In "Our Lady's Juggler," a former carnival juggler lives in a monastary. He notices that each monk does something special in honor of the Virgin Mary.
The juggler is ashamed he has nothing to offer. But late at night, he sneaks downstairs with his balls and stands before the Blessed Mother, in the darkness by himself, juggling. Just juggling in silence, offering the only thing he can do well, ashamed he has nothing else, but offering it nonetheless. The juggler's mindset touches in its humility. It's as though the juggler says, “I know it's stupid and I'm ashamed I never did more with my life. But I give it to you.”
The story ends with the statute of Mary coming to life and comforting him.
Link. Excerpt:
They saw Barnabas before the image of the Holy Virgin, his head on the floor and his feet in the air, juggling with six copper balls and twelve knives. In honor of the Holy Virgin he was performing the tricks which had in former days brought him the greatest fame. Not understanding that he was thus putting his best talents at the service of the Holy Virgin, the aged brothers cried out against such sacrilege. The Prior knew that Barnabas had a simple soul, but he believed that the man had lost his wits. All three set about to remove Barnabas from the chapel, when they saw the Virgin slowly descend from the altar and, with a fold of her blue mantle, wipe the sweat that streamed over the juggler's forehead.
Then the Prior, bowing his head down to the marble floor, repeated these words:
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
“Amen,” echoed the brothers, bowing down to the floor.
