Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - A Message for Francis

“I have a message for Francis!” Francis looked up and his eyes snapped open. Worm went on, “Francis you are to go to this Crusade and minister to the wounded of both sides. There you shall meet my servan know as Mevlana.”

Sebastian blurted out, “I have heard of this one! He is very holy and most say, very strange!”

Worm 's glow diminished significantly. “I want my critters to accompany Francis. Choose seven to go with his band. Make sure they represent all my animal kingdom; the plant kingdom will represent itself.” With that, Worm fell in a heap, exhausted.

(to be continuing)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Worm's Speech

“My Brothers and Sisters, Cousins, Elders, My Children, One and All, you are all so very precious to me. In every step of my creating, I have had you …. each of you, in mind. There has never been a single moment in this continuing unfolding of my perfect universe, that has not been perfect .... nor will there be. How can there be? Only my Creation exists! Anything you have created in worry, stress or fear has no existence, save in your own limited mind.”

“You have seen both the heights and depths of my On-going-ness. Hu-man, my highest expression thus far of love and conscious awareness …. you have seen Hu-man's greatness here in my servants, Francis and his band; and you have seen hunting for mere sport and worse depravities.” But never has it not all been perfect for each and all.”

“So my children, I am asking you to Trust Me. Trust My Love. Trust My Providence. Take your place on the great mandala of My continuing creation.”

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Worm glows again

Sebastian and Francis looked at one another, remembering the picture of the Captain with pee dripping down his nose, and both began to laugh uproariously. And to the extent that they are able, the critters join in the hilarity.

But, when Worm began to glow again, a hush came over the den which spread to the entire glen. Worm himself, was so involved in the hilarity that he did not notice the glow beginning. But when silence reigned, he looked up and all eyes were focused on him! Worm gulped and cleared his throat ( a long throat to clear ). He blinked. What was he supposed to say; 'The Glowing Prophet' they were calling him.

Worm cleared his throat a second and then a third time again. He had nothing to say. He wondered what the glowing meant this time. He decided to trust the sign and just open his mouth with no forethought. And more words came:

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Vole and Crow share their witness

Crow and Vole reached Raccoon's den about the same time. All the critters within ten miles were waiting for news. In the field in front of Coon's tree, there was standing room only. A hush fell over the gathered crowd. Of course, Vole had not seen Crow's spectacular dive and flutter, so it was perfectly natural for her to begin the recounting of events:

“He spoke so good!” she exclaimed. There were many who left the line when he was done speaking.” She hesitated a moment, “He was very convincing.”

Crow interrupted, “Vole you shoulda stayed till the end! I was stupendous! I dove straight into the Captain's face! You shoulda seen me!”

Vole resented the interruption, but she did not let on. At any rate, her report was no match for Crow's dive bombing exploit. “The truth is,” he was saying, “I broke up the gathering!”

Worm was incredulous, “But did you have to piss in his face!?” All the critters laughed and even Francis smiled as he walked up to the tree.

“Truly, crow sent everyone home with a great story to tell.” Another great din of laughter arose.

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Francis' Prayer

“Oh Holy God, Creator of all that is, I pray for my brother, Captain Jon who has suffered humiliation at the hand of Brother Crow. Watch over his family while he must be away. Protect him from harm and peril.

Guide me on your straight and narrow path. If I am to minister to those who crusade, make it clear to me. There are not enough hours in a single day to sing your praises adequately. I would serve Thee with all my body, heart and soul.

Where there is this fear and hatred, let me so love the better. You are my light and my shield. In You, I find my rest and peace. You are One, Oh Holy Creator, and by any name, You are always the same God.

Bless this Earth and all who dwell upon Her. All these things, I pray in and through our Lord and Savior, Jesus, The Christ.

Amen and Amin”

Now, Francis sat in silence.

* * * * * * *

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Crow pulls a fast one

“Captain, I applaud your valor and bravery in the face of pain-filled death. I pray protection on you and a safe return. Still, I must here take my stand against all unholy war a priori includes all war. And I welcome all men to my brotherhood of believers, servants of the Living Christ.”

