#57.3, Thursday, June 6, 2024

Historical Setting, 629 C.E. Vosges Mts.

         We are leaving the Creek cottage with the bride whom I have just lifted onto her horse, with me, taking the lead line. We will join in this procession of guests all walking today with more order and purpose than I imagined was humanly possible. Maybe God always knew us to be a community as fine as any community of ants.

         As the procession passes by the Creek cottage. First comes Will, walking the borrowed donkey cart with Layla and the baby on the seat. The back of the cart is filled up with something and a cloth is spread across it. Hannah walks behind. And then come other serfs from the castle fields, apparently allowed to hunt now, since two of them shoulder a freshly smoking spit of venison. And I can see now that here are lots of gifts for that table Brandell made larger. 

         His musicians from his time, here, in the years before he became an artist, follow in the line of peasants. They have their instruments with them. His student Thad is dressed by the royal house of Dagobert, having just returned from a mission for one of the King’s men. He has a Greek styled harp like Brandell’s. I’m sure all these guests are coming to dance.

         Gabe, and some of the monks and also some of the nuns from Luxeuil are on this path just behind these peasants and musicians. Greg and Gaillard come along on horseback near the end, so I just step in front of them leading Gaia on her horse. I don’t know what this is like for her, sensing only the sound and smell and touch and heart of it, but I know it must be a wonder for her, even unseen.

         Behind us now, is Gabe and some others of the monks from Luxeuil. What will they see of a wedding at a church that has no bishops or pope, a church that is called “secular” because it isn’t Roman Catholic? The fact is, some of us think this church offers its welcome as wide as God’s love.

         When I arrive with Gaia I tie her horse near the entrance of the church as so many of the arriving guests are gathering like a swarm to cluster around her, each one waiting a turn to reach up and touch her hand and wish her well.

         Will arrived ahead of us. And I’m a little concerned about what he might be up to.

(Continues Tuesday, June 11, 2024)