FH

“I was swimming in the sea …” of confusion and was “… enlightened by …

Ista! Ista! Ista! … Fish! Fish! Fish! … Of course, we have to save the fish! The town, now the city, the province and the country depend on fish! What would we do without ‘dilis’, ‘tuyo’, daing’ and ‘Bangus Relleno’ … stuffed deboned milkfish?” We cannot live on water lilies. Sure! They give us Oxygen and use up the Carbon dioxide we contribute to global warming but we need food. Not even our pigs eat them. Yes, the water lilies are filling up our entire water environment. They are the only ones that would survive.

“These stupid humans still do not get it. We are doing our best to protect them. After all, they pamper us with healthy rice bran to eat instead of taking advantage of their good benefits themselves. Of course that may be due to ignorance. Again, of course, we literally pay with our lives. Unfortunately, they poison themselves with our saturated fat. Little do they realize that we are the only red meat that can be classified as white meat once the visible fat section is completely excised. Unlike beef, there is hardly any fat in the muscle portion. If we tell them, we reduce our chance to get even. Another of course … they will not believe us anyhow. … but they are our beloved masters and we save them anyhow by leaving the water lilies alone to give the fish oxygen to survive with and hopefully produce extra oxygen for humans to also survive with plus use up the Carbon dioxide in the vicinity to reduce an iota of the global warming trend. We are not that bad. Oink! Oink!”

Lynn woke up with a start. Ideas come to her more frequently and usually early in the morning while her brain is lingering between sleep and wakefulness. No wonder they are sometimes strange. … maybe more often than sometimes! She was discussing the disappearance of a lot of species from the river with her cousin. He made a joke about two legged species also in danger of extinction not of hunger and thirst alone but also from deterioration of international relations. Also, Christians are called ‘Fish’. … in what language and what alphabet? It started in Rome when the early Christians started drawing the horizontal number ‘8’, the Fish symbol, to identify themselves to each other during the years of persecution, execution and danger of extinction. Worse still, the word ‘fish’ referred to Jesus Christ, God our Saviour. Really? Once more … in what language and what alphabet?

‘IK THUS’ referred to Jesus. ‘J’ has been written as ‘Y’, ‘H’ or ‘I’ in the older languages. ‘I’ is Jesus. The Greeks called Jesus ‘Krystos’, meaning the Messiah or Saviour or Christ. ‘THUS’ is probably a ‘Koinnotation’ ‘koined’ by the ’Koine’ or spoken Greek slang speaking early Apostles and Christians. It was probably a combination of the Greek ‘Theos’ and Latin ‘Deus’ meaning God. The word for ‘fish’ sounded close to ‘IK Thus’. The actual spelling again depends on what languages and alphabets were used. Fish in Tagalog is ‘ISDA’ and in Lynn’s hometown is ‘ISTA’. The first Latin contacts of Filipinos were the Spanish conquistadores and frailes in 1521. They certainly would have used the word ‘PESCADO’ for fish. Who introduced the old word ‘ISDA’ to Filipinos who spoke an ancient language derived from Indonesian, Hindu and maybe African tongues? To confound it all, King Constantine, during the third century AD had a vision of the ‘Cross’. The message he received was: ‘With this sign, you shall conquer’. He discerned the letters ‘IHS’ on the cross that he saw. The abbreviation of the name for Christians in Rome at the time may have been close.

It was a beautiful day and a busy one for the hotel as well as local members of Women on Wings International. Lynn’s youngest brother dropped her off at the hotel lobby entrance and left for work. With increasing fuel prices and difficulty getting transportation, she decided to stay at the hotel all throughout the duration of the District Conference. It would ensure being there at the correct time for all functions with the ability to go back to her own room for changing clothes and errands or much welcomed breaks scheduled or not. The town has become a city and was no longer the capital of Murung Province. A popular resort area now boasts that title and added status. The hotel was built recently and designed to look like a mega version of the old classic Nipa hut but with all the technological features available. A lot of real bamboo and Nipa Palm were used for façade and décor. Even chandeiiers had that motif. Capiz shells were substituted for glass panes wherever possible. There were old fashioned sliding windows and doord with a that motif. Hand carved ‘barandilla’ grills surrounded balconies. They were not as gaily painted as those her grandfather made for his old home. With Muslims slowly moving into the area, someone should probably ask them to repaint them along with the exposed beams all over the place. A vinta in the pool may be quite an attraction. She was quite relieved, though, to find the usual bathroom fixtures and beds in her room. The little microwave oven. Coffee maker and small refrigerator were definitely bonuses. Her phone already had a blinking message indicator light.

The chairperson of the event wanted to invite her to an afternoon tea to join some delegates from the US and Australia. Good! Her main reason to attend was to get in touch with them. They were sitted around a rattan table and ready to order from the menu which needed a lot of explanation. It was Ash Wednesday and Catholics would be fasting to some degree and abstaining from meat. Of course, this was not dinner and would be extra for them but conveniently be just right for her. It was the usual time for her dinner. She ordered mango juice and recommended buko to the others. There was quite a list of merienda items she had not tasted in a long while. She quickly described some and indicated those with ingredients that they may not be able to tolerate too much of but would be great to try. Wonderful! The waiter returned with a large party tray with multiple delicacies to savor or stare at.

The past, current and incoming International Presidents were all there. Lynn briefly interjected information about current socio political state of affairs to keep in mund specially if local trips or tours were included in their plans.

“I am here to warn you.” She said. National elections are going to be held next year but bipartisan interaction starts years in advance and can be disturbing. In addition, the local insurgents active since after World War II, have not died down and revive at times of social turmoils. Al Qaeda has toned down but still gets heard off from time to time. Remember that they have previously taken foreign hostages. Please do not go to places not recommended by the local WOWI members and preferably only go when accompanied by them. Only ride with them. They often have chaufers taking them everywhere and right at the door of their destination. Now I can rest assured that you were enlightened. Please quietly pass the word to others.”

“Are you going with us to the Presidential Palace to meet the First Lady of the land?”

There were enough leftovers to store in her little refrigerator for little snacks between speakers’ talks the next few days. She had some for breakfast the following morning. She did not plan to go to the dining room dressed in her mother’s terno. A hotel guard sporting an embroidered jusi cloth barong Tagalog was outside her door. She requested him to take a snapshot. He happily obliged. Then he walked to the elevator and pushed yje button for her. Then, he also rode down. A man entered when the door opened on a lower floor.

The elevator reached the Conference Lobby. Both men stepped out and walked behind her. They proceeded towards the Registration Desk and received badges and information packets. WOWI is a women’s group. However, some men were admitted into the membership recently. They were usually husbands or significant others of female members. They have been volunteered extensively for various tasks through the years. The organization decided to invite as official members. Some decided to be Associates. The hotel guard retained his hotel badge but the other one received a guest’s ID badge. They went different ways. The hotel guard helped her with gathering her packet amd various articles of interest like souvenir buttons from various member clubs all over South East Asia. More pictures were taken. The men volunteered to take the snapshots but did not pose for any. The hotel guard followed Lynn into the Conference Room Display table and picked up a copy of the agenda. He smiled at her. He showed her a copy. Her picture was on the front page along with a short description of her talk.

He looked at her closely. Her badge identified her as a guest speaker. She was wearing a Mestiza dress. The Filipino formal gown is usually associated with the Luzon area but foreign guests, when protocol so requires, prefer this attire versus those specific to other localities. They would be hesitant to wear one from the Moro provinces at this time.

