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Viewpoint from Rev John Kinchin-Smith 20/06/2025
Rev John Kinchin-Smith
Assistant Minister, St Andrew’s Church, Gorleston
A 15th century monk, Basil, tells this story. One day a great king came into a city he loved and for which he’d shed his blood. He sent heralds throughout the city inviting every citizen to come with a request for whatever favour was desired. For this purpose he granted a general audience at which each citizen might approach him with a request for whatever was on his heart
On the appointed day, the king, arrayed in royal vesture, is seated upon an elevated golden throne. The citizens enter, and one by one each freely makes known his request. One asks the king for a small sum of money. The request is granted. Another asks that her son receive a position at court. With a sigh, the king replies, “That can be done”. Another, complaining of an illness, asks the king to send him the court physician – to which the king also gives consent. All the requests are very modest and fulfilled by the king. And everyone is pleased, except the king who’s sorrowful
 Finally comes a pauper. He’s tried his best to appear before the king in a manner as fitting as his poverty allows. Falling at the feet of the king, and weeping, he says, “O great king, I beseech you to give me a place in your kingdom, so that I may partake of your radiance and greatness. Grant me to live in your court; give me splendid clothes worthy of being in your presence; and grant me a shining crown on my head and the joy of being with you for ever in eternal love. Also, O Good One, receive me as one of your sons!”
At this bold request, the other citizens began murmuring among themselves, “How dare this wretch address the king with such brazen demands? The king will surely punish him.”
But the king arose from his throne, covered the pauper with his royal robe, and placed upon his head a gold crown. Turning to the rest of those gathered, he said, “This man has acted rightly. I came here in order to shower you with favours, but you’ve made such paltry and insignificant requests. Of course you’ll receive what you’ve asked. I am generous and I love you. However, this pauper is wiser than all of you. He understands that I am truly generous and wealthy, and that I have come in order to give you what is truly great. He asked this great thing of me and he will be given it”
Basil ends: “And so, emulate this wise pauper….as Jesus says, “Enter into the joy of your Lord”
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