the holy shadow

There once lived a saint so good that the angels came from heaven to see how a man could be so godly.  This saintly man went about his daily life dispensing virtue without ever being aware of it.  His day could be summed up by two words -- he gave, he forgave -- yet these words never passed his lips.  They were expressed in his ready smile, his kindness, forbearance, and charity.

The angels said to God, "Lord, grant him the gift of miracles.”  God replied, "Ask what it is that he wishes."

The angels said to the saint, "Would you like the touch of your hands to heal the sick?"

"No," answered the saint. "I would rather God do that."

"Would you like to convert guilty souls and bring back wandering hearts to the right path?"

"No, that is the angels' mission. It is not for me to convert."

"Would you like to become a model of patience, attracting others by the luster of your virtues, and thus glorifying God?"

"No," replied the saint. "If others should be attracted to me, they would become estranged from God." 

“What is it that you desire, then?" asked the angels.

“What can I wish for?" asked the saint smiling.  "That God gives me His grace; with that would I not have everything?"

The angels said, "You must ask for a miracle, or one will be forced upon you." 

“Very well," said the saint.  "May I do a great deal of good without ever knowing it."

The angels were perplexed.  They took counsel and resolved upon the following plan. Every time the saint's shadow fell behind him or to either side, so that he could not see it, it would have the power to cure disease, soothe pain, and comfort sorrow.

When the saint walked along, his shadow, thrown on the ground on either side or behind him, made arid paths green, caused withered plants to bloom, gave clear water to dried-up brooks, fresh color to pale children, and joy to unhappy men and women.

The saint simply spent his days dispersing virtue, much as the stars diffuse light and the flowers deliver scent without awareness of the gifts they bestow.  The people, respecting his humility, followed him silently, never speaking to him about his miracles. Soon they even forgot his name, and called him simply, "the Holy Shadow."