“That figures! Some doctors get involved in everything. You said you are from here. You must have travelled to different places to be able to know all those information about different countries.”

Lynn realized that the so called hotel guard really knew who she was. He was carrying on a conversation to keep her away from the incoming crowd and was probably secretly laughing at her responses. The last one was not in his mental notes. She smelled fish. More than half of the guests are from different countries. Her brother walks in wearing civilian clothes. The guard salutes while studying his features closely. Her brother was born in the Mountain Province while their father was assigned in the Military Academy. They dubbed him “Igorot” and it stuck.

We need someone to hold everyone’s attention while we check out credentials of all these delegates. We have at least one armed trouble maker in here.”

“Yes. Otherwise we jump to the sound of BOOM! Here’s your costume. It’s a little skimpy but the excitement and stage lights should keep you warm.”

The guard showed her his National Police ID and leads her to the backstage dressing area. Lynn opens the bag her brother handed her and gasps!

“Alright. Get Mother’s dress safely hidden in that closet. I don’t want blood on it.”

“When you hear the nose flute, it is safe to stop dancing and start your talk. If you hear the hand held gong, fall behind the podium. If you hear bullets close to you, play dead. We’ll cover you the best way we can. Stay put until one of us pulls you away. Two of the ladies gave up their safety pins and cannot join you on stage. The’ll be watching the audience from behind the side props. Don’t panic if you see them raise guns. They probably would need to disable someone aiming at you. Any questions?”

Fortunately they played a percussion section of the record. The dance teacher dubbed it ‘pots and pans’. She had used that piece previously for a different number … her version of the Moro Princess Walk.”

A group of male SWAT members dressed as warriors stood just below the stage. They approached selected guests one at a time and invited them to dance out through the door. Lynn stopped dancing and took more than a few deep breaths. It was difficult to talk. Her voice shook almost in rhythm with her knees. One of the ladies handed her a glass of water. There was no blood anywhere. No sirens were used either. TV cameras were not able to get in. The “hotel guard” slipped a story complete with a photo to the press. She was glad to get back into her mother’s dress. The President “did not show up.” Her apology was read after Lynn’s talk and printed alongside her photo.

“All’s well that end’s well.” Dala said when she showed up the next day.

“Delivering a message.” She replied. The church group is planning a zarzuela and would like you to direct it.“

“You are a celebrity now.” Dala explained handing her a copy of the morning paper. Lynn was relieved to see that the guard sent a copy of a snapshot taken prior to the stage routine.

“It is a Drama Arts Presentation. Thespians act out parts regardless of their religions.”

“A zarzuela is supposed to be related to the Passion of Christ. How can I make them think it is OK?”

They went to Lynn’s room during the break. The hotel guard stopped them outside her room’s door. Lynn identified Dala as a trusted friend.

“At least donate the platter to my family. My head will not pay for my funeral.”

The situation is the perfect setting for trouble. What happened in Mindanao has started in Luzon and the center of action would not be the nation’s capital but their new hometown which is now a budding city. Moros moved in years ago to get their children away from the chaos and influence of Al Qaeda. The townsfolk survived the uneasy relationship between them and the group who settled as squatters in established privately owned land citing ancestral rights to what they claimed to be their inherited property. It was bad enough that the town residents were leary of their presence and potential violent activity. Usurping documented land families farmed for centuries was a serious matter. That was amicably overcome. An international section was allotted to them during the rezoning of the city map. Where the funding came from is still not completely clear but most welcome. Two mosques were built in the area for the three tribes that moved there. The current urgent problem is the restlessness of the younger generation, particularly the teens who grew up during the violent years and remember interchange of ideologies along with bullets, bombs, kidnappings and beheadings plus the international adverse publicity they were inadvertently immersed in. They are now the tainted generation, displaced from their homes by their own parents and forced to conform with countrymen who do not trust them because they come from the section of the country that never accepted being part of the country. Though most local residents ae\re willing to adjust, they were understandably scared and now at least suspicious and aloof. The teens have been the subject of frequent drug raids by the local authorities. The younger ones see the conflict and are fast growing up very confused, discouraged and disillusioned.

“It is an emergency situation.” Dala concluded. “On top of that, their economic status is not good. The city does not have a working plan to remedy their problems. Poverty caused or at least pushed them into their misaffiliations in the past. It may force them to renew old alliances if not overcome.”

Dala handed her an article from the Internet. It enumerated the seven plagues mentioned in Revelation.

“ … with the continuation of numbers 2 and 3.” Lynn added. So, it recycles. There were the plagues of Moses, two episodes of Bubonic plague, small pox in Europe, Viral illness in Mexico, Captain Cook’s conquered land and Influenza in the USA. Now we have AIDS.”

Lynn thought of her cousin’s e-mail message. Not too long ago, he walked along the river. It was a lot smaller, murkier and smelly. There were a couple of men trying to catch fish with hooks. They informed him that only two types of fish are available. One is the mud fish and the other is hito. Both have accessory respiratory systems enabling them to survive in oxygen poor polluted water. Tilapia used to be available. Bangus or milkfish is cultured in pens crowding Lake Lawin and are still in good supply. So are shrimps and clams. The river may be an item in history in about ten years unless dredging is done soon.

Gone were the old days of childhood when his grandmother, Lynn’s great aunt served them so many kinds of fish that Lynn was unable to recall all the names and asked him to refresh her memory. He named them and provided English names when possible. Some of these are still present in Lake Lawin.

2. Hito - freshwater catfish (scientific names - Clarias macrocephalus (for the native hito; Clarias batrachus for the Thai catfish imported from Thailand in the 70s and which proliferated and displaced the local variety)

3. Kanduli is also a type of catfish but technically they are called sea catfish (scientific name : Arius manilensis)

He reminded her of the days when they visited Taga-Ilog during summer vacations. His grandmother and her grandfather’s sister used to serve them karpa which is carp in English (scientific name is Cyprinus carpio). I also remember kansusuwit ( halfbeak). There also was gurame (guorami). Lynn remembered that because it was relatively small and had plenty of spines but tasted good and was worth all the effort trying to get the meat from the skeleton.

The kinds of fish that thrive in marine water or in brackish water (mix of fresh and seawater) like that in Malaki and Anak Rivers, or which migrate to freshwater as part of their life cycle are the silver perch (ayungin), kanduli ( sea catfish), kansusuwit (halfbeak), and mullet (banak or talilong).

Banak is the kind of fish that really increase in number after the onset of the rainy season. Lolo Fidel used to pray for heavy rains and give thanks to Santa Ana when that happens. That is the reason for celebrating the feast of Santa Ana wth a river procession every year and why the feast is called Sta Anang BANAK. Generations of townsfolk attribute the rains, swelling of Malaki River and a bountiful Banak season to her intercession. She watches over us because we are special because the place is special. Some say Taga-Ilog is Paraiso.

