Ignatius said, “It is like we are here. I haven’t started to talk about God yet to you; I have been involved in my studies. But it used to be that when I would come across a good man like you at inns and in town squares I would talk to them about God. I was not like the usual Catholic teacher, so people suspected me. The only real fault they have found with me is my lack of education, so I am here to remedy that.”
Jose said, “That is great. I am glad you will be able to do all of this with no suspicion of heresy.”
Ignatius said, “I don’t know why they suspect me so, I have tried to follow all of the saints examples, I have not done anything wrong. Once, while I was on trial, I said, ‘I will agree with anything the Pope says, even if it is wrong,’ that is how devoted I am.”
Jose said, “Good luck Ignatius, I have to head off to my room now, but good luck with your preaching.”
Ignatius said, “Do you have to go now? I have a great problem and I think I could trust you since you are a fellow Spaniard.”
Jose said, “Trust? Oh, yes, Ignatius, yes. You can trust me with anything. A secret. Money perhaps?”
Ignatius said, “I wouldn’t dream of asking you to take on that sort of responsibility. I do have a problem with money though.”
Jose cocked his head and said, “Yes Ignatius, go on.”
Ignatius said, “I received 25 ducats the other day and I am afraid to leave it in my room.”
Jose smiled, but hid the smile quickly and said, “Ah, y es. That is a concern. How did you come upon this money?”
Ignatius said, “It was a gift to help me with my course work.”
Jose said, “You can’t carry that sort of money around, not in Paris, you’ll get mugged. You have to find a person you can trust to give it to so that they can hold it for you.”
Ignatius asked, “But who could I give it to?”
Jose said, “You are talking to the right person. I would be glad to hold your money for you.”
Ignatius said, “But I don’t think that I could put you in that sort of danger. If anyone found out you had that sort of money on you your very life would be in danger.”
Jose said, “But Ignatius, I am working for a bank here in Paris, I have to carry money all of the time.”
Ignatius said, “What luck. I shall meet you here about an hour before dawn for breakfast and I will let you hold the money for me then.”
Jose said, “Before dawn? Oh, yes, that will be just fine.”
Ignatius said, “What luck. I was so worried about the money, and I am trying not to think about such things. I only took the money so that I wouldn’t have to beg as often and could devote time to my studies.”
Jose said, “You can concentrate on your studies with all of your might now, I will take care of you.”
Ignatius said, “Thank you and God bless you.”
Jose said, “De nada.”
#
Juan Escobar lay on the bed in the inn at Rouen, his face looked white, the bed clothes were wound about him, and his bloodshot eyes lacked focus. The room smelled of strange medications and sweat. Juan asked, “Ignatius, is that you?”
Ignatius sat on the bed and held Juan’s hand and said, “Yes, it is me.”
Juan said, “I am so ill and now I will have to go to jail for stealing your money from you. I have the worst luck. Fortuna must hate me.”
Ignatius said, “No, my friend, you have the best of luck. I am not worried about the 25 ducats; I am worried about your immortal soul.”
Juan said, “I will rightly burn in Hell for this sin I have committed against you.”
Ignatius said, “You have to confess your sin to a priest, do your penance, and then you will be absolved. You do not have to fear the fires of Hell if you take my council. I came here fasting all of the way with concern for your soul.”
Juan said, “You fasted all of the way here. It must have taken you at least three days to get here.”
Ignatius said, “That is correct, it took me three days. I thought that if I came with forgiveness and hunger, you would see the error of your ways and repent. So, do you repent?”
Juan said, “Yes, I do. And when I get well and go back to Spain I will tell everyone there about the wonderful saint that I have found here.”
Ignatius said, “I do it all for God’s glory, not my own. I will stay here and nurse you back to health.”
Juan said, “I don’t have any of the money left, I’m sorry.”
Ignatius said, “I did not come for the money, don’t think of it anymore.”
#
Ignatius looked up in the night sky and saw the wonders there. He had learned much since he had taken on formal theological training, but the most important things he possessed in his heart. The heights of heaven are unimaginable to man as the depths of the sea, and so too is the mind of God. A shooting star flashed across the dark and faded into black. Ignatius wondered if he would be like the shooting star one day.
Epilog
As Ignatius studied, he found six other companions that were of a like mind. All of them were studying to become priests, and they resolved to form the Company of Jesus, or as it is known today, the Jesuits. Each of the first fathers, as they were known, undertook a ritual that Ignatius Loyola had written down in his book, Spiritual Exercises, to rid themselves of sin. Ignatius sought to found worthwhile institutions and to undertake missions. All would be instructed by the Pope and go where he was needed. India, Japan, and Britain were among the first places visited by Jesuits. Jesuits have established universities all over the world, and these are a lasting monument to the faith of one man.
Notes
All of the narratives are true, although the exact words are lost to history. I have also not made up any characters, although we don’t know Juan Escobar’s real name. Ignatius Loyola was one of the most important reformers of the Catholic Church, but many were attempting reform at the time. Luther had made reform imperative, but Ignatius wanted to reform the church before he had even heard of Luther. He wanted it to return to its medieval roots.
