#42.14, Thurs., March 30, 2023

Historical setting: 602 C.E. The opened gates of Luxeuil

         I’m asking Brother Servant what hour will the nuns be in the oratorio. Cy casts a look of suspicious curiosity. “Why would I bring young boys just to see the nuns?”

          Brother Servant knows why. He says, “I can’t wait to see the look on her face when Sister Colleen catches a glimpse of these two she delivered so safely all those years ago.”

         I explain to Cy, “Sister Colleen was our midwife before she took her vows.”

         I ask Brother Servant if we may help Cy into the healing waters yet tonight. That is now our most urgent need.

         “Of course.” He points to a long line at a crowded archway, “The blessings for healings will be spoken as long as there is a need.” 

        “Ezra, after you deliver this man into the healing waters, and after you’ve made camp for your sons I must talk with you.  I will be waiting for you here.” Brother Servant sounds intentional.

         When Cy has found comfort in the healing waters, and has found his footing again we walk him to the camp area and he asks, “Your friend the monk doesn’t call you Lazarus he thinks you are Ezra. It doesn’t matter to me, but your boys are confused.”

         Greg wonders, “Yes, Papa. When we are here, should we also call you Ezra?”

         “No. Call me Papa!  I’m always your papa, no matter where we are, I’m still your papa.”  Maybe everyone is confused but me.

         Gabe asks, “So what does God call you? 

         Greg echoes, “Does God even know your name?”

         How should I answer? Lazarus is such a weighty name to carry into this place already dripping in a profusion of relics and saints.

         “God knows me as friend of Jesus, Ana’s husband, father … actually, I guess God knows me by who I love.”

         Gabe answers, “Yes, me too.” Greg echoes it.

         Cy smiles and adds, “likewise.”

         It is true. God knows us all by our love.

         By the time we have a camping place among the pilgrims, the night is deep into darkness. I return to the gate and Brother Servant is waiting here with a man dressed as nobility.

         “We need to talk about the situation with the bishops of Austrasia and Burgundy now that King Guntram is gone.”

         “Brother Servant, it’s holy week.  I really didn’t come here to break the vesper silence just to talk politics.”

         The monk argues, “Holy Week is all about the politics.”

(Continues Tues., April 4, 2023)