“The circumstances are different and more complicated.” Dala explained. “In the past, Malaki River was dredged from time to time to keep it alive for the sake of old time residents who still fish and farm to provide for their families. Younger ones like you have gone to better pastures and learn high brow endeavors and live in high tech societies mostly abroad. Maliit River dried up a long time ago. Most people did not even notice. Malaki may end the same way. The focus of improvements is on Anak River because it flows all the way through Kaharian and therefore is the one that gets seen by visiting dignitaries. Maganda is now the pride of the area it serves. It has been cleaned and its surroundings beautified to improve the image of the business sector. Malaki is an adjunct to Anak. Anak can live on without it. So would Lawin Lake and Kaharian Bay. The local people of the drainage area will lose their fish and farm industry. Contrary to political opinion, this industry is vert much alive and slowly but surely being technologically enhanced by the middle and a few of the younger generation. Those who work elsewhere still depend on its bounty for food and partial source of income directly or indirectly. The pollution it causes due to lack of care and continued use as a main disposal system will continue to contaminate Lake Lawin and Kaharian Bay for many more years unless remedial measures are carried out effectively. Loss of plant and animal life shall affect more than crops and fish. Those who prefer to stay or are unable to move will have to face more hardship. Loss of a major waterway and inexpensive transportation system would be irreplaceable. With rising cost and diminishing availability of fuel, the lack of action to save Malaki River is inexcusable.”

“I thought Taga-Ilog has recently become a city with promises of improvements for the Lake Lawin area?” Lynn protested. She was puzzled by the inconsistency.

“The view from the top is constricted sometimes.” Dala continued. “Furthermore, there are new developments that can make or break the fate of the Malaki area. “The growing Moro population is going to be part of the group affected by the dying river. They left their home to be free from Al Qaeda which attracted their young because of their desire to flee poverty and social deprivation. They urgently need to see improvement in their socio-economic situation. To subject them to more depression may be conducive to restarting harmful associations. The country does not need that. Taga-Ilog managed to be outside the worst trouble spots through the millennia. It would be tragic to be in the very center this time around. Only Dilim would be happy. He knew this was coming. It is time for action.”

The environmental and socio-economic problems in the other countries were discussed during the conference. The entire area is having multiple problems at the same time. Each country has its own way of preparing for worse times. Japan appears to be the most prepared. Their technology goes beyond electronics. They had extensive underground tunnels to divert flood waters as well as others to use for shelter. Their electrical conduits are also there making them safe and easy to access. Some of the tunnels actually are survivors of the bombings of Heroshima and Nagasaki. They have earthquake proof buildings and adequate source of electric power. People are prepared to deal with disasters. The Philippines lags behind on all counts. Even awareness of impending calamity is low. Step number one has to … WAKE UP!

The alarm clock went off. Lynn reviewed her schedule. She has a meeting with the church group. It would be in the new Teen Center. Her youngest brother would drive her from Presidente to Taga-Ilog and pick her up later at their cousin’s house down the street. Her cousin belongs to the group. She may have to stay with her on and off if her involvement requires much of her time. Gas prices are really up and would really drain her brother’s pocket if she has to be with the teens quite frequently. For breaks, she can simply walk to another cousin’s home which is just beside the center. The old church is across the tennis court.

The maid set her breakfast on the table. The smell of freshly bakedpan de sal wafted into the air.

“No.” She said. By the time I get there, they will all be gone. I’ll ask for ensemada or bonete.”

The old tennis court was on the left along with friends’ homes now replaced by the Center. The Church compound is further to the left. The river is behind all of them. The main street runs in front.

The cousin’s home across the church is also the old panaderia. It would be tough trying to watch her diet.

A zarzuela is traditionally a Passion Play which was presented for days during Lent. There has not been any since World War II. Most of the people present at the meeting do not really know where to get a copy of a script or know what to include should they have to start from scratch. From previous reading, Lynn recalled that the Spanish priests wanted to continue traditions from the old country. The Filipino Indios readily accepted the chance for entertainment. The dialogue of course had to be in Tagalog or the local people would not know what it wa all about and miss the golden opportunity to learn the bible through the plays. Martial Arts have been banned by then to diminish the risk of harm from the Indios. The Indios saw the chance to revive, practice and teach the art to the younger ones on stage with costumes, fake swords and spears plus the blessing of the Roman Catholic Church. There was never a lack of participants and coaches. People went from town to town to learn the bible. Everyone was happy. Soon these events became fiestas. The Holy Week is a holiday vacation week to the present day in some places. By the time Lynn and her cousins were born, the zarzuelas were forgotten. Her mother’s cousin who used to live in the house near the church sang the Passion of Jesus Christ over the town’s loud speaker on Good Fridays.

“It is traditional to perform a Passion Play.” The head of the group said and a few others echoed her.

“ … if you can get the Muslim teens to do it.” A local school teacher said.

“… and their parents to let them even watch let alone participate.” A police officer sneered.

The following week, she asked the teens. The Catholics laughed. The Muslims were puzzled. They never heard of it. The Catholics never saw one. They at least heard of it. They recalled stories of dramatizations held at the church plaza depicting the arrest of Jesus by Roman soldiers, the crucifixion of Christ and the long litany of what should have been the short seven last words of the Savior. Then there was the blind Roman soldier who pierced the dead Christ’s chest with a spear ACCURATELY through the heart. That was more of a miracle to the young listeners than the moral of the story. They did not know why someone would have to kill someone twice within the hour unless it was for practice.

“Roman soldiers were really well trained. Actually, one eye was working. When bloo from Jesus’ heart cavity and water from the pericardial sac splashed on his bad eye, that started working too. He was the first Roman known to convert to Christianity.”

There sometimes was a tableau depicting the “Pieta”. To the current day, a replay of the crucifixion still gets presented with actual nailing of the ‘victim’s’ hands but not the feet on the cross. In some provinces, flagellants do penance for their sins in public. Some actually hold a procession composed of several religious participants. On the other hand, some sing the passion of Christ in groups in church or individually in the privacy of their homes. There at times are TV or radio presentations following the religious theme. On the other hand, a week long celebration goes on in some places. The only things Lynn remembered from childhood were going to Pa;m Sunday mass with an intricately woven and decorated palm branch and enjoying the camaraderie of other children shaking their palms at the signal to do so. She never understood what it was all about till later. Then, of course, on Good Friday from 12 noon to 3 PM her mother’s cousin monopolized the air lanes of the town with her not so magnificent singing of the entire section of the bible concerning the Passion of Christ. There was no escape. The town’s loud speaker broadcasted to Hilaga, Timog, Silangan and Kanluran regardless of income, social status or religion. Of course, at that time, most were Roman Catholic. A very few were members of an independent Christian Church started and led by a native of the town. The other event Lynn participated in on one occasion was the tradition for children to wait till the bells to ring on Sabado de Gloria. Lynn presumed that the name of the minor feast denoted that Jesus went to heaven after death on Friday and before resurrection on Sunday. However, she later heard that He went to hell instead. Hmmmm. When Mary Magdalene saw Him Sunday morning while it was still dark and tried to touch Him, He stopped her saying: “Noli Mi tangere. I have to be with the Father YET.” Anyhow, regardless of where He went on Saturday to release the previously dead would be saints or otherwise or opened the gates of heaven, the tradition was that those still in the process of growing have the golden opportunity to get the height of their dreams if they jump from a high enough level to the floor while the bells were still ringing. Of course, caution and prudence had to be practiced as well. A broken leg or two may actually reverse growth. It did not help her.

The Muslims were curious about the events in the real Passion of Christ and were somewhat willing to do some research. One girl might even write a skit. The Catholics were more interested on the historical and sociological aspects. They wanted to see how the interactions at the time may explain the world’s unstable peace situation today. One was particularly interested on how simple misunderstandings led to generations of chaos.

The following week, one of the male Muslim teens handed Lynn his slightly organized notes. He was unable to find anyone with a bible. He went on the Internet.

