Monday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Good King Wenseslaus looked out, on the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even.
Brightley shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight, gath’ring winter fuel.
Today is the memorial of Saint Wenceslaus, king and saint (903-935 CE). He is more popularly known as “Good King Wenceslaus” in one of our most cherished Christmas carols. He was a beloved Bohemian prince and the patron saint of the Czech Republic. Despite being remembered most during the Christmas season, the church keeps his memorial today, September 28.
Sung by the likes of Bing Crosby, Joan Baez, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, it tells the story of how on the Feast of Stephen (December 26), Wenceslaus, though a mighty ruler, was moved by the sight of a poor, freezing peasant and braved a bitter cold night to go out and care for him. By some supernatural power, the holy king’s very footsteps warmed his young page’s path as they trek through the snow. The ode concludes with the Christian message that by giving without regard to self, we receive so much more.
“Sire, the night is darker now and the wind blows stronger,
Fails my heart, I know not how, I can go no longer.”
“Mark my footsteps, my good page, tread thou in them boldly
Thou shall find the winter’s rage to freeze thy blood less coldly.”
One is reminded by this story that despite rank or influence, humility is demanded of all. The Twelve learned that lesson in today’s Gospel, after debating who among them was greatest, when Jesus brings into their midst a child who is far greater in the Kingdom of God than they. The child is not unlike the young page in our carol. It is by walking in the path of Christ through self sacrifice and humility that one finds “comfort and joy.” Great tidings indeed!
“In his master’s feet he trod where the snow lay dinted.
Heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed.
Therefore Christian folk be sure wealth or rank possessing
Ye, who now will bless the poor shall yourself find blessing.”
-Timothy J. Cronin