Once upon a time, there was a wonderful restaurant in a beautiful town. It was known far beyond the borders and, in some ways, even famous. In particular its cuisine had received numerous awards. Its chefs did an outstanding job.
One night, when all the guests had already left the house and the staff had also long gone home, all the utensils gathered in the kitchen. They wanted to discuss which of them was the most important. The Knife was the first to speak up and said: “Everyone, listen up: The most important object in this kitchen is, of course, me. Without me, nothing would happen here. If it weren’t for me, no one would have anything to eat.”
The Pot family objected: “No, dear Knife, we are the most important objects. If there were no Pots, no one would be able to cook anything. We even come in many different sizes, depending on what is needed. We are probably the most important items.”
When the father of the Pot family had finished, Ms. Fork spoke up: “I don’t come in as many sizes as you do, but if I weren’t there, the cooks wouldn’t be able to taste anything. Even the guests wouldn’t be able to eat. Maybe I’m the most important of us.”
The Spoons started laughing: “We beg your pardon, but we’re probably more important. You can even eat soup with us. Without us, nothing works here.”
So the discussion continued through the night, the Pans, Shakers, Plates, and Cups were all speaking up, as well as the Glasses, Bottles, Bowls, and Lids. Even the Scissors, Can Openers, and Corkscrews joined in, as did the Coasters, Cloths, and Hooks, as well as the Napkins, Bags, and Sacks. In the end, everyone had said something except one: It was the Sponge.
The Knife looked at the Sponge and said: “Would you also like to say something, you dirty Sponge?” The Sponge was watching the kitchen from his place next to the sink and saw the many utensils arguing over their own meaning. And he remained silent.
—
(Mk 9:33 and Mt 18:1)
—
Vienna Calling 