Parable

Parable 

There was a peasant in the world, and every day he regularly prayed to the Lord. And each time he offered Him the same prayer: 

“Lord, there is no man in the world who is more unfortunate than me!” Every day I suffer immensely and ask myself: “What terrible sin have I committed to deserve such punishment? Have mercy on me, hear my prayers. I do not dare to ask you for happiness or wealth.

My request is modest and insignificant: let someone take my hardships to himself and give his own in return. I do not care with whom to change, because no one will have a burden that would be heavier than mine."

Heaven heard his prayers, and once a peasant heard a heavenly voice say to him: 
“Put all your troubles and misfortunes into a bag and take them to the temple.”

The voice was so loud that all the inhabitants of the city heard it and began to bag their adversities. The peasant was delighted: now he will surely find someone with whom to exchange! 

Encouraged and cheerful, he grabbed the bag and went to the temple, meeting many people on the way, who, like him, hurried to get rid of their misfortunes. 

Having reached the temple, the peasant looked at the people gathered at the entrance and was horrified: rich and poor, beautiful and ugly, they held huge bags, much bigger and heavier than his bundle, which now seemed small and pitiful. 

Upon entering the temple, they again heard the voice that ordered them: 

"Put your bags at the door of the temple, and take any person's bag you like with you before you leave."

But people did not dare to part with their bags. They turned around and left the temple, not wanting to change their burden with anyone. Among them was that peasant. He walked, pressing the bag with his misfortunes to his chest so much as if he was afraid that someone would take it. 

Each of them returned home with their own burden, but everyone was pleased with the choice. The farmer was also glad. He was scared to even think about what troubles and sorrows he could bring with him with someone else's bag.