This is one of the many similarities in the two narratives. Luther also wanted to go back, back to a different time, the Apostolic Age, but the similarities are there. Luther started only wanting to reform the church; it was only later when he realized that the differences could never be reconciled that he sought to found a new religion. Both received formal training by the Catholic Church, both were rather naive about the world. But both men have made an impact that will forever change our world.
The 12
Speratus stood on the edge of the cliff overlooking the Mediterranean; Seagulls were small dots under him floating on air. The sea smelled of salt and old fish. The Mediterranean stretched so wide here that the other side wasn’t visible, like the ocean. He standing in Africa and across the sea was Europe. Far below Speratus the Roman ships broke through the waves by the oars of slaves, but Speratus was a free man, he hadn’t chosen to fight the Romans when they had conquered Carthage. He had already know of Jesus when they came, and since he knew he could not fight, he fled into the jungle until his people had been defeated, their warriors enslaved or conscripted. A huge gust of wind swept up and he jumped back; he was not afraid for his own life as much as he was afraid for the few pieces of parchment he held in his hand.
Last night Speratus had read through his new copy of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans and had been absolutely amazed. The love and warmth from that book was more substantial than the love of most of the people he had known in his life. It seemed impossible, unless it was the Word of God. He would have to tell his little flock about it tonight when they met.
#
Lillian handed a plate of food to the Roman soldier who had been visiting her and her husband’s restaurant every day. His beard didn’t grow where a scar had been inflicted on his left cheek.
Cleo, the soldier, asked, “Where is your daughter today?”
Lillian said, “She had to go down to the market t
o get some more flour for the restaurant.”
Cleo said, “That’s too bad, that’s the only reason I come here is to take a good look at her.”
Lillian said, “I appreciate that you think she’s beautiful.”
Cleo said, “I thought that there would be more girls here, some of the other soldiers talk about how free the women are in Africa. How about we make some little arraignment about your daughter?”
Lillian said, “How dare you; she is not a slab of meat to be purchased at the market. We are respectable people. In a few years my daughter will get married. I cannot speak for all of Africa, but in this village we are all decent people.”
Cleo said, “I am not a person to be trifled with woman.”
Lillian said, “You are an important Roman soldier, I know, but my family still has respect for itself. That is something you can’t take away.”
Cleo got up and started to walk away, as he went he said, “This isn’t over.”
#
Lillian and ten other villagers went to hear Speratus speak about the new book that he claimed was “more precious than gold.” A fire burned in the center of the circle, the flames like small fingers caressing the logs. The congregation sat around the fire, which felt uncomfortably hot in the summer night thick with humidity. The bright colors of the villagers’ robes were dulled by the lack of light, but the brightness in Speratus’ eyes more than compensated for them. His dark brown complexion and short, curly hair were like many others in the village, but his cheekbones were high and distinctive. He seemed to have a quiet dignity about him.
Speratus said, “I will be talking to you about Paul’s Book to the Romans tonight. He speaks so eloquently of love that it will tear out the last vestiges of hate from you.”
Lillian said, “How can this book be to the Romans? They have never heard of love in their lives.”
A few of the villagers laughed, but Speratus said, “The proper attitude is for us to show love to the Romans. I know that it is hard, but that is what Jesus commands. We are all sinners before God and therefore cannot pretend to be more just than these fellows.”
Lillian said, “How can you say these things? I know that I am more just than any of the Romans that I have ever met. One just tried to trade with me for my daughter’s virtue. How can this be anything that I would do? I am respectable.”
Speratus said, “It is but for the grace of God that you are a noble woman not enamored of sin. Remember that only Jesus was without sin and it is easy for sin to take over a life.”
Cleo stepped out from the shadows and said, “That is a noble speech, but an illegal one. You are guilty of being a Christian.”
Speratus said, “I do not deny it, rather I am proud to be called a Christian.”
Lillian got up and stepped away from Cleo, but other soldiers surrounded them. Cleo said, “I have brought enough friends to make sure that none of you will get away.”
Lillian said, “But what about my daughter and my husband? What will they do?”
Cleo said, “Without you I will take care of her, what do I care about your husband?”
Lillian said, “I don’t care what Speratus says, I hate you and I hope God takes judgment on you.” Lillian looked around; she could see at least ten soldiers- even though there were twelve villagers they had no chance against trained soldiers carrying the best weapons of the day. But Mary, who was the furthest from them, ran anyway, and a young soldier lunged with his sword at her leg and she fell to the ground, blood splattering on the ground. The soldier pulled her to him like she was a child’s toy, tugging at her clothes. When it became obvious to Lillian what he was going to do, she averted her eyes and fell to the ground in prayer.
#
The proconsul Saturninus was the only official in the room that wasn’t wearing the dress of a Roman soldier. He appeared in an elegant white robe with a crown of leaves in his hair. He presided over a huge mostly empty white marble structure, whose architectural style borrowed heavily from the Greeks. Braziers lit up the corners of the room, while a beam of sunlight shone on the accused’s faces. The villagers charged of being Christians all wore brightly colored robes; their faces were dark set with brown eyes. After this the similarities ended, there were men and women, old, young and middle-aged.
