Historical setting: 589 C.E. The monastery at Annegray Ana expected we were called here for a medical need. I was prepared with an accounting of the cottage. But the father’s concern is not about the uses the monastery has for us. His only care is that Ana is safe and living in a fearlessContinue reading “Post #33.6, Tuesday, June 14, 2022”
Category Archives: Bible Stories
Post #33.3, Tues., June 7, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. Ana’s cottage in the Vosges Mts. Some things were kept covered and dry — the starter for the flame — the seed for the birds. The rainwater on the floor inside is whisked out the door. The rainwater in the cooking cauldron, the feed trough and the pail will saveContinue reading “Post #33.3, Tues., June 7, 2022”
Post #33.2, Thurs., June 2, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. Ana’s cottage in the Vosges Mts. It was the storm and Ana’s gentle compassion that sets this scene – Ana, beautiful as always, with a kindness radiant as warmth, and me, cold and naked, a guest in this mysterious room with a roof. How can I not seem frighteningContinue reading “Post #33.2, Thurs., June 2, 2022”
Post #32.6, Thurs., May 12, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. In the Vosges Mountains Ana continues her story. “Before this rape happened I could see a man’s good health and physical being as a thing of great beauty. I always considered human beings to be wonders of Creation. But then, after the curse I could see nothing but a filthyContinue reading “Post #32.6, Thurs., May 12, 2022”
Post #31.9, Thursday, April 21, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. Annegray in the Vosges Mountains I’m waiting to hear if Father Columbanus would consider having pigeons trained to return always to Ana so we could send notes to her and she wouldn’t feel so alone. When words to Ana have to be like words to an angel all she hearsContinue reading “Post #31.9, Thursday, April 21, 2022”
Post #31.8, Weds., April 20, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. Annegray in the Vosges Mountains Again when we stand for the chanting of the psalms and I look down the row passed the elder monks and to see Brother Crathius, he once more leans forward and makes eye contact with me. This time he is prepared with a nodContinue reading “Post #31.8, Weds., April 20, 2022”
Post #31.5, Weds., April 13, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. In the Vosges Mountains I stand here among the pilgrims for the chanting of the psalms. I know that many who dedicate themselves to obedience in Christ assume grief and suffering are the virtues that make them holy. I’ve known some use suffering to nurture their own ability for empathyContinue reading “Post #31.5, Weds., April 13, 2022”
Post #30.15, Thursday, March 31, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. The cottage in the mountains “The Rule of Columbanus is a shorter document than the Rule of Benedict,” she tells me clearly intending to change the subject. “So these are easier rules?” She smiles at that silly question. She explains, “It takes fewer words because all thatContinue reading “Post #30.15, Thursday, March 31, 2022”
Post #30.13, Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. The cottage in the mountains Close to the heart in these mountains deep in its valleys, the Black Forest cradles an eternity of ancient lore. Turned as yarn on the spindles of storytellers are romantic legends of fairies and princes, commoners always reaching justice after cruelty, always turning things upsideContinue reading “Post #30.13, Tuesday, March 29, 2022”
Post #30.12, Thursday, March 24, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. The cottage in the mountains Ana and I are stumbling over steep cobblestones of reunion. Her dream of finding her beloved teacher alive and well, welcoming her back is dashed, and instead she gets handed a man with a wound. She breaks into my silence with words, “Of courseContinue reading “Post #30.12, Thursday, March 24, 2022”
Lazarus Ink 