The good things in life are more appreciated when they become rare.
After the meal, Brother Benedict played a song on the kithara, an ancient guitar. He came across this instrument when he read the Odyssey of Homer. He was given a kithara by a pilgrim coming back from a pilgrimage to Mount Mary. Brother Leo played the flute. Steve played the drums. Verena and Catherine played the harp. Joan took Verena’s harp and Brother Leo, Benedict’s kithara. Verena and Brother Benedict danced together and all their friends joined in.
The emotions of the people of Saint Peter had swung like a pendulum from sadness to joy, desperation to hope.
Everybody flocked into the church at midnight to celebrate the midnight mass.
Moonshine was falling into the darkness of the church. There was silence. The light of the altar candles rose. The flame was weak at first, almost fading away, but it started burning stronger. The wall paintings appeared in the darkness. The light revealed a painting on the east side of the church, showing Jesus scarring away the money exchanger in front of the temple in Jerusalem. More and more paintings of the Bible became apparent. An altar boy lit the Christmas candles. The Morning Star shone on the Christmas tree. In front of the Christmas tree was the Holy Family with Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus together with the three wise men from the East. The Morning Star announced the arrival of Jesus Christ who came to take the sins of the world to reunite us with God.
Brother George, Maurice and Julian stood in the entrance of the church like angels bringing a message from God. Brother George was holding the Morning Star in his right hand.
“Wherever there is hope there is a light and wherever there is a light there is hope. The Morning Star arrives with the beginning of the Advent time and shines over our village at Christmas. It signals the beginning of a new era. An era of love.” Brother George held the Morning Star in the air.
The Eyes in the Darkness of Death
The thousands of bloody eyes of the reptilian army were watching the people of Saint Peter whilst they were celebrating Christmas. Queen Jezebel and King Bloodstone gathered in the valley of death. The big hall of the castle of Bloodstone had four entrances stretching like tentacles into a big tunnel. The skulls of slain humans stood on both sides of the entrance. Candles burned on the top of the skulls. The screaming of Behemoth and Leviathan came from deep down in hell. King Bloodstone and Queen Jezebel went up the stairs into the centre of the castle which looked like a big dome. The windows overlooked the sea of death. Huge creatures moved through the sea.
“The sea of death is drying up. There is no blood left to feed the creatures of the Underworld. We need another war to feed the sea,” said King Bloodstone to Queen Jezebel.
Christmas Celebration
The parishioners celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ in Saint Peter’s church. They gathered around a big fire on the river side in the evening. The moonlight fell on the mountains. Mount Mary and the Mountain of the Angels appeared like clouds in the far distance. They were celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ opening the world to the divine truth. The mountains were dancing in the Christmas night to the melodies of the rivers which became musical instruments in the hands of the Creator celebrating the arrival of his son.
Brother George was on his knees facing the altar and Mount Jesus in the south of Saint Peter’s church. He stood up and said:
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth.
Peace and goodwill to all people.
We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you. We give thanks to you for your great glory.
Lord King, heavenly father God, father, almighty Lord the only begotten son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Lord God, Lamb of God. Son of the father who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, you who take away the sin of the world.
“Receive our prayer, you who sits at the right side of the father and have mercy on us. For you are Holy, only you are Lord Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. Each day we bless you and we praise your name forever and to the ages of ages.”
The big wooden gate of the church opened. The fishermen from the riverside flocked into the church to celebrate Christmas.
Brother George took the Bible and turned pages. “Joy, joy is with all of you. Jesus Christ is born today. What happiness there is for those who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours!”
“Luke chapter 6,” whispered Brother Thomas in Brother Benedict’s ear. Brother Thomas had given his version of the Bible to Brother George.
“What happiness there is for you who are now hungry, for you are going to be satisfied. What happiness there is for you who weep, for the time will come when you shall laugh with joy.
“What happiness it is when others hate you and exclude you and insult you and smear you name because you are mine! When that happens, rejoice! Yes, leap for joy. For you have a great reward awaiting you in heaven. And you will be in good company. Ancient prophets were threatened that way too.
“But, oh, the sorrows that await the rich. For they have their only happiness down here. They are fat and prosperous now, but a time of awful hunger is before them. Their careless laughter now means sorrow then. And what sadness is ahead for those praised by the crowds for false prophets have always been praised.
“Listen, all of you. Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God’s blessing on those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, let him slap the other too,” said Brother George.
There was silence for a while.
Julian entered the church holding the Morning Star with both hands in the air. The church was illuminated by the white lights of the star. The biblical paintings streamed over the walls like the waves of a lake in the sun light in the morning. There was a wall painting of Jesus when he preached in the temple as a boy. Another painting depicted Jesus standing on a mountain carrying a sheep in his arms. The wall paintings rose to heaven. The white colors at the bottom of the church became green then golden brown, orange and yellow with the changes of the seasons. At the top of the church was a painting showing Jesus Christ ascending from the sea into heaven in a light of blue color. The Morning Star stood in the sky. The light of the Morning Star was lifted to the ceiling of the church.
