The Tortoise and the Hare
By: Michelle Joan
Tags: Faith Stories, Fables, Catholic

One day, while wandering aimlessly in the wilderness, the young Hare bumped into the Lion. “I’ve finally found you child! Come to the mountains with me. I would like you to join a marathon. Anyone who finishes this marathon, regardless of their pace, would be awarded a valuable prize. The rules are fairly simple, keep your eyes on the prize, travel within the designated route to the finish line, be kind to those you meet along the way, and invite others to join the race”, said the Lion to the Hare.

“How long is the marathon? Is the route marked? Are there others?” asked the Hare. The Lion said, “The marathon is as long as it needs to be. The route is not marked, but you will be, as are all participants. You will be given a guidebook, refer to it often so you do not get lost. Countless others have completed it, and you may ask for guidance from other participants who have already started, and there are also marshals I’ve placed along the route. I myself will be with you as you run. The prize at the end is a treasure beyond compare, will you come?”

Looking into the eyes of the Lion, the Hare asked, “I am inexperienced, young and rather rash. Are you sure I am good enough?” The Lion then reassured the Hare, “Come as you are”. Intrigued, the Hare followed the Lion into the mountains to join the marathon.

Amongst those who were about to participate in the marathon, were a duckling and an alpaca. The three greeted each other warmly, and were excited to start the marathon. The Lion call them toward him, marked their foreheads with water and gave them each a piece of bread and a small jar of wine. “Now, be on your way”, he said. The Alpaca raised an eyebrow and asked, “Is that all you are giving us for sustenance for what I reckon will be a long race?” With a soothing smile, the Lion replied, “For some it will be a long race, for others not so. You can have the bread and wine daily, you simply need to approach the marshals for your ration. But, no matter your distance, I will provide all that you need. You will be neither hungry, nor thirsty. You have my Word.”

“Sir, why just the three of us, surely there must be many more who could join us.” asked the Duckling. “I, too, do wish there were many more. Along the way you may meet some of those who have stumbled upon the race path or are searching for me to ask to join the marathon. If you see them, do walk with them to seek the race marshals and myself.” The Lion answered. “Go on now children! At this rate, you’re never going to start!”

And with much enthusiasm, the three began their race.

The race was far less exciting these juveniles had expected. Aside from having to settle their basic needs like finding shelter and warmth, others who had joined the marathon earlier did not always welcome the three with open arms. Some marshals who gave out rations threw their weight and authority around, as did some of the marathon participants who were assisting the marshals. And there were also those who, having trod the marathon path for a longer time, walked with a sententious air. One such participant was the Tortoise.

The trio first met the Tortoise by a lake en route. With them, was a young squirrel that they had invited to meet the Lion. The group had wanted to cross the lake to continue the journey, and was discussing amongst themselves how they might best do so.

“I can swim with ease on my own, but I doubt I would have the strength to pull you three across the lake”, said the Duckling. “Perhaps we could build a raft of some kind, I could go gather material. You think acorns would work? How about hazelnut shells?” offered the Squirrel. Just as the Alpaca was about to speak, the Hare had spotted the Tortoise slowly walking by the lake. Very slowly.

The Hare approached the Tortoise, “Hey you! Let’s journey together, and with your help we can all get across the water!” The Tortoise widened his eyes and glared at the Hare “Do you expect me to carry you youngsters on my shell and swim across the lake?”

“Why not? It’s the shortest way to the next checkpoint. After you help us across the lake atop, Alpaca and I can help dry you off with some of our fur.”

“I know the right way to the next checkpoint, I will travel on my own. I’ve walked more miles than you could ever run. If anything, you should be following my footsteps. I don’t even know why some of the marshals try to suggest new paths to me, they ought to know that my way is the right way to finish the marathon.”

“But sir, we cannot make it across the lake without some help.”

“Your journey is none of my concern, my way is the right way,” retorted the Tortoise. He let out a scornful breath, turned, and left the youngsters on their own.

“What hypocrites!” cried the Hare, “I thought this community of marathon participants would be much more welcoming and helpful. I’ve had enough of the self-righteousness, entitlement and disdain! I’m not participating any longer!” And with that, the Hare began walking away in a huff. But the Lion emerged from a distance, and stood in the path of the Hare.

“Where have you come from and where do you think you are going?” asks the Lion. The Hare then told the Lion of all the unhappy moments during the race thus far.

“An invaluable treasure is what I pledged for following me. What I did not pledge was a comfortable race. Do you truly desire to return to the place I led you out of, and forgo the treasure I promise you?” probed the Lion.

The Hare looked down on the ground in remorse, for the Lion was faithfully true to His word throughout the race, all of their needs were indeed provided for, often in abundance.

Sensing the Hare’s wavering heart, he beckoned the group of youngsters to the lake “Come, follow me.” And with that, he began walking on the water. Each of the Lion’s footsteps caused the water to ripple gently. The youngsters were flabbergasted by what they saw, but carefully, they followed every step on the water. Midway, the Alpaca slipped and fell into the water, but with the help of the Squirrel, climbed back up. “Keep your focus, do not fear!” cheered the duckling.

Unbeknownst to the youngsters, the Lion had also spoken to the Tortoise. “Why do you reject the youngsters?”

“They are rude and disrespectful. They refuse to follow me.” answered the Tortoise.

“Like them, you were young once, Tortoise. And you were much faster. Over the years, you have slowed down. Because the weight you drag behind you has grown significantly larger.” said the Lion.

“Weight? What weight?” asked the Tortoise.

“Pride.” The Lion answered. The Tortoise looked down on the ground in remorse. Sensing the Tortoise’s wavering heart, the Lion beckoned him to the lake. “Come, follow me.” And with that, he began walking on the water. Each of the Lion’s footsteps caused the water to ripple gently. The Tortoise was flabbergasted by what he saw, but carefully swam into the lake, following the Lion. Midway, he caught up with the earlier group of youngsters. The Hare and the Tortoise greeted each other with a hesitant nod. And together, they all followed the Lion to the finish line.