Troubled by these thoughts, the hermit prayed with tears and asked God:

“Lord, where did I go wrong? Why hasn’t the rock budged, even though I obeyed Your command?”

Then the Lord answered him gently:

“I did not ask you to move the rock, only to push it. Your obedience was never in vain. All this time, your body has grown strong, your will has been tempered, and your soul has learned patience and faithfulness. You have done what I asked of you. From now on, I will do what only I can do.”

At that moment, by the power of God, the rock broke loose and started rolling down the slope.