Dmitriy Leo’s parable about the king’s generosity and the true joy of being at the king’s table.
Once, a king held a great feast and invited many distinguished and honored guests. At the beginning of the feast, the king rose from his seat and decided to walk along the long tables to personally greet those who had been invited. As the king walked through the hall, he looked out one of the windows and saw a man in the distance standing by the palace wall and gazing toward the hall where the king was holding the feast.
The king recognized the man. He was one of his workers who labored in the royal fields. The king wanted to show his gratitude to him. He quickly called his servants and ordered them to invite the man to the feast. Then the king added, “Tell him to bring his family as well; there is enough food for everyone at the king’s table.”
After some time, the servants came to the king and reported that they had carried out his order, but a problem had arisen and they did not know what to do. The king went out into the waiting area and saw there not only that man but also a large number of other workers whom he had brought with him.
The king asked in surprise, “Is this your family?” The man replied, “Do not be angry with me, my king. These are the people with whom I share hard work and rest every day, the heat of the day and the cold of night, abundance of food and hunger. They are my family.”
“I invited them after hearing from your servants that there is enough food for everyone at the king’s table.” The king praised the man for his wisdom and personally invited everyone who had come into the great hall.
When the doors opened and the king entered the hall surrounded by ordinary people dressed in modest clothing, the tables fell silent. Smiling, the king said to those present, “I want to introduce you to the king’s faithful workers, who labor in the fields so that there will be enough food on the king’s table for everyone. So, dear guests, let the feast begin.”
In the middle of the feast, the king noticed that the ordinary guests were sociable, friendly, and enjoying themselves more than anyone else, while the distinguished guests kept to themselves and paid little attention to the ordinary people. Then the king called the steward of the feast and told him privately to serve the ordinary guests first, give them the best food and drink, and increase their portions. What the king commanded was done.
After the feast ended, all the invited guests went home. As the ordinary workers walked along the road, they rejoiced and thanked the king for his kindness. But many of the distinguished guests remained upset about what the king had done.
Author: Dmitriy Leo
