“You adulterers and adulteresses, do you not know that the friendship with the world is enmity with God?”

— James 4:4

Friendship with the world can cloud our vision of Christ. Even the old legend of King Arthur teaches that principle.

Knights of the Round Table sought after the Holy Grail, which was purported to be the cup from which Christ had drunk at the Last Supper. The fact that they would spend their whole lives seeking after that cup is difficult for us to see. That was an age of much superstition, but nevertheless there are some truths to be learned from the legend.

There was only one Sir Galahad. According to the original tale, he kept the eyes of his soul upon that goal. By resisting temptation and by resisting a life of ease, he plodded onward until at last it was revealed to him through a great oak tree.

He saw the Grail resplendent in the heavens. He dismounted from his white horse and stood fascinated by the vision, which lighted up his armor. When discussing this ethereal vision later with the King, Arthur wisely noted this vision was for him, but not the others.

There is something to say for those who are pure in heart that they shall see God, and one of the consequences of impurity in our lives is that the vision of God grows dim and fades away. Have you wondered why it seems that God is far away, hard to find? Ah, my friends, upon what have your eyes been feasting? Where have your thoughts been dallying? Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.

Holy God, give me the strength to turn away from the lure of this world and all the vain things that charm me most. “Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my life” and keep my thoughts heavenward so I will not lose sight of You…

BY GOD’S STRENGTH, WE CAN
KEEP OUR VISION OF HIM.