“There was too much to sort out. All I wanted was what Christians called God. We call ours Allah. I thought that was His name. Apparently it was the description of His status just like President So and So. This is as short as I can make it. One of the articles was thirty one pages long and mostly with references where to find the names mentioned in the bible. That did not help.”

“Wow! This is good. I admire your patience. It says here that God is not a proper name either. Just like Allah, it simply means ‘the supreme Being Who is all powerfull and Who we invoke and offer sacrifices to’ regardless of religion. You found Jehovah and Jesus and their respective derivatives. Most people have not even heard of some. A few attribute Jehova to a particular sect when on the other hand, it should be the universal name for God the Father. A lot of people heard of Jesus and did not realize that there are variations and a definite meaning. He is God’s Wish. The name Immanuel is what prophet Isaiah said the people will call Him. It means ‘God with us’ or ‘God with you’ which God or the people could wish on each other so it still refers to Jesus.”

“So …” A female Muslim teen interjected . “ … when the angel Gabriel greeted the Blessed Mother during the Annunciation, he was referring to Jesus Christ Who has been referred to by different names by a different individual.”

“Definitely.” Lynn affirmed. “Note each section of his salutation. It is actually a series of statements. I find at least seven different ones …

“The only crown I saw Jesus wearing illustrations is the crown of thorns. That could not have been King David’s crown.”

“King David had to make up for a lot of his own transgressions. He was miserable at the end. So was his son Solomon and the majority of humans. Jesus had to make up for all the sins of mankind, past, present and future. The thorns were just a miniscule part of His ordeal.”

“That was the intent. The Jews did not realize how true it was. They were expecting a king on earth who would destroy all their earthly enemies. His kingdom is in heaven where He sits on the right hand of the Father. It would be an embarrassing surprise when those who did not believe Him faces Him as the Ultimate Judge and Savior determining who goes where on the last day.”

“I cannot blame the Jews for being confused anyhow.” One Catholic girl said. “The bible says onething but means something else. The Jews themselves say there are layers of meaning. There even is a Bible Code so each letter has to be in the correct location on a specific page. Not everyone can figure out what is on print right now. The words are spelled differently in different languages and there are idioms that may have been missed or were given opposite implications. I thonk most real messages are implied rather than explicitly expressed.”

“True. That was one reason bible reading was reserved for those with backgtound understanding. Right now, not here of course, it is too common to quote actual verses to use against each other even in court and during political overtures.”

“If someone wishes to insult me that way, it will not work. I get frustrated even just listening to the strange spellings and get lost in the circuitous sentences. When I read the bible or listen to quotes from the bible, the meaning splatters on the walls and never reach my brain.”

“Yes. The sisters just shake their heads and explains things in today’s language and parallels.”

“What did you do when your homework involved interpreting a passage in the bible? Another girl asked.

“You know, that never happened. Usually they ask for the moral of a story that we have previously discussed in class. It was more a test of what we understood or what needed more clarification. We never had to memorize verses either.”

The girl with the skit studied the boy’s notes. “This would help me a lot with my work. May I have a copy?”

“Go ahead and keep that one.” The boy said. I saved it in the center’s computer. We can all have copies after I get it more organized.”

Jehovah, Yehowah, Yaweh – the only revealed proper name for Elohim in the Old Testament (Ex3:13; 6:3)

Jesus – only proper name for Theos, Yeshua, Yohosua in the New Testament (The reason for the name per explanation of the angel to Joseph was ‘because He will save His nation from their SINS)

The name Allah and its feminine form, Allat, according to the Qur’an is found among the theophorous names in ancient inscriptions from North Arabia.

Diva – Indo – Iranian, Dyaus – Sanskrit, Deus – Latin, Dios – Spanish, Theos – Greek – to implore, Tiu, Zeuz, Jovpater, Janus, Dia, Diana

God – Anglo Saxon, Gott – German, Gheur – to invoke or give sacrifices to, Khoda – …..Persian, Khooda – Hindu

Ka’ba, Kaaba – meteorite that fell at Ishmael’s feet’ - temple, house, not god, was damaged - Muhamad walked in during the discussion regarding who to repair it, he repaired the damage, became a leader

Christ (English), Khristos, Christos (Greek), Masshuah (Hebrew) – The Annointed One (The Chosen One?) of the Lord (Yah)

Abomination of Desolation (Jewish writings – he will declare himself as god, offer a sacrifice in the Jewish Temple/Holy of Holies – he shall be recognized this way therefore making some believe that the temple has to be rebuilt; Alexander the Great consulted an oracle who affirmed that he was the son of a god; he offered a sacrifice according to prescribed ritual under the supervision of the High Priest 332 +/- BC according to Josephus.

Mark of the beast – KFR (saw tooth scar on the forhead) – Arabic, 666 – bible;

Intent of Muhammad – To reform the beliefs in Allah. The Arabs never accused Muhammad of preaching a new religion than the one they already had

Abraham, Ibrahim – Patriarch of (Isaac) Jews and Christians and (Ishmael, Ismil) Muslims

Sarah – wife of Abraham, first infertile woman mentioned in the bible, mother of Isaac

Elizabeth – second infertile woman mentioned in the bible, descendant of Aaron, wife of a Jewish High Priest, mother of John the Baptist, cousin of the Blessed Virgin Mary

St. Anne – third infertile woman mentioned in the bible, wife of Joachim whose donation to the temple was turned down because he was childless and therefore unworthy, sister of the last Jacob before Jesus in Genealogy tradition, adopted the fathers of Joseph, Mary Cleopas and Mary Salome further confusing Genealogy tradition. The last two are sometimes named as sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary and at times sisters of Jesus. According to the ‘Protavellus, St. Anne was told by angels that she became with child at the same time her husband was so informed AFTER he hid somewhere because of rejection by Jewish Temple authority. The couple were reunited and proclaimed their gratitude to the Lord while still on the bridge at the edge of town BEFORE they got home. She became the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandmother of Jesus.

It was customary for a female only child to be given in marriage to a close relative.

First Series	Second Series	Third Series
1. Abraham 2. Isaac 3. Jacob 4. Judas 5. Phares 6. Esron 7. Aram 8. Aminadab 9. Naasson 10. Salmon 11. Booz 12. Obed 13. Jesse 14. David	1. Solomon 2. Roboam 3. Abia 4. Asa 5. Josaphat 6. Joram 7. Ozias 8. Joatham 9. Achaz 10. Ezechias 11. Manasses 12. Amon 13. Josias 14. Jechonias	1.Jechonis 2. Salathiel 3.Zorobabl 4. Abiud 5. Eliacim 6. Azor 7. Sadoe 8. Achim 9. Eliud 10. Eleazar 11. Mathan 12. Jacob brother of St. Anne (Mother of Mary) 13. Joseph (Adoptee}; Mary (daughter of St. Anne) 14. Jesus

James and Josse – sons of Joseph from a previos marriage. They were the only ones in the cave with the Blessed Virgin Mary when Jesus was born. James’ account is in ‘The Lost Books of the Bible’. He did not go into the physical aspects of the birth but did mention that Joseph fetched a Hebrew midwife but returned too late. The midwife was amazed that a virgin ‘brought forth’. The second midwife who examined the Blessed Virgin after the first one brought her in experienced withering of her hand. An angel appeared and advised her to touch the infant Jesus. She was healed and asked for permission to keep part of Jesus’ umbilical cord. The women were advised not tell anyone until the correct time.

