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korkisobsessions · 4 years ago

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The Oath

XV. Hyung (Part 2)

Desperate screams were filling Deok Sung’s ears. He was sick when he laid a foot on the ground in Sumang village. He wanted to run away, but he was soldier. And soldiers follow the orders! But today he felt, this is the day he will loose his soul. He always followed Ahn Hyun, no exception, no question, loyalty. This was the first day he hesitated. He felt tight knot in his stomach that makes him want to vomit.

Dark was merciful, hide most of the brutal assassination of innocent sick people. Old or young. Women or men. It doesn’t matter. They were just instruments. Lord Ahn and Cho Hak Ju need only their bodies to fulfil their plan to save them. To save everyone, except this sick people. Their lives were sacrifice.

‘Their death will be our salvation’ he heard Cho Hak Ju’s poisonous voice. And his commander listened and makes the order.

Poor villagers were running for their lives without hope. Only people, who could save them, came to kill them.

Suddenly he heard cry. It was young boy hidden behind the fence. His face was covered with bloodied bandages. He could be just eight years old.

Deok Sung swallowed lump in his throat and kneel before crying boy. He knew who he was.

“It’s all right, don’t be scared.” He tried to calm him down. Boy was still sniffling, and in his palm he held tight grip on small carved soldier.

“What are you doing?” He sobbed and his eyes were watching slaughtering of his neighbours.

“Hey...look at me. I’m Deok Sung. You have a brother, am I right?” he tried to bring boys attention back to him. “Is he chakho?”

“Yes” boy whispered. “You know Yeong shin? Where is he?” boy stopped crying and came closer.

“Your brother is very brave man. He is fighting against the enemy, right now.” He was speaking with boy with gentle voice to calm him. Mention of his brother helps.

“Will he be all right? I’m scared!” there were tears again. Flames were sparkling in tears of young boy who was worried about his brother, who was probably dead now.

“He will be. You can help him, if you want?”

Boy has suddenly excitement in eyes. He didn’t even notice that one of soldiers killed his neighbour and watch them.

“I want to!”

“You just need to close your eyes boy...” Deok Sung swallowed tears and held tight grip on rope in his hands. “Don’t be scared and close your eyes. You will help him....”

-In the same time, but different place.-

He always thought that when it comes to hardest part of the war, the weather will be same. That nature will be in same mood. That it will be raining or something.

But it was here and sun was shining, sky was clear. If soldiers didn’t crush them into the ground, flowers will be probably blooming in here.

But soil was wet with so much blood, it became slipping mud. Sun was blinding and air was hot.

Yeong shin was in the middle of nightmare. His breath fast and shallow, like he was drowning. Shouting of man deafening and mass of human flesh was like water and he was drowning. He shoot samurai right in the face and man’s head fell backwards, body following. He patted pouch hanging from his belt and found it empty. No gunpowder, no ammo.

So he grabbed his rifle with both hands and hit another Japanese soldier with handle. Byung Chul then stabs him in the neck with his short sword.

“Nice hit, kid.” His face was covered in blood of enemies. His silver hair almost red. “Watch out!” he shout. Yeong shin turn but it was too late.

Sharp pain exploded in his shoulder. He just saw quick flash of blade sticking out of his skin. He was too shock that he didn’t even start bleeding in that moment. Japanese soldier was screaming like he won, but Byung Chul’s knife hit him in the eye and that was his end.

When the soldier fell, he pulled out his sword from Yeong shins shoulder. Blood suddenly drenched his shirt and stick fabric to his skin.

“It’s all right, kid. Just don’t move.” His master was by his side to catch him. He didn’t even realised he was falling. Byung-Chul pressed piece of cloth to the wound and tied it with his belt. Yeong shin clenched his teeth and let out sharp breath. “You have been through worse.”

“I know, it’s just scratch.” All around them were madness. Soldiers were running around them, fighting and dying, stumbling over corpses of their fellow soldiers.

But for a moment Yeong shin looked into Byung Chul’s eyes...and knew. They were father and son, not by blood, but by fate.

Byung Chul squeezes his hand and helps him to his feet. “Let’s get you to healer and...” he didn’t finish the sentence. In one moment lot of things happened.

Sun fell down and chill bit their bones. He heard shouting and cry of pure terror. He heard a lot of kinds of cry. Painful, sorrowful, angry...but he never heard men scream like this. It was fear in its clearest form. Chill run down his spine

Byung Chul jerked himself wen his torso pierced a blade. His face full of pain. Crimson stain bloom on his shirt. Few drops of blood escape his lips when he coughs and his face grimaced with pain.

“MASTER!” Yeong shin cried and tried to catch him, but mass of men swallow them and rip their hands apart. Huge samurai came to his way, prepared to kill him, but young chakho felt rage boiling in his veins. He had no gun, just his bare hands. He jumped on the man, knocking him to the ground with such strength that the soldier lost his helmet. Yeong shin forgot his wound, he just saw his enemy and hit him in the face with his fist. Again and again he was bringing his fist down. Men’s teeth and bones scratching his knuckles. He didn’t even know he was screaming like a wild animal beating man’s face to mash. It was another soldier who stumbled over him who woke him up and he realised he beat his enemy to death. Tears were running down his cheeks when he desperately searching Byung Chul’s silver hair.

“Can you help me my friend?” someone grabs his hand. It was man lying on the ground, with pale face. “I tripped and I can’t stand.” man was violently shaking still gripping his hand. “Help me get up, friend?”

