The silent meditation lasted almost twenty minutes. Franjcis noticed a few of the Brothers beginning to fidget and otherwise show their growing discomfort. He stood up and began to walk slowly around the circles. In front of each Brother, he stopped and placed both hands gently but firmly on both shoulders while looking solidly into their eyes. Only when he had given darshan to each Brother did he speak:

“I see no dissent to Brother Sebastian's choices. If any of you wants to add to his discernment, speak now.”

No one spoke, so Francis continued, “I am taking it that we are all of one mind, then.”

Someone in the outer circle began humming a familiar tune. Soon all the Brothers had joined in. Now, they were singing the words softly:

“We are One in The Spirit,
We are One in The Lord.

We are One in The Spirit,
We are One in The Lord.

And we pray that All Unity
May one day be restored.

And they will know we are Brothers
by Our Love, By our Love.

Yes, they will know we are Brothers by our Love.”

(to be continuing)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Sebastian suggests his choices

The Brothers leaned forward. Francis continued, “I almost forgot. Grandfather Eagle insisted that one animal be chosen from our destination ....” Francis paused.

“A camel!” The Brothers spoke it out loud together as if they had be reciting the Office. So, that was decided. Now there were only four more to select.

Sebastian stood up and looked around the gathering slowly, making eye contact with each Brother. Only then did he speak, “I have been among our animal friends and heard much of their own deliberations trying to choose representatives. I have settled my own choices from hanging out with these precious beings.”

Sebastian stopped and looked around the gathered brothers again. Parsifal spoke up. “Well, don't keep us in suspense! …. Who are your choices?”

“Well, it seems that Worm has formed a deep friendship with Robin …. which is quite amazing since they would naturally be enemies. In fact, they formed their own Brother/Sisterhood which includes Crow and Vole. It seems to me that these four would travel easily together. The birds could all fly and Vole would take up so little room.” I would pick these four.”

There was a long silence as the Brothers considered Sebastian's suggestions. Finally, Francis spoke up. “Sebastian has spoken well. Let us continue to sit in silent meditation to consider Sebastian's suggestion.”

(to be continuing)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Trying to choose

Sebastian kept a respectable silence and then continued with a prayer of thanksgiving:

“Thank, Dear Father, for that Thou dost vouchsafe to feed us with the live giving spiritual body and blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, The Christ. You promise to us in these holy mysteries, that we are One Body, in this One Love. Send us now into the world in Peace, that we may love and serve all.  In the name of our Precious Savior, Jesus Christ, Out Lord; Amen!”

Silence was kept again. Finally, Francis broke the silence, “Brothers, let us discern with One Mind, the will of Holy Mystery.”

Again, silence! Sebastian broke the silence this time, “We must take Grandfather Eagle …. and the glowing worm, of course.”

There was a murmur of assent. Now, Francis spoke, “That leaves five more choices.”

“We need a four legged.” It was Parsifal who made the suggestion. “And perhaps a flying insect.”

“We have the donkey!” Sebastian protested.

“I wish we had a camel here in these parts'” a Brother suggested from the outer circle.

“I know what we should do,” suggested Francis.

(to be continuing)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Communion

* * * * * * *

The last Brother arrived just before a vibrant, golden-pink sunset. Francis asked Sebastian to lead the service; he wanted to observe the process rather than lead it. Francis had fasted all day in seclusion in preparation for their decision. The service began just as the sun disappeared below the horizon. The service began with some hearty hymn singing:

“Blessed be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love.

The fellowship of kindred souls
is like to Thine above.”

Sebastian began the service, “The Peace of the Lord be with you!”

“And also with you!,” the Brothers responded enthusiastically.

Sebastian lifted a loaf of freshly baked bread. “On the night in which our Lord was betrayed, he broke bread, blessed it saying, 'This is my Body broken for you. Take and eat, all of you.'” He broke the bread, handing each Brother a large piece. Silence was kept until the last Brother received his piece. Then they all reverently ate their bread.

Then Sebastian lifted a chalice filled with wine and blessed it saying, “Likewise, after supper he took the cup and blessed it saying ' this is my Blood shed for you for the forgiveness of sin. Drink this, all of you.'” The Brothers passed the chalice, each taking a healthy draught.

(to be continuing)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Preparing to choose

The Brotherhood gathering would cost them another day, which was frustrating to Francis and irritating to Sebastian who always jumped in first and then considered the consequences. The next morning the word went out. The Brotherhood was to gather in Assisi that evening for prayers and communion.