“I clarified the Genealogy of Jesus.” The boy said as he printed a copy for Lynn and one for himself. “I figured that Jewish women have blood too. Some have more royal ‘sangre’ in their veins than the men do.”

The mayor’s son walked in and requested two copies. “One fo … fo .. or … for my father.” He stammered. “Hee … eee … eere is my report. He handed Lynn several neatly typed pages. “Maaa .. aaaa …my laptop does not stam …mer … me … mmerrr.”

“I can see that. This is superb. Yes! It should work. We’ll need expert help to carry out some of this.”

The mayor’s son smiled. He became more relaxed, confident and easier to understand.

“You’re not going to speak. I just want you there to help me find the correct portion of your paper to answer questions. You can add more plans. There is plenty of time.”

“I need help.” She said. “There is a young member of our Teen Group who who needs to break out of his shell to help the world. His ideas are great but he cannot express himself verbally. He does well on paper.”

“I don’t know. You are the counselor. I am the doctor. He is so inhibited because he has been under the shadow of his father all his life. He is so afraid to make a mistake in public and embarrass his father. It would break him if it happens but will release him from himself if it does not.”

When can I meet him? Of course we are not going to reveal our plan till later.”

They decided to schedule a talk by Lynn at the next meeting of the sister WOWI Club. She would ask the young man to help her with answers to questions. He can write them and slip a notebook on and off to her. This would be a clue as to how he would react in a similar situation elsewhere and they can plan how to be ready for future encounters. He outlined a comprehensive plan to get multiethnic multifaith groups to understand each other and work together. He pointed out the danger of misunderstanding and permanent wrong biases and conflict in communities unhappy about social situations. The existing economic strain resulting from environmental problems coupled with previous violent lifestyle and harmful ideology plus drugs and crimes can be disastrous. It would not be local as previous experience showed. Multiple approaches are necessary and have to be aggressive. They may entail technology available only elsewhere. It more than anything would mandate that all factions decide on the common goal of adjusting to each other in order to work together to save the environment, economy and preserve peace. He spelled the steps to be carried out but first they have to forget differences.

“We have our meeting two Thursdays from now. Then the City Council would meet the following week. I’ll let you know the details.”

Just before the scheduled meeting, the girl showed Lynn her partly finished skit. It would start with Mary Magdalene as a guest in a banquet in a Roman home. She was the only Jew of high enough social standing willing and happy to associate with the pagan foreigners. She starts the scene with a dance performed by the Jewish/Syrian Mary. She performs Malong-Malong.

“It is my chance to show the audience one of our native dances. The local residents will not know. If they do, it is OK. If they like it, that’s good. Maybe I can start a dance school in the city.”

“It is great that the church group started looking after our welfare and started a Teen Center. However, we shall grow up to be lost jobless adults soon. We need to provide for ourselves to gain self respect and that of the community. Our parents need help too. We are fortunate enough to arrive here as minors. You took pity on us and did something. Our parents are less lucky. We have to grow up fast to help them.”

“I already made up my mind to at least get some kind of a degree to allow me to pursue a writing career. I can communicate intercultural messages that way.”

“I plan to earn my tuition fee with that and hopefully make it the main source of income. Writing is a big gamble financial security wise.”

“I don’t know if I am telling you anything new. I never heard of it all these years. Issa is Jesus Christ?”

“Muhammad knew about Him and the Blessed Virgin Mary. I wonder if he believed the virgin birth?”

“Yes, he did.” Another Catholic said. I could not find a Qu’ran or Koran so I had to consult WWW. He also believed that Jesus rose from the dead. He figured if God wanted it, He just had to will it and it happens.”

“No, he had too much respect for God and could not make himself think that God would … you know …”

“So much for just willing … Angel Gabriel may not have been so complete in his lecture. There were two instances when God Himself announced that Jesus is His Son.”

“True.” Someone added. “During the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan by John the Baptist, a white Dove appeared over Jesus’ head and a voice was heard saying … ‘This My Son in Whom I am well pleased.’ … During the Transfiguration on Mt. Harmon when Jesus was seen by Peter, James and John in a glorified state speaking with both Moses and Elijah, a voice came from the clouds saying … ‘This is My Son, My Chosen One. Listen to Him’ … “

“Give Angel Gabriel more credit. At least, part of his message went through. Biblical language is difficult to understand. So, Muhammad missed the most important reason for Jesus becoming man to save us. He was so close to solving the mystery but did not do so completely and all his followers defiantly also did not believe. However, all is not lost. Although he and the others do not believe that Jesus already atoned for our sins by dying on the cross and appeasing God Who was offended by our transgressions, it is expected that Issa, the One we call Jesus, will come at the end of time to save us all.”

“All humanity shall be given a chance to know the word of God and follow their beliefs according to individual conscience and guidance by the Holy Spirit. Jesus considers intent and conscience.”

“I do not understand why Issa or Jesus had to die on the cross to begin with.” Another Muslim added. “Can we simply apologize? We are not government or religious leaders. It will not be as difficult for us to spit out the words ‘I am sorry’.”

“God loves everyone and everything except sin.” Lynn explained. “He abhors sin. That is the only thing that can stand between His creations and Him. It means spiritual death of the offender which means no chance to be with God ever. Sin is an offense against God Himself. Only God can appease God to erase sin. It was man who sinned and therefore is the one to make peace with the Father but man is not God and cannot do it adequately. God cannot die. God is eternal. A Man-God has to do it to make it both possible and adequate to erase our guilt making us live again spiritually in the eyes of God. Issa or Jesus as a man can suffer and die. Crucifixion was an ancient practice introduced by the Romans to the Jews. God the Son will atone for our sins and resurrect the physically dead body of Issa or Jesus to reign with the Father in heaven after His Ascension. He shall come back to save us all from ourselves.”

“Our enemy is ourself. We do all the wrong things. We also shall eventually do each other in.”

“We are getting close to that. Issa or Jesus, whichever name we choose to call Him promised to intervene just before we succeed. Do not tempt Him to change His mind.”

“A promise is a promise, I hope, but the going can be easier or rougher depending on our behavior.”

“Whaa … aaahy is ittttt … impor … tant to prove no bones weeee … re .. broken?”

“One of the prophesies identifying the Messiah was that He shall not have a bone broken. No one is allowed to perform any task during the Sabbath. If someone is crucified the day before and does not die, his bones were customarily broken to prevent him from running away from the tomb. That is why death had to be proven to to skip the need to shatter the big bones. That is why a lance was thrust into Jesus’ chest right through the heart erasing all doubt. It accidentally became an important part of faith and history. There is not a trace of doubt that Jesus died and therefore saved us. When He was seen alive later, there was also no doubt that He rose from the dead. Different stories were circulated from the time of Jesus to around 700 AD denying the death of Jesus. We know better.”

“I may be thlnking like a present day reporter.” Someone said. “Would it be simply logical for those who were not actually there to presume that Jesus did not die because they or someone saw Him alive later? That would seem very logical.”

“Yes. That is part of the reason we have ancient scrolls seeming to be opposite of the New Testament. Another reason is idiomatic. The Gnostics maintain that God did not die. That is absolutely true but the general implication was that Jesus did not die. The dual essence of Jesus was and still is poorly understood. It was really upside down during the time of Muhammad.”

“Is it trur that Jesus was given drugs while He was on the cross and they prevented Him from dying?”

