Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The Vintner’s Cottage on the Moselle
I should know not to expect a simple little Jesus story to heal the thousands of years of xenophobia, nurtured and developed with wars and walls and obstinance, slaves for a century then abusers for next. With every whim of shifting power humans collect enemies, while God just shakes their head in dismay.
And here I am on this mission with my only task to say to the Christian wine makers “God loves all people.” Why is this so hard?
The vintner, master of this house, tells me if I choose to sleep in the guest loft this night it will not be a restful sleep. I’m not sure if that is a warning or a threat, but it is too late and I am too far from home to leave now.
“Why,” I ask, “What’s happening here tonight?”
“Not just here. It’s happening all along the river. The Christians are rising up and crossing the river to burn the vineyards of the Jews, then we will sleep very well, all through the bright new day tomorrow.”
“Then I won’t sleep tonight either. Who’s leading this attack? I’d like to ride on up the river and talk with the leaders of this plan before it’s too late.”
“It is already too late. When you ride north, you’ll see the boats are all lined up on the bank already for the darkest hour, then, with only the stars for light, one by one the boats will slip onto the river and when the last boat touches mud on the other side we will all light the torches at the same time and sweep into the vineyards with our shouts and flames. Then when the fields of new vines are blazing behind us, and the people come out to watch the flames, we will leave with the same stealth that delivered us to the evil side.”
I ride north on the river path, on this unfamiliar road as the last light of the setting moon is overcome with darkness. I see how the boats are lined up all along the river in the clear spaces. It looks to be a flotilla of about ten boats all prepared to be rowed. I see one fellow here, going from boat to boat with bundles of tallow oiled rags wrapped around sticks. Here I tether the borrowed horse loosely to go speak with him.
Who will be leading this project?
(Continues Tuesday, February 27)
Lazarus Ink 