Francis spent the day in seclusion, praying for guidance. He was able to discern a clear directive to take Grandfather Eagle with him. “Surely God must have a reason for wanting these animals along,” he thought. He was sure they would be an extra burden. What he could not know in this moment was just how much help they would prove to be.

* * * * * * *

In the forest, Crow brought the news that a decision would be forthcoming that very evening. The critters began to gather in the glen in the late afternoon. Speculation ran high. Worm slept through it all. Vole did not even bother to show up; she focused her efforts on gathering more seeds and nuts. Crow returned to Assisi to observe the prayer meeting. Robin busied herself building a new nest. Raccoon watched the growing assembly from the vantage of his lair.

(to be continuing)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Francis get the news that he must choose

Francis was tightening the last rope on the donkey when the news arrived from the circle in the glen. Neither Francis nor Sebastian had spent much thought about which animals would accompany them. Now they had to choose six before they could leave.

Sebastian suggested that they just draw straws. “It would be quick and fair,” he said matter-of-factually. Francis had to remind him that after drawing straws to select Mathias to replace Judas, came the Pentecost and Baptism of the Holy Spirit. After that time Christians always relied on the Holy Spirit to give guidance.

“How do you propose we proceed?” Sebastian asked, somewhat irritated.

“We gather the Brothers and hold a service”, Francis was quick to answer.

(To be continuing)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Let Francis do it

“Creator must have a purpose for our going along on this crazy Hu-man war-adventure. This certainly is none of our affair! Not one of us would ever consider committing such a crazy game. Can you imagine committing such a crazy game among ourselves? Imagine birds and rabbits at war” Eagle laughed and all gathered laughed with him.

The laughing continued for some time. No one could imagine such a crazy thing. Despite the centuries of witnessing such insane Hu-man behavior, the animals had never gotten used to the idea of war. The laughter finally subsided. Grandfather Eagle flew up to a branch above the podium. “Friends, Relations, …we must let Francis and his Brothers decide who will accompany them.”

There was no murmur of ascent, but the hush spoke a resounding yes. So, as Venus rose in the Eastern sky, and the sun set in the West, the gathering broke up and the animals returned to their lairs.

*** *** ***

Francis and Sebastian just managed to finish their packing as the sun set in the West and Venus rose in the Eastern sky.

(to be continuing)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Trying to choose

Crow breathed an audible sigh of relief. “I say it is time to choose!” Crow sounded very authoritative. He turned to Eagle. “How shall we choose?”

Grandfather Eagle looked slowly around the group. “Who would like to represent us?”

Almost everyone took a step forward. Grandfather Eagle laughed heartily, “I see. Well, my only requisite is this: one of our representatives must be a resident of that region, chosen after we arrive.” From this one sentence, everyone know that Grandfather Eagle would be going on the journey.

Robin, from her perch, spoke next, “It is clear that almost all of us want to go, so how will we ever be able to agree on the six? Also, we have no way to communicate a private ballot. Perhaps we should just trust Grandfather to decide”

A murmur of assent arose in the glen.

Eagle let the stirring subside before he spoke. “That only sounds like a good idea,” he finally said. “You are all forgetting one thing.”

(to be continuing)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Firefly speaks his mind

It was high and shrill! But more than the sound which was so shrill as to be irritating, it was the words that brought everyone's attention to focus. At first, no one could locate the source of the sound. It seemed to come from somewhere above the circle. Then, a flicker of light shot out from the center of the sound source and all could see it was Brother Firefly:

“In all your deliberations, you have left out an entire kingdom …. us insects. At least one of us should be on this journey! Do you not realize there are more of us on the planet than any other critter? Also, I have not once heard anyone considering the fact that you are going to a desert. The representatives you choose must be able to survive in that climate!”

Firefly paused to let the import of his words sink in. Silence, once again reigned. It was Grandfather Eagle who finally spoke, “Brother Firefly has spoken well. These are critical to our choosing.”

“There are few of us that can survive the desert climate!” It was Crow shouting from his position next to Grandfather Eagle. He was worried that now, he would not be chosen.

“This is also true. But I have spoken to Brother Francis. He assures me that whichever critters go, the Brothers will provide food and shelter for them.”

(to be continuing)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Grandfather Eagle holds silence

Jay left the podium immediately and quickly took a spot in the outermost circle. Crow inched closer to Eagle. Grandfather Eagle took the time to make eye contact with each being in the gathering. He spoke no further.

