‘O King,’ the angel announced. ‘God has deigned to be revealed to you in whatever manner you wish. In what form do you want God to appear?’

Seated on his throne and surrounded by awe-struck subjects, the king proclaimed, ‘How else would I wish to see God, save in Majesty and Power? Show God to us in the full glory of Power.’

God granted his wish and appeared as a bolt of lightning that instantly pulverized the King and his court. Nothing, not even a cinder, remained.

The angel then manifested herself to a peasant saying: ‘God deigns to be revealed to you in whatever manner you desire. How would you wish to see God?’

Scratching his head and puzzling a long while, the peasant finally said, ‘I am a poor man and not worthy to see God face to face. But if it is God’s will to be revealed to me, let it be in those things with which I am familiar. Let me see God in the earth I plough, the water I drink, the food I eat. Let me see God in the faces of my family and neighbors.’

God granted the peasant his wish, and he lived a long and happy life. May God grant you the same!