In an ancient monastic community lived a certain young monk whose virtue was highly praised by a number of the others. They spoke enthusiastically about this beloved monk to their companions. One of the older monks, a good man and earnest for the truth, was not quick to believe what he heard.

Was this young monk really as resigned to God’s Will as they said? Did he simply know how to look good to them? Or did the youth dangerously deceive himself into thinking he had conquered his will when in reality he would only make the sacrifices that pleased him?

The old monk was determined to find out for himself. One day, he went to the young monk’s cell, in which was a small garden of herbs and other plants. The young monk was a fine gardener, as his plants were in excellent condition. One would expect this, since the garden was used to provide simple food for himself and his guests.

The young monk welcomed the older one into his cell, and watched him step over and glance at the garden. Then, without warning, the old fellow raised his staff and pounded it all throughout the plants - as if for fun! The damage was thorough. So much time and care had been poured into that garden - and now there was not one green stem standing.

The old monk gave no explanation for his sudden and strange behavior - no words of complaint, correction, or advice. But as the old monk didn’t care to explain himself, the other didn’t press him with questions. The youth didn’t even seem upset, as his companion watched him carefully. Was this the shining example of virtue he’d heard so much about? Or was the young man secretly furious?

At this point, the monastic routine was continued as if nothing had happened. Both monks recited the Psalms together. As they prayed, the old monk hoped that, having gone to so much trouble, he would finally know for sure whether his companion truly lived up to the admiration of the other monks.

After the Psalms were finished, the young monk was the first to speak. Cheerful and polite, he asked the older monk:

"Would you like me to prepare your meal with whatever herbs are left from the garden?"

The old monk looked at him in astonishment! There was neither criticism nor regret in the youth’s tone. He exuded such sincerity as left no doubt in the old fellow’s mind.

The stories were true; his fellow monks had not been fooled. This young man could watch his hard work get so rudely ruined and yet be peaceful, even happy! For the love of God, he calmly accepted God’s will for him, with no hard feelings toward his seemingly heartless companion.

What a blessing it was for the monks to have this good young man among them!

Bursting with happiness, the old monk threw his arms around the startled youth’s neck in a warm embrace, exclaiming:

"Now I see, my son, that you are truly dead to your inclinations, as was told me!"