“That was one of the many stories that circulated for centuries. First of all, Jesus could not have imbibed much from the sponge. He also just smelled and tasted the third brew. Wine was customarily mixed with water because drinking water was polluted at the time. Alcohol killed some of the bacteria. Bile did the same. Myrrh and Mandrake extracts were antiseptic and and analgesic as well. Myrrh is also a stringent and stimulant. Mandrake has sedative and Belladonna like effects. Not one nor all of them together could have revived Jesus after His ordeal. The piercing of the heart alone was insurvivable.”

The president of the other WOWI club met with Lynn who was accompanied by the mayor’s son for support. Lynn did most of the talking as she promised. The boy slipped her messages on and off to help explain things. Both Lynn and the club president tried not to push the boy too far. He eventually stammered a tentative plan for the teens to get involved in current civic activities designed to increase awareness and follow current new measures implemented by the city to improve the environmental status of their city. The focus was on small jobs to provide land and water transportation within the city without the use of fossil fuel and clear the waterways of obstructive overgrowth of water lilies. They would voluntarily monitor the thrash disposal practices of their own neighborhoods and explain the importance of not throwing wastes into the rivers and lake. They would also explain the merits of separating biodegradable trash from non-biodegradable thrash and volunteer to carry them to the nearest appropriate thrash bins in the neighborhood. They will avoid being part of the ticketing law enforcement staff catching violators of the new laws so as not to provoke ill feeling and conflict. Since they will have trouble paddling their dug out passenger canoes through masses of water lilies, the will volunteer to remove what they can. The water lilies may later be actually used for something but that would be part of a more complex plan. For now, they get dumped in the correct bins until they find farmers interested in using them as fertilizer.

“What kind of transportation do you have in mind?” The club president asked.

“Tricycles on land and bankas in Malaki River. Moro vintas may be too much for a small river. We’ll confine operations in the city proper to be close to school and our homes. We would be in school most of the time so those whose adult members of the family interested in jobs can take over when we are not available. We give them a break during weekends and after school.” The boy replied with less stammering.

“Almost every family already has a dug out canoe. Some guys already have bicycles. It will require some persuasion to get businesses to provide more bikes and the sidecars to convert them to tricycles. We can offer to provide advertisement on the body of the side cars for them and political candidates.”

“Some of the guys and a couple of the girls already indicated that they plan to help in a local bicycle shop so they can learn a trade and secure some donations as well. The Moros are planning to add their own décor on the bankas and tricycles. We may have land vintas. That would be original. We may go ahead and call them that.”

“Thank you very much.” The club president said. This is more than what I expected. “Would it be too much if I supply a copy of this to our own City Council?”

The girl with the skit started recruiting performers for the Easter Celebrations. The word zarzuela was erased from the church group’s program. The mayor’s son was the popular choice for the Roman emperor because of his looks and built. He declined.

“You do not have to speak.” The girl promised. “I am going to do a soliloquy. You just have to pretend to be listening doubtfully. I’ll do all the talking.”

It sounded fair enough but he just did not think he belonged on stage. The entire city would be there. Someone told him he is not supposed to be wearing glasses anyhow. So, he would not see who are present.

“If I make a mistake, they will be talking and laughing about it everytime we get together.”

“We will not have your name in the credits.” A church group member decided. “Wear a beard and wig.”

The girl had trouble finding a bible to get material from. She went to the Public Library and found a book entitled ‘The Dolorous Passion of Jesus Christ’. She presumed it would be a good source of information. It seemed odd that the author chose to be anonymous. In addition, the source of information was an unknown visionary who was ill and bedridden most of the time she was interviewed. Furthermore, she was named the muse behind the movie with a similar title. Interestingly, a Judeo-Christian magazine published an article that was in line with one of the ‘notes’ in the book about her utterances. During one of her interviews, she gave an account of Jesus Christ and the Apostles celebrating Passover a day early as was allowed Aramaic Jews to do at the time. Other details described were not written elsewhere. Pope John Paul II beatified Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich on October 3,2004. The author of the original ‘Notes’ was identified as Clemens Brentano. In 1860, Carl E. Schmoger wrote a book based on the notes which consisted of several books published after the nun’s death.

“Make an announcement and include the sources of some or specific information used in your skit. Are they important enough to risk inclusion in the presentation?”

Lynn went through the outline written so far. A Muslim probably would be more open minded about so called discrepancies sometimes classified as controversies. Though understandably very confused, she would be more likely to sort out the details and put some logic in it. Roman Catholics and other Christians have 2000 years worth of fixed ideas to overcome. Jews would only object to their being viewed as persecutors and murderers of God. It was unfortunate that they were chosen to be the ones to figure out the truth in the middle of their catastrophes. We, non-Jews are probably fortunate not to be the chosen people. Who knows how much bigger a blunder we could have made? We can only hope that we do not get chosen as the host population during the last days and not recognize the Savior either. After centuries of being devout Christians, that would be the ULTIMATE TRAGEDY!!! If both the Old Testament of the bible and Islamic literature are right, there should be hardly any risk for that to happen. Zechariah said that the Messiah would descend on Mt. Zion which will divide into East and West. The land will divide into North and South. Thus the old King of the North and King of the South shall be present again. In addition, the world shall divide into East and West. Both conditions exist right now. Mt. Zion is still where it belongs but the Jews are everywhere and Mt. Zion may be representing all religions. There is active digging at the site right now. The Last Supper may have taken place there. The Church of the Apostles is there. The East Gate of old Jerusalem is there. The land may be the entire world. North and South division may simply stand for unresolved ancient problems.

According to Islamic interpreters, when injustice, oppression and corruption are severe, it will take only a short time for Ihmam Mahdi to return from where he disappeared to. In the meantime, the Shihites and Sunnis shall have a continuous squabble as to which family he would come from and who the rightful successors of Muhammad are. Ihmam Mahdi would enter Medina and Mecca, a feat that Dajjal shall not be able to accomplish. So, Dajjal entices other groups to follow him through false promises and tricks. The Jews shall be his first admirers. Issa arrives soon after Ihmam Mahdi does. He supposedly will descend in Syria and soon join the Ihmam. He shall defer leading the morning prayersto the Ihmam Mahdi for the Ihmam is the rightful leader of the group. Together they go to where Dajjal is ensnaring more people to his side. It supposedly is somewhere in the vicinity of an Israeli airport. Eventually, Dajjal lays eyes on Issa and melts as salt in water.

The last hope for the Non Jew would be to hope that man does not force Mother Nature to reshuffle current geography.

Scene I: Mary Magdalene answers questions from the occupying Roman dignitaries about this suspicious man called Jesus of Nazareth and His gang of twelve. She did not know any of them and probably would not want to associate with them. Her brother Lazarus arrives and carries her on his shoulder to take her home.

Curtain closes. She apparently deleted the Malong-Malong routine. She may not be as daring as Lynn thought.

“Why do they call me that? They should know better. With our means and social status, I would not be desperate enough to do that kind of a job.”

Mary Magdalene noticed one of the men following too closely. She pulled her brother’s sword out of its scabbard.

“Prostitutes do not drive men away.” She said while pointing the sword at the prankster.

He ran away and Mary Magdalene sang and danced with the sword balanced on her head. Lazarus scratches his.

Martha: I need help in the kitchen. Lazarus, please get the large platters for me. …..Mary, you wash Jesus’ feet then listen to Him.

Martilla brings a large ceramic basin, pitcher with water and a towel to the room and leaves. Mary sits on the floor staring at the cleansing equipment. Martilla comes back with a small glass of milk.

