Before long, however, the peaceful existence of the little community was completely disrupted by a lizard named Beilza, who came to live in a crack in the foundation of the church. Beilza was crafty and mean. He was able to trick the other creatures into listening to him, and, in the end, always harmed those who were the most helpless.
+ + +
During Mass, the little butterfly poured out her heart to dear Jesus, begging for His help. In the midst of her struggle and misery, she heard the words of the Gospel and a great peace filled her.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the land."
Could it be true? It seemed that the lizard, through his brute strength and vile ways, was going to drive all the meek and gentle creatures from their home.
+ + +
The little creatures all agreed that they must study the Holy Scripture. So, that night, when all was dark and still in the church, the little animals gathered together. The church was lit only by the red candle flickering on the altar in honor of Our Lord's presence in the tabernacle. It gave them all a solemn feeling of the importance of their undertaking. Some of the mice managed to light a candle and a young squirrel held it steady while the other creatures assisted in carefully opening the pages of the holy book.
The little butterfly read the wonderful promises of the Beatitudes to comfort them. She then read to them about Pentecost, the Holy Spirit's coming upon the apostles in tongues of fire. The little creatures were inspired by the example of the holy Apostles who were transformed from men, cowering in the upper room, to brave soldiers of Christ, ready to give their lives to spread the Gospel throughout the world!
+ + +
The little creatures slept peacefully for the first time since Beilza had come into their midst. They were filled with peace and resignation, confident that good would prevail and evil perish. The apostles, after all, were given the power not only to heal the sick but also to cast out demons. Surely God would be with them!
+ + +
The little butterfly called Beilza forth with words of forgiveness and charity. But, in return, the lizard only hissed and spewed forth ugly words, ridiculing them and their God.
At this, Victor chirped a loud battle cry to charge. At first Beilza wheeled and hissed, swirling his long tail as they attacked from all sides. The groundhog and chipmunks worked quickly, filling the lizard's hole with dirt, never to be used again. Very soon, Beilza backed away and slithered off far into the woods, for inside he was a coward, and their courage and confidence befuddled him. The creatures all cheered and offered prayers of gratitude to the Holy Spirit who comes to us in all our afflictions, ready to help and inspire us.
+ + +
As the young people left the church, the little butterfly knew that they were no longer children. They were now young men and women, going out into the world, prepared to face all the temptations and attacks against the faith, with hope and courage. Just as the little creatures' faith had been strengthened in the battle against Beilza, she prayed that those who had been confirmed would find their faith strengthened like gold being purified in the fire. Truly the trials of this world are great, but, no greater friend did they have than the Holy Spirit who would be with them always!