Just as the words, 'Living Christ' were uttered, Crow dove full on from his perch above the proceedings as if he had been shot. As he reached the exact eye level of the captain's face, he began flapping his wings frantically so as to avoid certain death should he touch the ground at that speed. At the same time, he released his bladder and the Captain had an unwelcome shower of pee.

The Captain's face turned bright red as he realized what had just happened. He descended from the town platform in great haste. Crow recovered totally from his free fall and flew off toward the woods. All is well that ends well and the truth is that there were no more recruits signed that day. Everybody who knew him growing up said that he had always been a rascal.

But, Francis did not feel much like a rascal; he felt the embarrassment of the Captain and withdrew into the woods to pray for him. According to Sebastian who was just able to keep up with him, his prayer went something like:

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - The Captain Replies

Actually, that is not quite accurate. What happened was shocking and surprising to all but Francis. Crow had been listening patiently to the Captain's rebuttal to Francis' speech. He went on and on about Holy Mother Church and Francis' duty to defend her as a monk of Christ. His exact words were: “Francis of Assisi, I have known of you for some years now, and now I see that you can be as fierce as I have been told when the occasion demands.”

“I beg your indulgence to know why I a man of family and peaceful in my fields, should take up the sword and spear on His Holiness's behalf. I will have you to know that I have the fullest blessing of my dearly beloved wife to pursue this noble and valorous mission. I fear neither scimitar nor camel. Our cause is as just as it is holy!”

Francis gazed into the Captain's eyes throughout his rebuttal. Now he continued that gaze, soft, but disarming. He was silent for a long time just gazing. Finally, his eyes hardened just slightly as he drew a deep breath to speak.

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Crow and Vole get the skinny

Crow listed to Francis' speech from a sycamore tree right in the town square. Vole listened from just below that same tree. Neither had ever heard of a Crusade before, but it sounded rather ugly. It was hard for the critters to imaging a species attacking and killing members of the same species. But then Hu-mans were always doing crazy things, like hunting for sport.

Crow could not help cawing approval when Francis finished his plea. The Hu-mans did not even notice his outburst as they were too busy murmuring among themselves. Vole headed back to the critters waiting on the edge of the woods by way of a series of his relatives' tunnels. Crow stayed on to hear whatever might ensue. Crow was not disappointed. What happened next was shocking but not surprising.

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Francis speaks against the Crusade

“Love your neighbors and pray for your enemies that you may be at peace with all and within. What part of 'my kingdom is not of this world' do you not understand? I have never called for a holy war and those who follow my Brother Mohammed are my Brothers as well. The future of our human race on this earth is to make plowshares and pruning hooks, not swords.”

There was an audible murmur from the crowd that had gathered. Had Francis now lost his mind? Every one knew that Jerusalem must be freed from the Infidels. 'Wasn't this the party-going upstart who had haunted the streets of Assisi just a year ago?' But there were a few in the crowd that heard his message and quietly slipped away from the recruiting line.

To these few, what Francis said made sense. And it was from these few, that the heart of the Franciscans would come.

* * * * * * *

Vole was selected by the others to follow Francis and Sebastian into town. It was felt the she would the best at hiding and since the story of her last encounter with Francis was told so well, she would be the best reporter. Crow finally convinced them all that his perspective from the trees would also be valuable, so he went along as well.

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Francis' Speech

“Brothers, Sisters, Neighbors, and Friends, You all know me. I grew up here in this Province. You all know that I was a party animal and a heathen in my beliefs. You know how that I was touched by the Lord of Life to the effect of a great repentance.

You know how I voluntarily surrendered my earthly wealth and possessions. You know how that the Lord has added to my friends, a group of like minded Brothers who have taken vows with me to serve The Lord forever

.

I stand before you today with a heavy heart. But, that is only half my story. I also offer you the gift of Our Lord's vision for this earth. It is a vision where all live as brothers and sisters; where none goes hungry, where our four legged brothers and sisters and the wingeds live in such harmony that our Lord's vision of the lion lying down with the lamb has been fulfilled.”

