Historical setting: 602 C.E. Luxeuil
This man is not even as heavy on my back as were two boys I’ve carried home from the fields at the end of a day’s work; that was just a year or so before they declared themselves men. Now they are concerned for this man who is lame, and even for their papa. As we walk with the flow, Greg and Gabe discuss various plans to help carry the man using a tarp hanging from rods they can hoist across their shoulders, maybe like a slain deer. And by the time they have mulled over every transport possibility, we’ve already arrived at the opened gates of Luxeuil and we find a small space on a bench where the fellow can have a seat while we figure things out here.
This fellow says his name is Cy.
The boys announce their names, and they mention they are twin brothers. Cy looks incredulously at the two precisely matching humans leaving a long and ridiculous pause — a wink of sarcasm. Greg and Gabe have no idea it is so conspicuous. Everyone who knows them never mentions it. “And you call this fellow Papa?” Cy asks.
“Yes, I’m named Lazarus.” And just now a familiar monk comes grinning and greeting, “Ezra! So good to see you again, and these are the little baby twins all grown up I see!”
Greg answers, “We are Greg and Gabe, and this is our new friend Cy.”
Gabe adds, “He has a lame leg, so we are watching out for him now.”
Brother Servant is still greeting this reunion with his wide, friendly smile as I affirm our purpose.
“We need some direction Brother Servant. First we need to wait in the line for the healing waters, so that Cy can find relief and healing. When is Father Columbanus offering prayers for healing?”
“In this busy season we have stations for all the different needs, so someone else is available at the waters for prayers and blessings. Worship is in the oratorio where the Father is next offering mass.”
“I’ve heard the rumors that there are so many monks and nuns here now that choirs lead the chants continuously all hours, day and night.”
“That is either true because we have so many monks and nuns, or because the ones that live here never sleep.”
“So, you might guess, we also would like to be present in the oratorio when the nuns come in chanting.”
(Continues tomorrow)
Lazarus Ink 