As a Farmer

One Sunday, the new priest of a small town church noticed that only one farmer from a nearby village had attended the mass. Disappointed by the low turnout, he had expected a good audience and prepared a talk accordingly. Reluctantly, he considered whether such a precious message was worth delivering to just a single listener.

“I see that you are my only listener. Should I continue with my talk? What do you say?” asked the priest.

“Well, Father,” the farmer replied, “as a farmer, I can tell you that if I have a lot of fodder but find only one cow there, I do not force the lone cow to eat it all.”

This response inspired the priest to go ahead with his lengthy sermon. He spoke passionately, sharing stories and wisdom from his heart. However, when he finally finished and turned to the farmer, he noticed the farmer did not appear very pleased.

“How did you find my discourse?” the priest inquired.

“Well, Father, as a farmer I can tell you that if I go to my cattle-shed with a lot of fodder and find only one cow, I don’t make the single cow consume the entire amount!” replied the farmer with a smile as he stepped outside.