Historical setting: 602 C.E. Between Luxeuil and Metz
So, on this new day Greg and I are starting out toward Metz with that letter from the monastery affirming the quality of this son that he may become something I would never wish for him, an armed guard for nobility. It is a child’s imagined dream that he may outgrow one day; and then where will he be? He will be indentured to these noblemen who only want warriors.
It seems like a longer journey to Metz to go by way of Luxeuil, but by borrowing horses from the monastery stable it gives us a good excuse to summons Gabe to the visitor’s foyer. I hope to know that he is well.
He seems to be comfortable with the rigors of this life. The daily simplicity of a monastery is not very different than our home life, except for the structure of the hours and the disgruntlement of his fellow novices. Most of these boys come here sacrificing their privilege for the simplicity Gabe has always known. His teacher takes me aside to tell me that not only is his academic work exemplary, also commendable is his compassion for the others who are struggling more to adjust.
By early afternoon we are following the old road from Luxeuil to Metz. We spend the overnight in an inn designed to accommodate travelers such as us. We sleep in a public loft, and the supper of barley stew is not expensive. Then we continue on to Metz.
Greg isn’t as talkative as he usually is. I ask him if he is worried about fitting in with the other boys.
He answers, “I’m glad we are coming in on horses, so they won’t know we are paupers.”
I want to argue with the idea that we are ‘paupers,’ after all, our farm yielded plenty these last couple years. We’ve been gifting our abundance. But I know it is the commonness of us that he feels is how he will be judged; it is the simplicity of our lives, the very thing Gabe finds helpful, that will be painfully humbling for Greg when he is thrust in with the aristocracy.
I can offer one consolation; “I think this lifestyle offers a bit more leeway than a monastic life, for taking some days away from study and duty to visit family. And Greg, please know, you will always have our love regardless of where you are and what you are doing.”
(Continues Tuesday, July 11)
Lazarus Ink 