#52.3, Thurs., Jan. 4, 2024

Historical Setting, 626 C.E. A creek valley in the Vosges          Haberd is very definitely the head of the household.  He and his wife have taken on the major tasks of the family farm with the others of us helping out as farm hands when needed. A larger table is needed now up at theContinue reading “#52.3, Thurs., Jan. 4, 2024”

#52.2, Weds. Jan. 3, 2024

Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The farm in the Vosges           It was just a little gift that Greg and Gaillard brought with them from their last journey to Constantinople.          They came leading a caravan with horses and some mercenaries as guards and also with pack animals laden with all varieties of riches. The treasuresContinue reading “#52.2, Weds. Jan. 3, 2024”

#52.1, Tues., Jan. 2, 2024

Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The farm in the Vosges           My prayers throughout this decade and six years have mostly been gratitude. We’ve had no more eulogies for our children, only bits of grieving for the passages of youth. I was last keeping this journal in December of 610. These years have brought subtle transitions.Continue reading “#52.1, Tues., Jan. 2, 2024”

#51.12, Thurs., Dec. 28, 2023

Historical Setting, 610 C.E. The cottage in the Vosges          It is the season for epiphanies. How will we see all things new in the new light rising?  What will become of all that we’ve nurtured and things we still cherish? How will we set our sight on new hopes for the goodness, always walkingContinue reading “#51.12, Thurs., Dec. 28, 2023”

#51.11, Weds., Dec. 27, 2023

Historical Setting, 610 C.E. The cottage in the Vosges          Safe at home calls for the great exhale — the unwinding of the wandering and the dare — the hugs and soft kisses — the beverage — the toast — the prayers of thanks — the counting of each person safe. We are all hereContinue reading “#51.11, Weds., Dec. 27, 2023”

#51.10, Tues., Dec. 26, 2023

Historical Setting, 610 C.E. Luxeuil          The Irish farmer, who loaned his horse to the Abbot for his escape from Besançon answers the soldiers who are now requiring an explanation for the sword they’ve found here in these guest quarters we share.           The farmer explains, “My farm is some distance from here, so IContinue reading “#51.10, Tues., Dec. 26, 2023”

#51.9, Thurs., Dec. 21, 2023

Historical Setting, 610 C.E. Luxeuil          The Father is back and safely in his library study. But Father Eustasius has already prepared the Christ Mass homily when Luxeuil will have many visitors for worship. So, the vespers tonight are led by Father Eustasius.          Greg and Gaillard left before dark and will be stopping atContinue reading “#51.9, Thurs., Dec. 21, 2023”

#51.8, Weds., Dec. 20, 2023

Historical Setting, 610 C.E. Luxeuil “I don’t know if it was intended to be punishment. My teacher assigned me a new cell with no mate.” After Gabe told me of his mystical experience, we ride the rest of the way to Luxeuil in a kind of warm and comfortable silence. Thank you, God. It’s aContinue reading “#51.8, Weds., Dec. 20, 2023”

#51.7, Tues., Dec. 19, 2023

Historical Setting, 610 C.E. the old road from Besançon to Luxeuil          Gabe is telling he was called before his teacher because another novice accused him of “heresy.”          “I told my teacher that when I first went to Luxeuil there were so many different ways people speak of God it set me to questioningContinue reading “#51.7, Tues., Dec. 19, 2023”

#51.6, Thurs., Dec. 14, 2023

Historical Setting, 610 C.E. the old road from Besançon to Luxeuil          It’s true. I did have a silent prayer in my thoughts just now, it is gratitude. “So, Gabe, do you miss hearing all the prayers spoken aloud as they do at Luxeuil?”          “No Papa. At Luxeuil I keep my prayers silent too.Continue reading “#51.6, Thurs., Dec. 14, 2023”