Historical Setting, 629 C.E. The monastery, Luxeuil
My sons and I follow the procession of monks chanting the hours of late afternoon.
Psalm 62:5-7, (here chanted again, fresh with our own prayers).
For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is in God.
God alone is my rock and salvation my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
Ana and I haven’t yet spoken to Greg or Brandell of our concerns for Ana’s health. But now Gabe knows.
He tells us, “As often as I mouth the prayers and psalms they are hollowed by routine, then in a moment of need the psalm is hallowed by touch. The sacred breath of the voices of brothers in unison becomes the strength, the rock.”
Brandell, Greg and Gaillard look on as I lay this father’s hand on Gabe’s shoulder sharing support. They can only assume Gabe offered this little sermon on the psalm because it is what he does. But the thing that has moved him, will soon touch each of our children in their proper times.
Now, Greg and Gaillard also notice Ana’s absence.
“So Papa, you borrowed horses for both you and Momma to come and see all of us children in our places. So where is Momma?
“She is with Colleen and the other sisters right now.”
Gabe adds, “She is having prayers at the healing pool.”
Brandell has been in that place painting the wall. His face shows his fear, “Momma?”
And now she is here, meeting us in the corridor.
Brandell hugs her. “Momma, are you needing the healing waters?”
“The waters are good Brandell, the prayers always welcome, and the painting on the wall is magnificent!”
“So, you saw Brandell’s mural?” asks Greg. “I thought we couldn’t see it until it was done.”
“It already has the power.” Ana tells us, “Jesus and the blind person are just in outline, not finished yet. They could be any of us. But all the faces of those in John 9 who were questioning the sin that caused the blindness – they are any of us also. We know this cloud of witnesses Brandell has painted there, some judging, some blessing, all in the unison of God’s love on earth as it is in heaven. It has a healing power already.”
Brandell responds, “I’m not using the gold leaf that makes the magic. It is what it is.”
(Continues Tuesday, July 23, 2024)
Lazarus Ink 