St. Isaac and the Workmen

One day, towards evening, Isaac of Spoleto instructed his monks to lay a certain number of spades in the garden. When night came, He commanded his monks saying: “Go your ways and make pottage for our workmen, that it may be ready very early in the morning.” The suprised monks, seeing no workmen, did as they were told. When morning  came, the Saint bade them to bring the pottage which they had provided; and going with his monks into the garden, he found there so many men working as he had commanded them to lay spades; For it happened, that certain thieves who intended to rob them had, by the power of God, a change of mind. Taking the spades they found in the garden, they began to dig up and make ready, all parts of the ground that were not manured. Having worked from the time of entrance till morning, the Man of God came unto them and saluted them saying, “God save you, good brethren: you have laboured long, wherefore now rest yourselves.” The provisions he brought, after their labour and pains, refreshed them. When they had eaten, he said to them: “Do not hereafter do anymore harm; but when you desire anything that is in the garden, come to the gate, quietly ask it, and take it a God’s blessing, but steal no more.”

St Isaac of Spoleto, Ora Pro Nobis.