At first, the silence really was golden and it seem as if all were coming to one mind and heart. But then, Mouse began to feel some awkwardness; he started to fidget. There is something about the energy of fidgeting that multiplies in a crowd. Rabbit began to thump her foot. Cat began to lick her tail with some considerable energy. Crow began shifting his weight from one leg to the other.

Surely, Grandfather Eagle would have something wise and helpful to say. But, Grandfather Eagle kept the silence. Five solid minutes passed before the silence was broken. The sound which shattered the silence shocked the entire gathering to full attention.

(to be continuing)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Grandfather Eagle presides

Grandfather Eagle and Crow did not arrive in Assisi until the final day of packing for Francis and Sebastian. Jay had returned the day before. The Council had been meeting for a day before Grandfather's return. There was little agreement as to who would be chosen. Raccoon kept his confidence during all the discussions. He continued to hold back, confident that he would be chosen in the end.

Grandfather Eagle flew to the center of the gathering and landed with flare. His perfect landing interrupted a long-winded speech by Jay who had been trying to convince the gathered crowd of his skills for the trip. A hush fell over the circle. Jay looked behind and there was Grandfather Eagle, standing in majestic silence. Jay stopped in mid sentence.

All waited for Grandfather Eagle to speak. He looked around in silence making eye contact with each critter in the circle. Finally, he spoke, “I understand we have some hard decisions to make.”

(to be continuing)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Crow finds Grandfather Eagle

Crow looked up and to the north. There, high above him, Grandfather Eagle was diving straight on toward the river below. Crow watched in a mesmerized amazement as Eagle waited until the very last possible moment to pull out of his dive, talons outstretched toward the water. Then, with hardly a ripple, Eagle plucked a salmon from the water, and with powerful wings, pulled himself into the air.

Crow would have applauded if he could, but he was content to caw five times rapidly as a kind of Crow accolade. The sound shattered the river channel. Eagle responded immediately by arcing up and to the left circling back toward crow. “Brother Crow!” he shouted as he circled around. “Great to see you … What brings you this far north?”

“A Council has been called and you are need to preside. Creator would have us choose only seven to accompany Brother Francis to the Holy Crusades to minister to the injured of all sides. There are already many disputes. Can you fly with me now?”

“Of course, we must go straight away. The longer a dispute remains unresolved, the worse it can get!”

So the pair headed south with Eagle literally flying circles so that Crow could keep up.

(to be continuing)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Search for Grandfather Eagle

* * * * *

In the glen, the sun was just rising in the East. Jay had demanded the podium and was in the midst of an impassioned speech:

“So, in conclusion, I can fly farther, faster, and more skillfully than any but Grandfather Eagle and Uncle Hawk … oh right; …. and Cousin Owl. I must be allowed to accompany Brother Francis on his mission.”

“Where is Grandfather Eagle? Surely we can make no decision without him!” Someone shouted it from the back rows. Crow and Jay immediately volunteered to find him and flew off in opposite directions, with Crow choosing the North up-river search, and Jay the South. So it was that the critters broke up their all night discussion and returned to their homes.

For the first hour Crow saw no signs of any Eagles. There were no fish skeletons, no sign of nest building, no shadows soaring high above. Crow decided to take a short rest. Hl landed in the tallest pine in order to watch over the whole river valley. Just as he was actually considering returning to the glen, Crow heard the shrill cry of an eagle.

(to be continuing)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Who will go?

A great murmur arose in the glen; 'Who would go with Francis and Sebastian? ' Crow had already determined that he must go. Who could stop him? Of course, Worm would go; they needed his glow-ability. Robin was worried about Crow. She knew hew would insist on going and she wondered how many wingeds Creator would permit on the journey.

Raccoon was sure his talents would be needed. He smiled to himself, a knowing smile of sweet satisfaction. He would not campaign; he would merely wait for them to come to him, seeking his talents for the trip.

Vole had already given up any hope of going. Surely her eyesight would keep her from the adventure. She sighed quietly as she listened to Rabbit go on and on about his reasons for being needed on the trek.

Francis and Sebastian were deep in a planning conversation. It was decided that they would gather supplies for three days including tents, food, water, a mule (not to be counted as one of the seven), and medical supplies. Sebastian was to leave in the morning for his home town, Folignio to gather donations. The would meet up in Assisi to begin their journey to the Holy Lands together. Enrique would join them from his home town of Perugia.

The planning was done. Both men were exhaused, so they embraced and went their separate ways to sleep.

(to be continuing)