THE FOX, THE TAIL, AND THE PATH TO GREATNESS

For the Reflection in last week’s Newsletter I simply proffered the ancient Armenian parable, The Fox That Lost His Tail. But it is more than just a charming folktale—it’s a reflection of life’s deeper truths. At its heart, it speaks to our journey toward wholeness, not as a solo pursuit, but as part of a greater web of relationships. In his writings, Fr. Richard Rohr often reminds us that transformation happens when we surrender to something larger than ourselves, while Cynthia Bourgeault teaches that wisdom is found in the flow of giving and receiving. The fox’s journey mirrors these insights, revealing three key themes: Community & Support, The Journey of Restoration, and The Mystery of Grace.

Community & Support

At first, the fox’s response to losing his tail is one of urgency—he wants it back immediately. But as he sets out, he discovers that he cannot fix his problem alone. His restoration depends on the kindness of others, and each step requires him to engage with the world around him.

This reflects the deep truth that we are not meant to journey through life in isolation. As a school community, we are called to support one another in ways both seen and unseen. Parents, teachers, and students alike play a role in shaping the environment where growth is possible. In a world that often glorifies self-sufficiency, we must remember that true greatness comes not from standing alone, but from lifting each other up.

The Journey of Restoration

If the fox had simply demanded his tail back, he would have been met with refusal. Instead, his journey unfolds one step at a time—bringing grain to the hen, an egg to the peddler, and so on. This is the slow, sometimes frustrating path of restoration.

Fr Richard Rohr describes this as the process of transformation: we must participate in our own healing rather than expect immediate results. Whether we are guiding children through challenges, working toward personal goals, or navigating setbacks, the lesson is the same—real growth cannot be rushed. As educators and parents, we often see children eager for instant success, but true development happens in the patient unfolding of time, in the small, faithful steps of effort and learning.

The Mystery of Grace

The fox’s journey is not just transactional—it is relational. He doesn’t control the outcome; instead, he enters the flow of life’s interconnected exchanges. This is what Cynthia Bourgeault describes as kenosis—the path of self-giving that leads to transformation.

Often, the solutions we seek do not arrive on our timeline or in the way we expect. Yet, when we trust the process, grace has a way of working things out. The fox’s experience reminds us that when we engage with life, giving before receiving, we are drawn into something greater than ourselves.

Fostering Greatness

Like the fox, we sometimes want things fixed instantly. But often, life teaches us that wholeness comes through engaging with others, giving before receiving, and trusting the process.

At St Thomas More’s Catholic School, fostering greatness means recognising that real success is not about quick fixes or going it alone. It’s about patience, relationships, and trust in the journey. When we embrace this, we create a school where children don’t just learn facts—they grow in resilience, wisdom, and grace.

Mr Casimir Douglas

Sunday 9th February, 2025