the heir
Once upon a time there was a European kingdom that was ruled by a very Christian king, and with a reputation for holiness, who had no children. The monarch sent his heralds to place an announcement in all the towns and villages in his domain. This said that any young man who met the required requirements, to aspire to be a possible successor to the throne, should request an interview with the King. Two characteristics were required of every candidate:
1st. Love God.
2nd. Love your neighbor.
In a far away village, a young man read the royal announcement and reflected that he fit the bill, for he loved God and his neighbors as well. Only one thing prevented him from going, because he was so poor that he did not have decent clothing to appear before the holy monarch. He also lacked the necessary funds to purchase the necessary provisions for such a long journey to the royal castle.
His poverty would not be an impediment to even meet such a famous king. He worked day and night, saved his expenses as much as possible, and when he had a sufficient amount for the trip, he sold his meager belongings, bought fine clothes, some jewelry, and set out on the journey.
Some weeks later, having used up almost all his money and being at the gates of the city, he approached a poor beggar on the side of the road. That poor man was shivering with cold, covered only by rags. His outstretched arms begged for help.
He implored in a weak, hoarse voice: I’m hungry and I’m cold, please help me… please?
The young man was so moved by the beggar’s needs that he immediately discarded his new, warm clothes and put on the beggar’s rags.
Without thinking twice, he also gave him part of the provisions he was carrying.
Crossing the thresholds of the city, a woman with two children as dirty as her, begged him: – My children are hungry and I don’t have a job!
Without thinking twice, our friend removed the ring from his finger and the gold chain from his neck and, together with the rest of the provisions, handed them over to the poor woman. So, hesitantly, he continued his journey to the castle dressed in rags and lacking in provisions to return to his village.
On his arrival at the castle, an attendant to the King showed him the way to a large and luxurious hall. After a brief pause, he was finally admitted to the throne room.
The young man bent his eyes to the monarch. What would not be his surprise when he raised his eyes and met those of the King. He stunned and with his mouth open he said: -You… you! You are the beggar who was on the side of the road!
At that moment a maid and two children entered bringing water to the weary traveler, so that he could wash and quench his thirst. His surprise was also huge: -You too! You were at the gate of the city!
– Yes, replied the Sovereign with a wink– I was that beggar, and my maid and her children were also there.
– But… but… you are the King! Why did he do that to me?, he stammered swallowing, after gaining a little confidence.
“Because I needed to discover if your intentions were authentic in the face of your love for God and your neighbor,” said the Monarch. I knew that if I approached you as King, you might pretend and act insincere in your motivations. That way it would have been impossible for me to discover what is really in your heart. As a beggar, I discovered not only that you truly love God and your neighbor, but that you are the only one who has passed the test.
– You will be my heir! –sentenced the King– You will inherit my kingdom!
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