The Empty Chair
An old Christian tradition tells of a Knight Templar who never missed the daily prayers of his brethren. In the chapel, there was a simple wooden chair where he always knelt before the Cross, asking God for wisdom, humility, and strength to serve.
One winter morning, the chair remained empty.
The brethren wondered where their brother had gone. The prayers ended, yet he did not appear.
Late that evening, the Knight quietly returned. His boots were covered with mud, and his clo... moreThe Empty Chair
An old Christian tradition tells of a Knight Templar who never missed the daily prayers of his brethren. In the chapel, there was a simple wooden chair where he always knelt before the Cross, asking God for wisdom, humility, and strength to serve.
One winter morning, the chair remained empty.
The brethren wondered where their brother had gone. The prayers ended, yet he did not appear.
Late that evening, the Knight quietly returned. His boots were covered with mud, and his cloak was soaked by the rain. He slipped silently into the chapel, hoping no one would notice.
The Prior gently asked, "Brother, where have you been?"
The Knight bowed his head and replied,
"On the road I found a family whose home had been destroyed by the storm. Their children were cold, and their table was empty. I stayed to repair their roof, gather firewood, share my provisions, and pray with them. I feared I had failed my brethren by missing our prayers."
The Prior smiled with fatherly kindness and answered,
"Brother, you did not abandon prayer today—you carried it into the world. The hands that lifted those in need were guided by the same Christ whom we worship in this chapel."
The chapel fell silent.
Every Knight understood that day that the Cross is not only honored within sacred walls but also in every act of mercy offered in the name of Jesus Christ.
From that day forward, whenever they saw the empty chair, they remembered that the calling of a Knight Templar is not simply to wear the mantle, but to become a living witness of Christ's compassion, wherever He leads.
May we, as Knights of the OMSDT Knight Templars Order, never measure our service by recognition or position, but by our faithfulness to God, our love for one another, and our willingness to serve the least among us with joyful hearts.
"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me." Matthew 25:40
May Christ strengthen every Knight to be faithful in prayer, steadfast in duty, humble in spirit, and generous in love.
In Christ's Holy Service,
Sir Ssenfuma Ronald
Priory of St. Militiades of Africa