I pronounce to you that this Holy War is no Holy War; but an expression of human fear and ignorance gone feral. Our God is the only God, the God of all including our Muslem Brothers and Sisters. This is the cry of Our Lord and Savior to this generation:”

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Francis goes to town

“Let's go!”, he said abruptly after a long silence. He grabbed his walking staff and stepped off for town. Sebastian managed to stay right at his side as they half walked and half ran. As they reached the road to town, the entourage of critters stopped, preferring the cover of the wood.

Francis and Sebastian, walked boldly into the square and confronted the Captain directly, simply, with no rancor. “If Jesus is Lord of all and His Kingdom is not OF this world, then why in the name of God do we raise an army to go against 'People of the Book'? They serve the same God as we.”

The Captain was taken completely off guard by the boldness of Sebastian and Francis. His mind was reeling; words were scattered in suddenly scarce. Finally, he managed to squeak out, “I serve Mother Church.”
Francis' response is a classic Christian apology. We quote a part here:

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Francis' Prayer

Francis lifted his hands in a gesture of prayer and supplication:

“Forgive us our dark ignorance.
Raise us to the Unity we are."

Then, raising his hands even higher, he continued:

“Give us eyes of love

to see through fear's disguise.
Direct us daily, in our service to all.”

Francis' prayer was cut short by a deafening boom, followed by a conch wailing its call to assembly. It was the recruitment company headed by Captain Nigel Hawking, a fierce looking scarred man with a heart of soft down. His family had migrated to Italy two generations back. Now, here he was, in the town square, calling an assembly of the able-bodied.

Francis finished his prayer:

“Oh precious Savior,
grant that we may be a blessing.

Wherever there are hurting,
let us bring comfort and healing.

Grant us you help
Raise us above our petty differences.

Amen”

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Sebastian shares his news

“Come sit and tell me all of it.” Francis gripped Sebastian's arm and threw his other arm around his back. They sat with their feet stretched toward the open meadow, their backs against the Coon's den tree.
“What news have you?” Francis gazed deeply into Sebastian’s eyes.

“There is a new Crusade being mounted in villages as small as Hoovenshire. Some of the brothers want to join and fight. Mathias has forbid anyone, save me, to leave the compound.”

Francis countenance turned dark, his eyebrows thrust down and forward; his mouth curled in a frown. “Saints preserve us, when will we follow our Master's way of peace?”

Sebastian opened his mouth as if he had an answer to Francis' question. Instead, he asked a question, “Will we go to minister to the injured?”

Francis stood and looked at nothing in particular as if his vision had turned inner and his eyes were now transmitters rather than receivers. He thought one way then its opposite. Finally, his face lifted as one ready to speak.

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - All breathe a sigh of relief

The entire woods including the rocks and plants breathed a sigh of relief when the Hu-man began humming. This was followed by a deep voice singing a haunting melody and sweet lyric:

“Gentle is the rain
of your sweet Love, Oh Creator.
Soft is the warmth of your Sun.”

It was one Francis' brother monks. Francis joined his singing immediately. Vole knew the song from her experience of the mandala feeding. She joined in:

“Rain so gentle, Sun so sweet
Blessing us all in Light.
Rain and Sun blessing us all.”

Now, a figure stepped into the clearing; it was Sebastian. He was tall, bearded; it was hard to tell his girth under the loose brown robe he was wearing. He and Francis hugged first on one side, then on the other. “I bring news!” whispered Sebastian.

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - More Trouble?

Robin was the next to join in. She began chanting, “Praise Mystery!” in counterpoint to Francis. Bear was beginning to get caught up in the spirit; he forgot his earlier shame and began dancing in circles throwing his front paws in the air as he turned. Worm began to glow again. He joined in the song:

“Praise to Mystery
Praise to The One.”

“Praise to Mystery
Praise to the Sun.”

Now the gathered critters began, one by one, to dance and sing. The whole scene became rather raucous. Francis, lying on the grass, continued singing at the top of his lungs. The celebration raved on, until without warning there was a snapping sound of a stick cracking under the foot of a hu-man. All stopped, frozen with ears tuned to the woods. “Another hunter?”

