Valentine: The Martyr - Part 6
James Dugan
bikracerValentine dreamt that night. He dreamt of angels coming to release him. He walked from the cell and went to touch and pray each of his parishioners. He saw their fear in the worried words and restless sleep. He held great fear for his people. He knew the tenuous hold of his people's early faith. He prayed for their strength.
They refused him at every house. They offered him no food or drink. They spat at him when he spoke of Jesus. He viewed all his life’s work and saw it in shatters. He walked into his church and saw the sleeping soldiers. He saw the large wine jugs thrown across the floor. He could not find the cross he had set high in the far wall. He walked from the doors with a great sadness. He walked from the town out to his plateau and saw day breaking over the mountains. He felt the cold wind and emptiness of his soul. He did not understand why God had given and taken it all away. He spoke to the wind.
“Why have you abandon me to the enemies of your love? Have I suffered and sacrificed to be put to shame? Has all my work and energy been for nothing? I have grown weak in your work and my faith is shaken. Touch me God and give me strength.”
He heard a reply from the distant mountains and it roared in his ears.
“Your last action will save all you have done. Your last act of love will be your greatest. Your name will represent love for countless generations. Your spirit is weak only in the flesh, for God had seen all. These are just days of gray. You have served your master well and will be rewarded. Your people will look upon you and be saved in my name. The soldiers will see your faith and know that there is a path of strength and fortitude lined by love and sacrifice. All the visions of the present are just shadows of rain that will be brushed away to the glorious sunshine of God. Take pleasure in all you have done in the name of Jesus.”
There was silence as the name echoed in the morning light. He felt no more pain or suffering as he opened his eyes to the streaming light entering into his cell. He heard the heavy steps of Asterius coming to his door. He rushed in and looked helpless.
“Valentine, they are coming for you. They hope to sacrifice you to the morning gods. The people are waiting to kill you as a sign of their allegiance to Rome. It had been decreed by Claudius that you will die this morning.”
Valentine rose with strength and confidence. He took a piece of paper and with the last of his ink spread some words over the paper.
“You have the rose I asked for?”
Asterius gave the blood red rose petals to Valentine. He blessed them and gave thanks to God for nature and morning, for faith and strength. He took the petals and pressed them to the cross. He put them in the paper and folded it. He gave it to Asterius.
“This letter is to be opened after I am gone. These are the words of God who is all knowing, powerful, and loving. Follow him and you will be saved.”
The soldiers came to the room with these words and pulled the feeble man through the door. He was pushed and dragged because of his weakened condition through the dark corridors. He walked out of the stone door and saw the brilliant light of early morning. The sun had risen just like his dream. He could see the miracle of dawn. He heard the crowd below him as he was pulled down the steps. He could not see faces, only the sun. He was not alone to ponder the glory of God like so many mornings before.
You can follow James Dugan’s latest writing on Facebook and on Twitter at jamesduganlb. Read more:
Valentine: The Christian - Part 1
Valentine: The Priest - Part 2
Valentine: The Prayer - Part 3
Valentine: The Comforter - Part 4
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