Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The farm in the Vosges
“Brandell.” I ask, “sing for me this so-called evil verse?”
He sings shamedly, nearly under his breath.
“My grandpapa was a Pharisee, fine,
A God beloved, obedient Jew!
He feasted on lamb and sipped blest wine
And remembered the Sabbath, solemn and true.”
This little verse hides no devils. But in these times the Church seems to be looking for any way to sever the Jewishness of Jesus from doctrine. It is non-sensical that Church authorities would banish a people simply in remembrance of ancient Roman propaganda.
Brandell explains, “The Church authority said don’t think about using gospels for music, but when someone says don’t think of something like bible stories, I think of more bible stories for songs that only make it more complicated. I could sing a different song, but I really don’t want to never ever do the vine dance again.
“And what’s worse, I’m afraid the Jesus love will just be pushed aside, especially among the common people and the illiterate poor who go to Church thirsty for the bread and wine of Christian belonging, and then are given the cross — the sign of death by imperial power — when we are the child who asks for love – and what father would give a stone when asked for bread?” [Matthew 7:9 ]
“Brandell, I hear what you’re saying.”
What can I say to him? Maybe my silence is my failure. I let my own calling to life and life again go silent. All Creation and all people are like a great pot of vegetable soup with all varieties of sweet flavors together in God’s love on earth as it is in heaven. Then picky people sort out the peas and carrots from the barley in the soup, and by the time the illiterate peasants are served it is a bland barely broth.
We are varieties of people yet all are one in God’s loving Spirit. Maybe I, as nothing more than a sign from a gospel, should be making the plea for others to see through me the sign of the ever-healing love of God, because that is how we are all gifted. Yet, here I have allowed the Church doctrine to invent a death of me in order stifle the true reading of the variety of gospels and law. My silent prayer is Forgive me God. It seems a long silence.
“So Papa, I know you are so quiet so not to lecture me. I know you will tell me to pray about this.”
“Of course, Brandell. Just pray about it.”
(Continues Tues. Jan. 30)
Lazarus Ink 