Martilla: Seraphia brought her best wine. I poured some in the glass when Martha was not looking.

Mary Magdalene: Look what I brought you. She shows her a bracelet adorned with Roman coins.

Martilla: Oh! How beautiful. Thank you. Now … quick … at least pretend to splash water on His feet before Martha checks. Martilla runs away happily.

Mary Magdalene pours water in the basin and motions Jesus to swish His feet in the water. They tried not to laugh while watching the door for any sign of Martha checking on Mary Magdalene.

Mary Magdalene: Oh no! (The towel drops in the water.) Martilla! I need a fresh towel. Martilla did not show up. Mary Magdalene used her hair to dry Jesus’ feet.

Mary Magdalene wakes up, rubs her eyes, stands up, sings ‘Our Father’ and dances. Martilla walks in and starts singing.

Mary Magdalene: (Stops singing and dancing) I’m scared! I’m scared! … but Your will, not my will be done.

Jesus stands and places His hands on the sobbing, kneeling Mary Magdalene’s head. Martha and Lazarus join Martilla forming a trio. The curtain closes.

Then there was a series of scenes alternately played upstage with the curtain open and downstage in front of a closed curtain. Narration was used liberally to eliminate as much speaking parts as possible and to explain more detail that would be impossible to show. These episodes were based on information found in the book based on the visions of Sister Anne Catherine Emerich.

Naration: Jesus and the Apostles celebrated Passover a day early as per legal waiver granted to those of Aramaic descent. The Last Supper was held in a private building previously rented by the group. It was located on the mountain next to the one where the temple was. The feast was prepared by the owner who followed tradition to the letter. Seraphia lent her wine serving set as usual. The description was included. It was a complete set all fitted in individual cloth covers and arranged in an expensive leather case. The main container was larger than a drinking cup as it was to hold the entire amount to be served. It was of dark metal with high polish and decorated with semi-precious jewels. The foot was made of gold and probably was added later. There were two handles and a slot for a spoon. There was a cover plate for the cup and a large platter to accommodate the main cup and originally six smaller cups around it. The set may have been ancient probably from the land of Semiramis and not possible to melt or the pieces would have been converted to something else earlier. One small cup was taken to one of the original seven churches. Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich believed that the set still existed and would be found later. The banquet place had a front room for entering and cordialities, a middle room where Jesus and the Apostles had their meal and a back room where the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the women had their meal and spent the night later. The dinner couches surrounded the dining table in the dining rooms.

Scene IV: Downstage – Women arrive and go up the stage on both side stairs and enter the sidelines talking to each other about the holy feast.

Scene V: Upstage showing the classic ‘Last Supper’ scene with all the participants behind the table as Leonardo da Vinci portrayed. Judas was missing. So was Mary Magdalene. Judas arrives late as the bible said. He managed to show up after everyone partook of the Holy Eucharist just in time to receive his and later leave with the pouch containing the thirty pieces of silver. Unlike the bible, the Blessed Virgin Mary walks in with her feet NOT touching the floor and also received ‘in spirit’ the Holy Eucharist from the Hands of Jesus. The Blessed Virgin Mary exists. The Last Supper scene remains on stage as a background scene for the narration.

Narration: Jesus and the Apostles leave. Jesus enters the Grotto of Olives where the agony commences. This is supposedly where Adam and Eve fled to after being expelled from Paradise. The Apostles who were supposed to stand guard and pray fell asleep in the garden. When Jesus emerged all bloody and sweaty they felt so bad. They walked a short distance. At the crossroad to Gethsemane, Judas met them and kissed Jesus on the cheek. That was an appropriate customary greeting at the time. That night, it was the signal for the soldiers to arrest Jesus. Peter cut off one of the soldiers’ ear. Jesus put it back on. Jesus was led away in chains. The curtain closed.

Scene VI: Downstage in front of closed curtain. Narration continues as the curtain closes: The events of the trial and passion were summarized.

Narrator: On the night Jesus was arrested and led to the dungeon where His hands were chained to the ceiling. The Blesed Virgin Mary, accompanied by John, gained access to the building and walked on the flor above where Jesus was. She paused at intervals feeling for His presence. He pulled on his chains to guide her. When she was directly above where He was, she knelt to kiss the floor. After a short while, they left Him. The following morning, Jesus was brought to trial. There was a crowd but not everyone was allowed to be present.”

Joseph of Arimathea, Lazarus. John and Peter arrive, climb up the stage on the left stair and get stopped by guards outside the trial chamber. The first three entered. Peter was not quick enough to follow. He walks towards the middle of the stage in front of the closed curtain, met some Jews and denies Jesus. The cock crowed. He runs across crying: “Mother! Mother! I denied the Lord. The Blessed Mother accompanied by a woman met him, placed an arm around him and they walked into the right sideline. Veronica who was Seraphia before she was privileged to have Jesus’ first ‘True Icon’ walks in holding the veil. Jesus walks in carrying the cross and Simon of Cyrene is ordered to help carry the cross. A soldier hits Jesus with a whip with barbs. Simon tried to take it away, failed. More people walk by.

Narrator: When they reached the top of Mt. Golgotha, the soldiers laid Jesus’ cross on the ground and then Jesus on the cross. He did not resist. When they nailed His hands to the cross, He did not scream although it took some time to drive each one through the flesh and then follow the correct path. During His suffering while hanging on the cross, He promised the good thief that the latter would be with Him. All the while Jesus hang from the cross, the hands seemed to clasp the heads of the huge nails. On His last breath, the right hand opened in a papal blessing then became limp in a final farewell gesture. After His last breath, Longinus thrust a spear through the side of Jesus’ right lower chest obliquely upwards through the cavity and out high up on the left side. Blood and water gushed out on withdrawing the spear. As prophesied, no bones were broken nor had to be broken.

Scene VII: Upstage with the curtain open. The crucified Christ has been taken down from the cross and now held by the Blessed Mother on her lap in the classic ‘Pieta’ tableau.

Narration: The wounds were washed by the Blesed Mother with water drawn by Roman soldiers from the nearby Gihon Spring. They volunteered to stay and help. The wounds were then filled with spices bought by Joseph of Arimathea who had previously obtained permission to use his own tomb to bury Jesus in. Mary Magdalene washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. Lazarus and John washed the rest of the body and poured water of myrrh also procured by Joseph. They unrolled the shroud strip also bought by Joseph of Arimathea on the place carved for the body. The Blessed Mother removed the cloth under her veil. This was among the linen given to her by Claudia Procles, wife of Pontius Pilate, during the scourging of Jesus at the pillar. She and the other women used them to blot Jesus’s spilled blood from the floor. She saved this one. She used this piece to cover Jesus’ head, neck and upper chest front and back. Then Lazarus and John lay Jesus’ body on the center of the shroud cloth. The upper third was folded over the head towards the front traversing at a slightly oblique direction to drape and mold to the shape of the body. The lower third was similarly wound veering to the opposite side and the ends tucked securely. Before they left, they noticed stains and patterns on the shroud. The markings were just on the outer surface of the cloth and also involved the back section. They left and the men rolled the heavy stone meant to seal the entrance. A green stone with carved words referring to injustice involved in the trial of Jesus later appeared beneath the place of trial. It was commissioned by Claudia Procles. Joseph of Arimathea was in prison all this time.

Narrator: Jesus informed His mother of all the events to come. Thus, she knew what to expect and when. She also had to suffer TWICE. She perceived a light low in the sky and knew that she had to go outside. There she saw her Son in His glorious appearance leading the souls He rescued from Hell. These are those of the previously dead awaiting the opening of the gates of heaven.

