2. The TRANQUILITY OF SHEEP - Rubem Alves

3. The night was dark, the sky had no stars. Occasionally we could hear the howling of a wolf from distance, mixed with the sound of the wind.

4. The children gathered at Master Benjamin’s tent were afraid. Master Benjamin felt fear in their eyes. It was then that one of them asked: - Master Benjamin, there is a way not to feel afraid? Fear is so bad!

5. Master Benjamin replied: - Yes, there is... And then went quiet. Then another question came: -And how can we do that? -It's easy. Just think how sheep think... - "But how will I know what the sheep are thinking?

6. Master Benjamim replied: -When the night comes, the sheep are lying in the pasture. The wolves are watching and they howl. The sheep are scared.

7. But then, mixed with the howling of wolves, they hear the gentle music of a flute. It is the shepherd who looks after them and never sleeps. Once they listen to the music from the flute they think:

8. There is a shepherd who protects me. He takes me to places with green grass. And he knows where are the sources of clear water. A cool breeze refreshes my soul.

9. During the day, he holds me and carries me through mild tracks. Even when I have to go through the dark valley of death I am not afraid. His hand and his crook reassure me.

10. As the wolves howl, he gives me something to eat. He pass perfumed oil on my head to heal my wounds. And gives me fresh water to heal my exhaustion.

11. With him, I will never be afraid... (Psalm 23)

12. Master Benjamin stopped talking. The children’s eyes were in him. It was then that one of them raised his hand and asked: Mestre Benjamim parou de falar. -And the wolves? Will they go away? Will they die?

13. - Wolves continued to howl. And they continued to be dangerous. The pastor can’t frighten them all. And sometimes they attack and kill.

14. But the sheep, hearing the music coming from the shepherd’s flute, slept without fear. Not because there is no danger, but despite the danger. There is no way to end the danger, but there is a way to end the fear.

15. This is Courage: sleep with no fear despite the danger... The children returned to their tents and slept without fear, thinking abbout the thoughts of the sheep.

16. Occasionally, the howling of a hungry wolf could be heard outside. Since then it became a custom to count little sheep to go to sleep.

17. From the book: “Perguntaram-me se acredito em Deus”. Edited by Planeta, 2007 FORMATING: Mima (Wilma) Badan mimabadan@hotmail.com MÚSIC: Dance of the forest Interpretationo: Zamphir IMAGES: Internet