Historical Setting, 626 C.E. On the River near Trier It is breezes from the northeast that rustle the leaves left-over through the winter from the autumn-turning that signal a storm to come. “I hear you will all be crossing over the river tonight and setting fire to the vineyards of the strangers whoContinue reading “#53.11, Tues., Feb. 27, 2024”
Category Archives: Christian History
#53.10, Thurs., Feb. 22, 2024
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 collectContinue reading “#53.10, Thurs., Feb. 22, 2024”
#53.9, Weds., Feb. 21, 2024
Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The Vintner’s Cottage on the Moselle This man recites the law precisely. So how does his understanding of this simple message turn into something so completely different than Jesus could ever have intended? I argue, “I know Jesus, his followers and even the lawyer in the conversation were allContinue reading “#53.9, Weds., Feb. 21, 2024”
#53.8, Tues., Feb. 20, 2024
Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The Vintner’s Cottage on the Moselle Face-to-face at the table with this vintner, the old wineskin he pours from has turned to vinegar. So, I already have a clear mind for this argument. We’ve acknowledged a distinction between the edicts of earthly kings and God’s law – something no kingContinue reading “#53.8, Tues., Feb. 20, 2024”
#53.7, Thurs., Feb. 15, 2024
Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The Vintner’s Cottage on the Moselle The vintner asks me why I’ve come to the vineyards if it is just to pick my way fighting into their controversy. I have to wonder that myself. Was I driven here for some reason only I can fulfill? Or am I so caughtContinue reading “#53.7, Thurs., Feb. 15, 2024”
#53.6, Weds., Feb. 14, 2024
Historical Setting, 626 C.E. On the River Path near the Moselle River This morning I leave early on the borrowed horse. Ana doesn’t exactly send me off with her blessing. She thinks it’s foolish for a pacifist as I am to go off to quill a fight among wine growers. But, while Brandell isContinue reading “#53.6, Weds., Feb. 14, 2024”
#53.5, Tues., Feb. 13, 2024
Historical Setting, 626 C.E. Luxeuil to borrow a horse This morning I am at Luxeuil which happens to be one of these monasteries built on a Roman ruin. Here my own son, Brother Gabriel, takes the messages from the leg of a bird to the abbot in this community. So here I findContinue reading “#53.5, Tues., Feb. 13, 2024”
#53.4, Thurs., Feb. 8, 2024
Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The secular church near Annegray Mater Doe, our priest, shared with me her concern with answering the question of the vintners with her explanation of baptism, it puts the Jewish settlers coming to the lands in danger as outcasts. She is realizing now, after they left, that the real concern theyContinue reading “#53.4, Thurs., Feb. 8, 2024”
#53.3, Weds., Feb. 7, 2024
Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The secular church near Annegray Mater Doe tells me of her conversation with two men who came here asking about baptism. “They asked me particularly about the power of baptism as it is demanded for Christianizing Jews.” “That is the concern these days?” She continues, “We know it’s a king’sContinue reading “#53.3, Weds., Feb. 7, 2024”
#53.2, Tues., Feb. 6, 2024
Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The farm in the Vosges Brandell prepares for his journey into the unknown of Constantinople. He will be guided by his brother and Gaillard across the mountains, then they will part ways and Brandell plans to join a merchant ship’s crew in Ravenna to earn his travel by sea toContinue reading “#53.2, Tues., Feb. 6, 2024”
Lazarus Ink 