There once was a warrior who won many battles. He won much glory throughout the kingdom. Then one day he was defeated in battle. He came home without honor and was banned from his kingdom by the angry king.
The warrior was forced to wander in the wilderness not knowing what to do with himself after his defeat.
One day the warrior was walking along the edge of a mountain when he saw a door. It was clearly marked with markings that he could not understand except for one word: worthy.
“Worthy?” he said to himself. “What does this mean?”
The warrior pushed the door with all his strength. It did not move. He took out his sword and tried to break it down and still it did not move.
He tried and tried with everything he could think of not sure why he was trying so hard. He broke down ready to give up and said to himself:
“This cursed door speaks truth. I am not worthy. I am doomed to wander as a lost soul for the rest of my days. My might has not helped. My sword has not helped me. I will lay it all down and leave it before this door for another worthy warrior to test his might instead. I will go from this place and become a lowly servant to live a simple life without honor or fame as the warrior I once was.”
In that moment there came from the door a loud boom and it slowly inched open.
From inside the door and deep in the mountain came a light so bright the warrior had to close and cover his eyes.
When he opened his eyes and saw the light, he witnessed such beauty that his heart, which had felt so empty became now filled with joy.
The warrior went from this place a changed man. He served many people from that day forward never seeking fame or reward, but seeking only to help the ones who needed it most.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8)
To read and share more fables inspired by the Beatitudes, download a free eBook edition of Beatitales: Volume I.
