Desať vynikajúcich psích vlastností, ktoré by mal mať služobník Boží

Ako protiváhu predchádzajúcich apokalyptických príspevkov ponúkam na meditáciu anonymný stredoveký sýrsky text, ktorý ma zaujal svojou františkánskou nôtou:

“Wise and learned people say that the dog possesses ten excellent qualities.

The first is that he is always full of enthusiasm. This is the mark of the devout and the virtuous.

The second is that he does not have a fixed place to sleep. This is the condition of wanderers who rely on God.

The third is that he does not sleep all night long, except only for a moment, but spends the night awake in order to guard his master. This is the mark of the loving and the merciful.

The fourth is that he leaves behind absolutely nothing when he dies. This is the characteristic of the poor and the destitute.

The fifth is that he does not forsake his master. Even if he beats him, he does not abandon him. This is a symbol of those who love and cherish their Master.

The sixth is that he accepts a humble place and remains there. This is a symbol of those who accept sufferings and adversity.

The seventh is that, even if he laments his position, he perseveres and does not abandon it. This is a symbol of the upright, the humble, and the wise.

The eighth is that if one chases him and hits him, and immediately afterwards calls him and offers him a scrap of food, he comes and accepts it without anger or a grudge. This is a sign of the straightforward and the simple.

The ninth is that he remains at a distance and does not allow himself to approach when food is being prepared. This is the attitude of those who have control over themselves and who have received grace.

The tenth is that, when he leaves his place, he does not bring anything with him. This is a symbol of the ascetics and the anchorites.

He also has another, that when his master beats him, he lies on his back, whimpers, and extends his paw. This is a symbol of servants.

And another, that it is his mouth which attracts blows, and his tail which earns him food.”

(preklad do angličtiny: Liza Anderson)