Jesus: He pulls her up by the hand. “My Mother …” He introduced her to the worthy.

Narrator: According to the bible, while it was still dark, on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and the other women guarding the tomb slept in the garden waiting for daylight to prepare the body of the Lord. Mary got up before the others and walked to the tomb. The stone has been rolled away. The tomb was empty except for an angel who said that the Christ has risen from the dead. The shroud was lying on one side. There was no sign of the body.

Mary Magdalene: (running out from between the halves of the closed curtain, pauses as she notices a man standing nearby. She approches him. “Are you the gardener?

Mary Magdalene: (walks closer and recognizes Him.) “Rabboni, Teacher, Master!” She fell prostrate at His feet and reached out to touch Him.

Narrator: As the First Fruit of the harvest belongs to the owner, Jesus belongs to the Father.

Narrator: Thus as an Apostle is called such when given a command, Mary became an Apostle. Since she was to inform the other Apostles, she became the Apostle to the Apostles.

Mary Magdalene gets up and exits to the left sideline glancing back on and off and wiping her eyes.

Jesus: Waits for her to get halfway to the exit, turns around and walks to the right sideline.

There was a mail delivery man at the door. A package arrived for her. It was a copy of the Tagalog version of the new Roman Catholic Missal. Pope Benedict XVI faced a lot of unfavorable criticism from different quarters because of the decision to allow the return to the Latin Mass. The real objection was that the original contained language that was not too pleasant for the Jews. The said language was really A word in the section of prayers for certain groups. The adjective for the Jews was not flattering on one extreme of definition but relatively benign in the mild connotation. The word ‘perfigious’ has been removed and replaced with ‘unbelieving’. Also, this particular prayer is present only in the Good Friday Mass. The Latin Mass was allowed to be used again because of popular request and is optional. The bishop of each diocese shall decide whether or not to use it. That means prayers from all over the world for the Jews would be said in some dioceses. That is a huge increase from zero. It is a major step towards reaching each other. March 21, 2008 should be a historic date.

On Easter morning, everyone in church talked about the first ‘Easter Play’ in years scheduled that night. The president of the nearby WOWI club wanted to know if their seats would be close to the stage. They plan to send photographs and an accompanying story about the local club’s wonderful partnership with the church group to keep the teens out of trouble. Hopefully those would be published in the WOW Magazine.

The girl with the skit arrived crying. The group has practiced frequently and had their parts memorized well. The stage crew had every move figured out. Someone volunteered to play the part that the mayor’s son was reluctant to perform. What could have gone wrong this time?

“Armando broke his leg last night. He is wearing a heavy cast and walking with crutches.” She wailed.

“He’s taking pain medicines and they are making him groggy and nauseated.”

The mayor’s son walked in. They pulled him to the Teen Center. His refusal was heard by all. All the boys tried on the costume Armando was to wear. They simply did not look right in it.

“There has to be adequate escape routes in case of fire or other emergency.” One of the church group members reminded them.

The program started almost on time. The Parish Priest, the City Mayor, president of the church group, president of the local WOWI club all spoke one after the other on schedule!!! The scenes rolled out smoothly. People voiced praises during breaks. The teens surprisingly acted like professionals. The stage crew changed scenes without a hitch. The biggest wonder was how the Blessed Mother ‘walked’ in without stepping on the floor, stop to receive the Holy Eucharist and move on to exit later. The front seats were reserved for VIP’s so the general population did not see the heavy bar crossing above the stage with a pulley system to move the body harness borne ‘spirit’ of the virgin in and out. It was difficult to make a U shaped path. So she had to leave through a different ‘door’.

Scene IX: Finale, Upstage with the curtain open. A Roman Imperial reception room with appropriate furnishings wows the crowd. The church group arranged drapes, wooden pedestals with vases all painted to look like marble, and floor lamps as well as candelabras borrowed from a funeral home. There was a long table behind the thespians with serving pieces borrowed from local folks. The girl looked splendid in her combination Roman style with Jewish modesty robe and a veil. She had expensive looking jewelry with fake shining coins. Her face was made up like Cleopatra’s. The mayor’s son looked regal in Emperor Tiberius outfit and gold color headpiece. He wore Roman style sandals, large rings and a heavy bejeweled belt. As promised, the girl did all the speaking with the help of the narrator. The mayor’s son was merely a regal live statue.

Narrator: According to more recent popular literature, Mary Magdalene arranged an audience with Emperor Tiberius. Being of high social status, the audience was granted. A ship was commissioned for her voyage to Rome. She arrived and was greeted with the usual pomp and ceremony. This was three years after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The emperor listened intently while elsewhere, Christians were being arrested and fed to lions.

Mary Magdalene related the proceedings of Jesus’s trial by Pontius Pilate and pointed out that the latter found no guilt in Jesus Christ. He announced so to the accusers and the public. Yet for his own political welfare, he had to send Him to King Herod who did not find guilt either. However, when the people insisted on the guilty verdict, he made a compromise instead of sticking to his previous opinion. When he felt more pressure from the crowd he resorted to a tradition ot allowing the public to choose a prisoner they wish to release. The crowd chose to release a notorious convict. Against his better judgment and conscience, Pontius Pilate released the murderous convict. Then when he asked the people what to do with Jesus Christ and they replied ‘Crucify Him’, he gave in as only one without firm conviction would do. Pontious Pilate knowingly allowed Jesus Christ to be crucified and die on the cross when he, Pontius Pilate, was convinced of the innocence of Jesus Christ.”

“Conflicting stories were propagated after the death of Jesus Christ. I hope to tell you the true story since I witnessed everything with my own eyes. I was there physically and spiritually. I saw Him preach, heal the sick and raise the dead. He brought my own brother back to life after he was in the tomb for four days. I saw Him suffer as no human can endure without a cry or unkind word. I saw Him die on the cross, have a spear trust into His heart to dispel all doubt about His death and helped prepare His dead body for burial. After three nights in the tomb, I saw Him outside the tomb definitely ALIVE. He commanded me to tell the others. I am here to tell you as well.

Narrator: Mary Magdalene shows the renowned Emperor Tiberius an egg on which she wrote: ‘CHRIST IS RISEN’. The august emperor replied: ‘No man can rise from the dead anymore than that egg in your hand turns red’. Mary Magdalene brought the egg closer to the emperor. The egg in her hand turned red’.

At this point the girl holds the egg close to her face as shown in the popular painting. The mayor’s son was able to control his laughter. The audience did not even try. Some Filipinos deep South may not have recognized what they saw. However, in this particular region, where ducks‘ eggs are abundant, the beautifully stained purplish red egg is a SALTED EGG known traditionally as the very common … ITLOG NA MAALAT. The poor man’s food was seen by the crowd as a well deserved

insult to the very powerful PAGAN leader of a conquering nation persecuting the early Christians. That was not the intent of the original Mary Magdalene or the girl. The Apostle to the Apostles was extending her message to all the world including gentiles and oppressors. She was one of the Fishers of men.

Mayor’s son: “God … (swallow hard) … is … (swallow again) … well preserved?”

Mary Magdalene: The Muslim girl raised her hand with the egg high above her head and said defiantly … “God is ETERNAL!”

The surprise on the girl’s face was genuine. His statement was not in the script. He took the egg and raised it high with his left hand and her left hand with his right hand. The mayor stood up and clapped.