The Monkey’s Hammer Written by Normandy Dujunco, FSC
Illustrated by Rhea Trinidad Cenizal
PHILIPPINES
THE MONKEY’S HAMMER Š 2016 by Normandy Dujunco, FSC Published and distributed by: Paulines Publishing House Daughters of St. Paul 2650 F.B. Harrison Street 1300 Pasay City, Philippines E-mail: edpph@paulines.ph Website: www.paulines.ph Cover Design and Illustrations: Rhea Trinidad Cenizal All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission of the publisher. 1st Printing 2016 ISBN 978-971-590-817-7
at the service of the Gospel and culture
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n the edge of a not so faraway forest, was a small school for carpenters. A monkey, driven by curiosity, decided to investigate the place. He noticed that big logs of wood came in, but only beautiful furniture and carvings came out.
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himp used the hammer to solve whatever problem that came his way. He began to think of himself as the best monkey in the forest. He never hesitated to show his strength to anyone who got in his way. More than once, he even used the hammer to threaten the others.
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LESSON ON LEADERSHIP Whether in the world of human beings or animals, one cannot be a true leader without being genuinely interested in the welfare of the group. A good relationship with others is important in order to be respected as a leader. Chimp was more interested in feeling important and powerful rather than caring for the needs of his troop. The hammer became, for him, a symbol of power. He forgot about keeping a good relationship with others. Listening to others is important because one does not possess a complete knowledge of a given situation. Chimp was too proud to discuss with others a possible solution to the problem of the troop. Believing that he alone could save the troop, he foolishly went ahead all by himself to follow his solution, which ended up in failure.
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LESSON ON CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT The earth belongs to God. Human beings are caretakers of the earth and of all God’s creation. We are supposed to co-exist respectfully with the other inhabitants of the earth—the animals, the birds, fishes, the plants and trees, the mountains, seas and rivers. The forests are the dwelling place of many animals, including monkeys. The trees provide them not only with shelter and protection, but also food. When human beings invade these places in order to turn them into human settlements or places of amusement, they disturb the other creatures and deprive them of their shelter and food. This was what happened to the troop of monkeys to which Chimp belonged. And this is what is happening today to many other animals and creatures of the earth because of human abuse and lack of respect for the earth and its non-human inhabitants. The time to improve our relationship with Mother Earth is now, or it might be too late!
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