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Joyous Celebration

“For the beauty of the Earth;
For the glory of the sky;
For the Love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.

Lord of All to Thee We raise,
This our hymn of Grateful Praise.”

Robin closed her eyes as she sang a sweet descant to the next verse.

Tears welled up in Francis 'eyes. He reached out to Robin, gently stroking her head feathers. The hymn came to a softer and softer level. Finally, there was no sound at all, and the words moved through each according to their need.

Worm began glowing again.... “Truly the Mystery makes sense: that all Mystery's Creations are sacred and have their allotted place on this journey. Francis, we are grateful for you and your Brotherhood.”

Francis did an exaggerated pirouette, laughing heartily as he ended his spin in a heap on the grass. Suddenly he began shouting with joy, “All Praise to Mystery!!!”

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Crow raises a question

“Friends, brothers and sisters all, we have witnessed the old way and how it was on the earth. I declare and affirm that the new day has dawned! We are to walk together in love, harmony, and beauty as much as is possible from this day and forevermore. There will be setbacks like we have all just experienced. I affirm in deepest heart of my heart that this hunter shall not have died in vain.“

Crow, still the skeptic, asked, “What are we to do when the hunters fill the springtime woods?”

Francis looked at Crow directly and offered his reasoned view, “You are the sentinels of the forest. Keep vigilant watch and give the hunters not one offering. When there is nothing to hunt, hunting shall die of its own.”

For the first time that day, Crow was 'heart-tagged'¹ His voice softened, “We can do that! None shall be harmed on our watch from this day forth.”

Francis smiled broadly. “Crow,” he said with exuberance, “You are going to be a great Apostle of The New Earth.”

“No, said Crow, “I am Her Guardian.“

Then there was silence. An uninterested observer might have easily concluded that that each one was contimplating their own role for the New Earth.

Finally, Francis addressed Vole. “Remember the food mandala? Vole cl;osed her eyes and smiled. The singing, the sweet layout of the feeding circle, the sweet taste of the carefully selected food. …. And the vision before her very eyes of a mountain lion and lamb feeding side by side.

Vole began the singing, but only seconds passed before all had joined in. They sang: “ …..

(To be continued)

1Presented with truth so accurate that the heart shifts 180°.   

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Sebastian shares his news

“Come sit and tell me all of it.” Francis gripped Sebastian's arm and threw his other arm around his back. They sat with their feet stretched toward the open meadow, their backs against the Coon's den tree.
“What news have you?” Francis gazed deeply into Sebastian’s eyes.

“There is a new Crusade being mounted in villages as small as Hoovenshire. Some of the brothers want to join and fight. Mathias has forbid anyone, save me, to leave the compound.”

Francis countenance turned dark, his eyebrows thrust down and forward; his mouth curled in a frown. “Saints preserve us, when will we follow our Master's way of peace?”

Sebastian opened his mouth as if he had an answer to Francis' question. Instead, he asked a question, “Will we go to minister to the injured?”

Francis stood and looked at nothing in particular as if his vision had turned inner and his eyes were now transmitters rather than receivers. He thought one way then its opposite. Finally, his face lifted as one ready to speak.

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - All breathe a sigh of relief

The entire woods including the rocks and plants breathed a sigh of relief when the Hu-man began humming. This was followed by a deep voice singing a haunting melody and sweet lyric:

“Gentle is the rain
of your sweet Love, Oh Creator.
Soft is the warmth of your Sun.”

It was one Francis' brother monks. Francis joined his singing immediately. Vole knew the song from her experience of the mandala feeding. She joined in:

“Rain so gentle, Sun so sweet
Blessing us all in Light.
Rain and Sun blessing us all.”

Now, a figure stepped into the clearing; it was Sebastian. He was tall, bearded; it was hard to tell his girth under the loose brown robe he was wearing. He and Francis hugged first on one side, then on the other. “I bring news!” whispered Sebastian.

(to be continued)