David Cook: The Wolf of Gubbio, the Wolves of Today: A Tribute to Steve Irwin
by David Cook
posted September 8, 2006
Many moons ago, a small town in Italy had a wolf problem.
The quiet and calm people of Gubbio had become shakily frightened by a large, sharp-toothed wolf that had been threatening their town. Taking up arms, as people often do when they are frightened, the townspeople sought to destroy the wolf. Yet, as is often the case, the creature became more of a ghost, eluding the swords and staffs of the townspeople time and time again.
During this time, a man named Francis (we often call him St. Francis) was living among the people of Gubbio, and aware of their trouble. Francis was a man consumed by Christ-compassion, and sought to help bring peace to the situation. Leaving behind the swords of the town, Francis walked out the Gubbio gates, and into the woods, empty-handed. The people begged and pleaded with him not to go; surely the wolf will eat you alive, they cried. The saint only smiled.
A short time later, among the rocks and trees and streams of the woods, the wolf appeared, his mouth open in a snarl, his teeth glittering in the sunlight. Yet instead of threats and traps, Francis knelt down and spoke to the wolf: do not be afraid, he said gently, for I come in peace.
The legend goes that the wolf, overcome with authentic Love, bowed its head at Francis's feet. The two became fast friends, perhaps even brothers, and Francis escorted the wolf back into the town, where the people stood, caught in wonder at the sight before them.
<snip>
Link here:
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_92406.aspI cried like a baby when I read that. It was so true. That is how Steve would have handled the birds, IMHO. RIP Steve
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