“Jesus and Mary are living beyond the stars in the sea of love,” said Brother George and lit the altar candle.
He gave the candle to Verena. The faithful walked to the altar holding their white praying candles. The
Light of the Morning Star fell down from the ceiling. A painting appeared in the light. Four monks gathered around the emerging painting. When the painting was finished they carried it through the church. Two altar boys opened the wooden gate of the church. The night was calm. The earth was dreaming in the lab of Christmas. The stars were reflected in the water of the river flowing peacefully from the mountains in the divine night of Christmas. The earth slept in celestial peace in the arms of heaven.
The four men carrying the soul painting followed the Morning Star. The little bell of the church rang. The voices of the choir followed the bells into the clear winter night. Visions were rising in the minds of people carrying their souls to the sea of love.
The parishioners followed the Morning Star and the soul painting to the monastery of Saint Peter. The gates of the monastery opened to a park leading to the mountain of memory. Armed monks guarded the entrance. The mountain of memory was the safest place to protect the painting from thieves.
The Morning Star illuminated the walls decorated with soul paintings created during the liturgical year depicting scenes from the Bible. Many paintings were reflections of prayers helping people overcoming sorrow and pain. One soul painting showed an angel defending the monastery of Saint Paul from the attack by demons. The soul painting of Christmas was placed in the middle of a wall.
After reflecting on soul painting, the congregation went back to the church hall for the
Christmas feast. Ginger bread, nuts, apple pies and other sweets were decorated the wooden tables. People indulged in the delicious meals. After the meal it was time for the children to go to bed.
The hearts of the orphans were filled with joy. Verena kissed every child good night. Her kiss was like the beat of an angel wing sending the children on a journey to heaven.
Many parishioners met in the church to pray through the night
Saint Stephen Day
Snow had fallen over night. The hills of Saint Peter were as white as the heart of Saint Stephen, whose birthday was celebrated today.
Saint Stephen was the first martyr and wrongly accused of speaking blasphemous words against Moses. He was put on trial where he said that he saw the heavens open and Jesus Christ standing on the right side of God. The judges considered that blasphemy. He was taken outside town and murdered.
Catherine met Steve under the big pine tree in the centre of the village.
“It is Saint Stephen’s Day today,” she said and gave Steve a sweater, she had made during Advent time. She gave him a big hug and held the sweater against Steve’s chest.
“It fits,” she said happily.
“That is the most beautiful gift I have ever received for my birthday,” said Steve and gave her a kiss on her soft white cheek.
“Why are you looking so sad?” The sad expression on her face did not escape the sad expression in her face.
“I do not want you to get confirmed. If you are not confirmed you cannot go to the battle of All Saints at the end of the Liturgical year,” she said.
“But Catherine, I have to go and defend the people of Saint Peter against evil. The army of evil will strike any moment and kill our brothers and sisters. We need to stand up against evil. If we win the battle our souls will be free forever.” Steve held Catherine in his arms.
“Let’s escape from Saint Peter and go to the lake of the fisher priest. We can stay there forever and you do not need to go to war,” said Catherine.
“So many people are migrating west. There are vast forests and beautiful lakes there offering plenty of food and wood to build churches.”
“Brother Benedict said that he will take us on a pilgrimage to the lake in summer,” said Steve looking into Catherine’s eyes.
“So we will see ourselves. We can ask Brother Benedict to marry us so we can stay there forever,” said Catherine, holding Steve by the arms.
“I know that you care for me Catherine. But I cannot abandon the people of Saint Peter. What would they think of me? A traitor, a coward… I could not look in their eyes anymore,” said Steve.
“Our love is more important. We can live in peace and harmony,” said Catherine.
“Things will change next year. We shall destroy King Bloodstone and his evil empire and we will be free. The evil spirit feeding the Romans will have disappeared like the smoke of a fire. Weapons will turn into ploughs and hate into love. The Holy Spirit will lead us into freedom. The love of Jesus Christ will encourage us. This can only happen if we win the last battle,” replied Steve
“There will never be peace on the earth. There will always be wars. But we can find peace in our hearts and souls together,” said Catherine.
“Have more confidence in the men of Saint Peter! We will lead Christianity to victory. Maurice, Julian and George are fighting on our side. King Bloodstone is afraid of the Holy Lance,” said Steve standing up.
“If you get killed I will never forgive myself,” said Catherine.
The Twelfth Night
The celebration of the Holy Family followed the next day and the congregation met in the church to celebrate. Prayers carried the congregation through the holy night to reap the spirit of Christmas. The fruit of the spirit was a mental shield against the spiritual attack of the kingdom of darkness. The liturgical celebrations brought them together with Jesus Christ, Mary, the angels and Saints. The doors of hell were open and King Bloodstone lured young and old into his kingdom to corrupt their souls. The body follows the soul into destruction. Before he could destroy their souls he had to divide the people because he could not attack them when they were staying together.
