November 21, 2011.
Story:
There was a King who had no children to succeed him on the throne and he was very concerned to choose a suitable person to take his place when he died. So, he sent his messengers to every town and village to post a sign inviting all qualified men to apply for an interview with him.
The qualifications the king stressed were:
- The person must have a deep love for God , trusting in His guidance and
- He needs to be ready to love and sacrifice for his country and the people.
In a very small village, a young man saw this sign and was moved. He had a deep love for God and his neighbours and felt an inner voice telling him to apply for an interview. But, he was very poor. He didn’t have any proper clothes to wear and he didn’t have the money to buy provisions for the long journey to the king’s castle. So, he prayed about this matter, and shared his desire with the people in the village. They all felt he would make a good king, and everyone did what they could to support him. A farmer lent him an old horse to ride. A woman offered to make him a suit of clothes, and others contributed to buy the cloth. Some brought food and the provisions he would need. 
When everything was ready, he set out. After a month of travel, the young man finally could see the castle in the distance, and his heart was full of joy and anticipation. But, at the same time, he saw a poor old beggar by the side of the road. The beggar held out his hands and pleaded for help. “I’m cold and hungry,” he said in a weak voice, “can you give me something warm to wear and some food to eat?”
The young man was deeply moved by the sight of the beggar, and stripped off his warm outer clothes and exchanged them with the beggars old tattered coat. He also gave the beggar most of his provisions he was carrying for the return journey. Then, with feeling uncertain, he continued on to the castle in the beggar’s old clothes and no provisions for his return trip.
When the guards saw him at the gate, they hesitated, but finally took him to the visitor’s area where he waited to see the king. Finally he was called before the throne. He bowed low before the king, but when he looked up, he couldn’t believe his eyes. He said, “You were the beggar I met on the road.” “Yes,” said the King. “But why did you do this to me?” the young man asked. “It is easy to say we love God, our country and others, but I wanted to find out if you really were ready to show that love by your actions and sacrifice.”
Scripture:
Yesterday, the Church celebrated the Feast of Christ the King. We too, have been invited to follow Him. And we will be judged on how well we love and serve God, our neighbors and our country.
A teacher once asked her students: “When was the last time you helped someone who was in need?”
One responded: “A couple of days ago, I was on the bus and an old man got on carrying several large boxes. I offered him my seat, but he refused. Instead, he asked me to hold some of the boxes for him. I did, and he was very thankful.”
Another student raised his hand, “Two weeks ago, I sat next to a man who was drunk, and no one wanted to be near him. He was very unhappy, and needed to talk to someone, so I just sat there and listened. It seemed to help him.”
But, many students just shook their heads and said, “They couldn’t remember.”
If your teacher asked you this question, how would you respond? When was the last time you helped someone in need: at school, at home or with your neighbors? This is our invitation and challenge; to show our love for others.
Let's say the Lord's Prayer together.
