In today's reading, we learn a lesson from the ant. "All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions." This makes me think of a story I was told at a Teens Encounter Christ weekend called the ant and the grasshopper. The ant in the story is just like the one above. I recently learned that there are only two animals that live completely for the sake of the community: ants and cockroaches. But this story isn't just about ants helping other "insider" ants. The grasshopper lazes around all summer, playing instead of working.
Then winter comes. The ant has more than enough food, but the grasshopper is going hungry. A group of 9 year olds is asked to finish the tale. Year after year in Mrs. Smith's class two endings emerge:
#1. The ant refuses to share that which he worked so hard for and the grasshopper starves to death. This Sunday's sermon is about the prodigal son and his older brother who doesn't want their father to throw him a party when he comes back home.
#2. The ant splits his stockpiled food with the grasshopper and there is enough for both of them.
But this year, Mark offered a different ending:
#3. The ant gives all of his food to the grasshopper who survives, but the ant dies. Remind you of anyone?
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