By Fr. Adolf Washington –
King Canute was once ruler of England. His courtiers always flattered him. “You are the greatest man that ever lived…You are the most powerful king of all…Your highness, there is nothing you cannot do, nothing in this world dares disobey you. There never has been anyone as mighty as you, and there never be anyone so great, ever again!”
King Canute grew tired of such flattery. One day while walking by the seashore Canute decided to teach them a lesson. “So you say I am the greatest man in the world? And you say all things obey me? In that case, bring me my chair, and place it down by the water.” He said. At his direction they placed the Royal chair right at the water’s edge.
The King sat down and looked out at the ocean. “I notice the tide is coming in. Do you think it will stop if I give the command?”
He then commanded “Sea I command you to come no further! don’t dare touch my feet!” He waited a moment, and a wave rushed up the sand and lapped at his feet.
“How dare you!” Canute shouted. “Ocean, turn back now! I have ordered you to retreat before me, and now you must obey! Go back!”
Another wave lapping at the king’s feet. Canute remained on his throne throughout the day, screaming at the waves to stop. Yet in they came until the seat of the throne was covered with water.
Finally Canute turned to his entourage saying “It seems I do not have quite so much power as you would have me believe. Perhaps now you will remember there is only one King, who is The Lord, who is all-powerful, and it is he who rules the sea, and holds the ocean in the hollow of His hand. I suggest you reserve your praises for Him.”
We experience Grace and blessings from The Lord only when we shed our pride and humble ourselves before the Lord. We cannot expect to be lifted up if we are not willing to think less of ourselves. A mind inflated with pride can never give place for God.
The Letter of James urges us “Humble yourselves before The Lord and He will exalt you (James 4;10). How much have you humbled yourself before God?