One of the soldiers held out a scroll and read, “Whereas Speratus, Nartzalus, Cittinus, Donata, Vestia, Secunda, Lillian, Mary, Barus, Thomas, Rebecca, and Tiberius have confessed they live in accordance with the religious rites of the Christians, and when an opportunity was given them of returning to the religion of the Romans they persevered in their obstinacy, it is our pleasure they should suffer the sword.”
Speratus said, “Thanks be to God.”
Nartzalus said, “Today we are martyrs in heaven. Thanks be to God!”
Proconsul Saturninus’ face showed puzzlement, but then he said, “We too have a religion and ours is a simple one. We swear by the fortune of the emperor. You should do the same.”
Speratus replied, “I do not recognize an empire in this world. I serve that God whom no man has seen or can see. The Lord I acknowledge is the Emperor of all kings and all nations.”
Donata added, “Honor to Caesar, but reverence to God alone.”
Another one of the accused said, “We reverence no one except our God in heaven.”
Saturninus asked, “Would you like time to think it over?”
Speratus asked, “What is the use? The matter is as plain as can be.”
Saturninus bowed his head for a moment and said, “I have no choice, I have to obey the law and therefore I sentence you to death by beheading. If you recant before this sentence is carried out then I order the sentence commuted.” As they led the prisoners away Saturninus shook his head in disgust and muttered, “This is a waste,” to himself.
Speratus said, “I only have one request.”
Saturninus asked, “What is that?”
Speratus said, “I want to be killed on the ridge overlooking the Mediterranean.”
Saturninus said, “Let it be so.”
#
Speratus looked out over the clear waters that he had gazed at so many times, and knew this would be his last. His head lay on the chopping block, but he did not close his eyes. A great wind blew and he felt himself lifted up into the breeze and down towards the waters. The gust kept him from falling as quickly as he should and it was like he was seeing everything in slow motion. The sea rushed towards him, but when he thought he was going to strike it two hands reached out and grabbed him and he turned his head to see who had captured him. Those brown eyes that stared back at him held a miraculous amount of love, more love than the world has hate, more love that it is possible to have in a human’s eyes. But it was not until Speratus looked to the top of the man’s head and saw the blood run down from his crown of thorns that he knew he was home.
Notes
There is not much information about the twelve Martyrs of Scilla, but what is known is that they were beheaded, tried in Carthage and some of the words from their trial. It is known that most of the Roman officials didn’t actively seek out Christians, but had to act if they were informed that a person or persons were Christian so it seems likely to me that someone betrayed them.
Ironically the Roman Empire usually was one of religious tolerance. One of the reasons that Christians were persecuted was because of Roman law, which allowed the Emperor to keep most of the possessions of any Roman found guilty of a capital offense. When rich Roman citizens became Christian and traditionalists criticized the new religion because it didn’t lend itself into being adopted into the Roman religion, the emperor saw a way to get the money and placate the traditionalists. Thus we get this sad era of martyrdom that we can only hope will never be repeated again.
The book so far has been stories that had to be cut from my new book Would You Do What They Did? Great Christian Leaders From Our Past due to space issues. The rest of this book contains excerpts from that book.
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The Dying monk
Francis was having a dream of trying to feed all of the hungry in the world when he was woken by screams. He reached for a candle as the cries echoed, “I’m dying, I’m dying!”
Francis’s eyes took a minute to adjust to the light, but when they did, he found the brother who was dying; he scooted through the places where the other brothers had been sleeping a few seconds ago. Only one of the brothers remained lying down, and Francis asked, “What are you dying from?”
The brother said, “I am dying of hunger.”
One or two of the other brethren started to laugh, but Francis gave them an evil eye, and said, “Then we shall all eat.”
Another of the brethren asked, “It is the middle of the night, should we eat?”
Francis whispered, “Our poor brother will feel very inferior if we don’t join him in a meal. I for one don’t think that he is a weak soul. I have seen how he has acted until now. If we are too harsh with him, it could weaken his faith.”
The food was brought out and the brothers ate with Francis. When the food was all gone, Francis stood and said, “My dearest, I bid each of you to consider his nature, because though one among you may be able to sustain himself on less food, yet I do not wish that he who requires more food should imitate him. Instead, let him give his body what it needs, so that it may serve his spirit. Just as we are bound to be aware of superfluity in eating, as that harms both body and soul, so also—but even more—we must beware of too great abstinence. I therefore command all of you that—within the limits of our poverty—we satisfy the body according to its necessities.”
Wolf of Gubbio
Francis stood in the streets of the village of Gubbio. The streets and cottages were white with new fallen snow. Brown patches dotted the streets where the feet of men and a certain wolf had tread. The air smelled crisp and new in the bitter cold.
A woman yelled from a window, “Don’t try and tame the wolf, Francis, he has injured men and killed sheep and chickens, he is very dangerous and angry!”
Francis said, “He is one of God’s creatures. He may not be the most noble, he may be only hungry. Who am I to judge one that is hungry?”