Bible Stories – Page 7

#48.9, Thurs., Sept. 21, 2023

Historical setting: 602 C.E. The Vosges Mountains Even as the sun rises these guests are sleeping soundly. This could never happen under the rule they keep at their own communities. So, to keep the quiet in the cottage, Ana and I take the four little ones outside into the sunny autumn day. Haberd andContinue reading “#48.9, Thurs., Sept. 21, 2023”

#48.7, Tues., Sept. 19, 2023

Historical setting: 602 C.E. The Vosges Mountains Several candles burned to the socket this night as Father Columbanus listens to Bishop Felix tell of his visit with the Pope. The father asks, “So do you suppose the Holy Father will understand my plight with these bishops of Gaul?” The bishop answers, “IContinue reading “#48.7, Tues., Sept. 19, 2023”

#47.15, Thurs., Aug. 31, 2023

Historical setting: 602 C.E. A cottage in the Vosges Ana returned from the Village of the hunters with the news of the old grandmother’s death. This evening we, ourselves, are binding the edges of family together. Lately we’ve noticed the tapestry of sacred life is unraveling at the edge. The empty bench on oneContinue reading “#47.15, Thurs., Aug. 31, 2023”

#47.10, Tues., Aug. 22, 2023

Historical setting: 602 C.E. A cottage in the Vosges I’ve learned from Greg how the Bishop of Metz has, in a way, honored my request that my son be allowed to choose pacifism. Though Greg would be a soldier, his mission could be the Jesus peace. I would’ve said the “Christian” peace, since JesusContinue reading “#47.10, Tues., Aug. 22, 2023”

#47.4, Tues., Aug. 8, 2023

Historical setting: 602 C.E. A cottage in the Vosges Here, I play a simple tune on Simon’s harp. It’s a song Simon invented to please the cuckoo nesting near this place where only flowers may grow. Brandell is delighted. For just a moment the tones of cooing cuckoo sullies the sorrows of us humankinds.Continue reading “#47.4, Tues., Aug. 8, 2023”

#47.3, Thurs., Aug. 3, 2023

Historical setting: 602 C.E. A cottage in the Vosges Simon played this little harp we made with gut strings on a bent ash root. From these hardened leftovers of life-things Simon made music and Brandell believed Simon had magical power. Maybe a two-year-old notices the “hole in the music” when someone is missing, andContinue reading “#47.3, Thurs., Aug. 3, 2023”

#47.2, Weds., Aug. 2, 2023

Historical setting: 602 C.E. A cottage in the Vosges People like Simon would seem ordinary, or common, amid the great heroic tales that are told by the fires of soldiers gathering for wars. The ordinary aren’t mentioned. Great stories are spun around the likes of Greg or Gabe. And I can imagine little dark-hairedContinue reading “#47.2, Weds., Aug. 2, 2023”

#47.1, Tues., Aug. 1, 2023

Historical setting: 602 C.E. A cottage in the Vosges All night last night, we sat at the table with a candle and the book. Ana and I took turns reading to one another through warm tugs and tears. We read the scribbles of words in Simon’s journal. [Footnote] The pages are the storyContinue reading “#47.1, Tues., Aug. 1, 2023”

#46.10, Tues., July 25, 2023

Historical setting: 602 C.E. A cottage in the Vosges Gabe and I share this private conversation as we brush down the horses Greg and I borrowed and Gabe wants to discuss the issue burning through the night whispers in the novice quarters. “Fear of the Lord” whether required or optional, or interpreted through abusesContinue reading “#46.10, Tues., July 25, 2023”

#46.9, Thurs., July 20, 2023

Historical setting: 602 C.E. A cottage in the Vosges The novice here on stable duty this morning is Gabe. That was probably a kindness by the brother who assigns duties to the novices. I can see Gabe is well and finding his spiritual nurture in this place. He tells me he has a betterContinue reading “#46.9, Thurs., July 20, 2023”