The celebration of the Holy Family was also a reflection on the good virtues of families and to reinforce their values in the minds of the citizens.
Brother George went to church and noticed that the incense was missing. This aromatic material releasing fragrant smoke when burnt opening the senses to the spiritual world was a very important implement. Brother George questioned the altar boys responsible for dispersing the incense as to the whereabouts but they had no clue where the magic powder had gone. Brother George knew about the superstition of the farmers who could not read nor write but see. And what they saw they did not like particularly the herbs and vegetables which grew bigger under the care of the monks. The farmers thought that their success was based on magic tricks. The farmers became very innovative in finding new methods of vegetable growing. However, Brother George was very upset as incense was a vital part of every celebration opening the inner self to the world of God.
Brother Martin came back home from the monastery when he smelt incense. He was surprised as the smell was not coming from the church but from the forest. He followed the fragrant and came to a barn. He saw Jack walking through the stable swinging the incense disperser. The golden disperser had been given to the community by a pilgrimage at the celebration of Epiphany five years ago. Jack was jerking when he saw Brother Martin coming through door. He turned his back and put the incense disperser in his left hand walking slowly through the stable. Brother Martin, who was almost one head taller than Jack, followed him through the stable.
“What are you doing Jack?” asked Brother Martin coming from behind and standing next to the farmer.
“I am feeding the cows with incense to improve the quality of the milk and cheese,” said Jack holding the dispenser over the back of a cow. The cow was turning around jawing straw looking very bored at Jack.
“I am very disappointed of you. I thought I had taught you better, Jack,” said Brother Martin.
“It is the twelfth night today. Our ancestors used to bless the animals in this night. Remember…” said Jack smoking the next cow.
“If you want the cows producing more milk go to the church. Close your eyes and ask God to bless the animals. Miracles will happen and God is going to show you ways of producing more in less time. How do you think Jesus fed a thousand people with a few fish and a few bread crumbs?” Don’t you think he knows all about creating and maintaining a prosperous farm? You have to meditate on these themes to become part of the teaching. God will help you,” said Brother Martin.
“Farmers are not growing their crops with water alone. The monks in the monastery are not growing their vegetables with earth, water and sunshine. They are using holy soil to grow their fruits and vegetables,” said Jack who was surrounded by white smoke.
“Who told you that?” asked Brother Martin.
“Some of my friends. They watched the monks putting garlic gloves in the soil a few weeks ago,” said Jack swinging the dispenser around a cow.
Some of the white smoke hovered over his head like a gloriole.
“The vegetables are growing stronger because of Brother Leo who has years of experience in agriculture. He has observed several methods and applied the most efficient solutions. He was selecting the strongest seeds for planting,” said Brother Martin.
“I cannot belief that this is the secret of the monks in the monastery. They are using magic potions to beat us farmers. Now we are using magic too. The magic of the twelfth night,” said Jack who was staring at the disperser. Jack took the lit off as there was no smoke coming out.
“Can you please give me the rest of the incense? We need it in the church to celebrate Epiphany,” said Brother Martin.
“It is all gone,” replied Jack looking in the empty hole of the disperser.
“What do you mean, it is all gone?” as
ked Brother Martin watching Jack in disbelief.
“The last puff is floating there,” said Jack pointing at the white smoke hovering over the horns of a cow.
“Do you mean that we have no incense left for the celebration of Epiphany,” said Brother Martin looking at him with big eyes.
“We have no incense left but holy cows instead,” said Jack.
“Please come to church tomorrow. Meditate on the painting facing to the South of the church where Jesus is preaching to the people whilst his disciples distributing fish and bread among the crowd,” said Brother Martin patting Jack’s right shoulder.
“Forgive them for they know not what they do,” said Brother Marin and left the stable.
The celebration of the innocent children was next on the liturgical calendar. When King Herod had been told about the birth of Jesus Christ he ordered to kill all baby boys two years and under. Jesus and the Holy Family could escape but many children were killed. An extra ceremony was held at the church of Saint Peter in memory of the innocent children who lost their lives.
Brother George said that the innocent children stood for all children suffering in the world. He took the celebration of the innocent children very seriously as Saint Peter was very much committed to the welfare of children. Many of the children had lost their parents to the Romans emperors who considered the rising of Christianity as a threat. The ceremony was reaching deep in the hearts and souls of the children.
When the orphans woke up they felt as if a new life had begun the following morning. The ceremony healed their broken souls. The healing of the soul would positively affect their lives. They were smiling and laughing at the breakfast table. Andrew, a six year old boy, who had lost both parents in an accident, was humming a melody. The noise was disappearing and the children were listening to the melody everybody appeared to recognize. Brother George had preached that the Saints are the hearts of the village. He said that people were connected to their Saints who were defending the village from evil. The melody came from the heart of Saint Peter who was looking after the spiritual welfare of the citizens.