The King and the Peasant

One of my favourite Christmas Carols is “Good King Wenceslas”. It tells the story of a king who looks out of his castle on the evening after Christmas. It had snowed heavily and the snow was deep. There was a bit of ice on top that made a crunching sound as you stepped on it. It was a clear night and the moon shone brightly. The wind was brisk and cold.

Watching from his warm castle the king saw a poor man who was gathering sticks for a fire. Why was he out on such a cold night.? Could he not have gone out earlier in the day when the sun was bright and warm? Perhaps he had worked that day. Coming home he found all the firewood was used up.

The king asked his servant who this person was. He recognized him and said he lived a good distance from the king’s home, a league away. A league is 3 miles or 4,800 meters. Not exactly the distance you would walk on an evening stroll. That means he would walk 6 miles altogether before he got home.

The king then ordered his servant to bring food and drink and firewood. Together they went to find the peasant’s home and bring him these gifts. The night was cold and there was a strong cold wind.

As they went on, the servant grew weak and struggled to go on. The king told his page to walk in his footsteps. He would be warmer and it would be easier. So he did as his master said and walked in his footsteps. The journey became easier.

The carol ends by reminding us that we too must do the same. Whether we have a lot or a little we are to bless the poor. That means sharing our food, clothing, helping to keep people warm. It means helping people find work. It means helping them celebrate so they can experience joy.

This experience will give them hope. 2025 is the year of hope. So whether you are king or peasant, do everything you can, every day, to bring hope to others. In doing so we too will be blessed.

Happy New Year

Deacon John Girolami
Spiritual Advisor SSVP ONRC