Removing Layers of Refusal
A mother gave birth to a baby boy, but refused to have him circumcised, claiming that circumcision is an act of cruelty. Her husband tried to convince her of the significance of this wonderful mitzvah, but his words fell on deaf ears. The mother stubbornly stood her ground, and the baby remained uncircumcised.
Some time later, the baby contracted a dangerous infection. The doctor asserted that in order to heal the baby, his foreskin must be removed immediately. As soon as the mother heard this, she agreed to it. It didn’t seem like such cruelty anymore.
Unfortunately, this procedure did not cure the baby. But it did cure the mother of her warped way of thinking.
When one refuses to perform mitzvot by Hashem’s command, He has His ways and means of assuring that he will fulfill them, not always in the most pleasant way. The wise person will fulfill Hashem’s commandments at all times, through love and joy. He will not need to be compelled into performing mitzvot by difficulties.