Yeong shin wanted to scream when he noticed soldier’s legs chopped of above the knees. Man was still trying to stand up but failing. Blood and limps were everywhere. Night was getting darker but fight didn’t stops. He was desperately looking for his master, calling his name until his throat was sore and he lost his voice. He was tripping and falling over bodies and hallucinating... He must be. He saw man biting another man in the neck, drinking his blood and feasting on his meat.

And then another mass of bodies flew over him. Men fearfully running away hit him like big hammer. He almost fell, and caught closest man. It was Japanese soldier with eyes full of terror. Yeong shin didn’t have a chance to say something, or run. His enemy stab him to his abdomen. He pressed his palms to new wound and found himself falling. There was no Byung Chul to catch him.

Hard ground took his breath away, another bodies falling over him, burying him alive and suffocating last remains of life.

It was over.

War was over.

For him.

“Yeong shin, please don’t...I’m sorry!” Nilah was desperately crying in front of him. She was kneeling in pouring rain holding his hand. He didn’t know how he gets there. Outside of the house on the river band. “Please, I’m sorry. I will not ask again, just come back to me!” her wet trembling lips woke him up and he held her shoulders to look at her. He was too lost in painful memories he completely lost his head.

“My name....” he whispered with raspy voice.

“I don’t care! It doesn’t matter. I love you. I don’t care what your name is.” She pulls him into her arms and tried to stop sobbing, but failed. His empty eyes and bleeding palm scared her. She stupidly asks what his real name is. His face paled, and cup in his hand cracked, cutting his skin and leaving bloody stains on the table. Without a word he left and disappeared in the dark rainy night. She found him few hours later siting on the bank like frozen statue.

“My real name is...” he tried to swallow hard lump in his throat, but his voice still sounded broken

“My real name is Seo Yeong shin.”

He let out deep breath. Like he got rid of heavy burden.

“But... I don’t understand...” Nilah was confused. Last time she heard that his name Yeong shin was stolen from death man.

And then suddenly she understood...

“You are that dead man.”

“Hey! Can you help me? There is big pile of bodies.” silenced voices came to him like it was just a dream. He tried to open his eyes, but something was pressed to his face almost suffocating him. And it stinks like...

...like dead man.

Rough fabric of corpse’s uniform was scratching his face, but it was his slightest problem.

Someone pulled dead weight from him and fresh air filled his lungs. He was catching the air, trying to open his eyes but sun was too blinding.

“Oh! Someone is here, alive!” scream someone, poking to his shoulder, he tried to lift his hand and shove him aside but he was too weak to move.

“That’s bullshit. No one survived that massacre! “ shout another voice from distance.

“But he moved and gasped!”

“It’s probably just gas. Take his tag and let’s go.”

Man patted his pockets and takes his identification tag. Yeong shin tried to fight, but his limbs were not listening. He was badly injured and loses a lot of blood. And now they took his name like he was dead. He was desperately trying to move, or make a sound. If they will take his tag, he will be declared as a dead. They will come to Sumang and tell his brother that his older brother died in war. He will though, that he is alone in this world. Sick and lonely boy without family, without someone who will change his bandages. Without money and without home. He can’t let his brother feel like this even for a second. He cannot betray him. He gives him a promise that he will come back.

He already lost Byung Chul. Painful memory of his master’s face clenched ice cold fist around his heart. Crimson blood dripping from his mouth, his hand desperately holding his...

Yeong shin wanted to scream, to cry, to fight, to have control over his body...

He tried to call for help but his throat was too sore from screaming Byung Chul’s name and too dry from thirst.

He remembered the day he became chakho. How he thought he will die in that muddy pit, but he fight and survived. Than that day when tiger ripped his chest and almost killed him. He clenched his fists, rose up and survived.

He growl like animal and made a move. He stands up, holding a hand against his still bleeding abdomen and made a step forward.

When he looked around, all he could see was piles of bodies laid one over another. Japan, or Sangju, it doesn’t matter; they were dead in the same way.

He was making slow steps and sun was blinding. He felt blood dripping between his fingers and for a while he thought, what is he doing? He will come home and die in arms of his little brother.

“I will not die Byung Chul!” he whispered, with taste of blood on his tongue. “I’m chakho and we live against all odds.”

It was like his mantra. He keeps mumbling it making slow steps towards home.

He felt sick when he reaches the border of Sumang.

His village was gone. Hot tears were streaming down his face when he saw that disaster. Houses were destroyed and burned to the ground. Dead bodies everywhere. The place he used to called ‘home’; place where he was born, where he grew up was gone.

“No, no, no...Where is my brother??” he murmured like insane. And he really thought he is loosing his mind. He wanted to shout his name but he was scared he will not answer.

Just for a last moment he wanted to keep hope. He didn’t want to face the silence.

And than he saw him.

Lord Ahn Hyun was standing in the middle of Sumang like from the most terrible nightmare. His clothes were dirty and bloody, he was still bleeding from several wounds. His face was full of deep pain and regrets.

Yeong shin lost his balance and fell to his knees when he recognized that round ‘thing’ in Ahn Hyun’s arms. He recognized that long hair tangled in braid and bloody bandages.

It was head of his little brother. His only family.

“No!” he screams and found last pieces of life. He made quick move to commander. He wanted just one thing. To kill him. It was all Ahn Hyun’s fault. All this madness and destruction was his and Cho Hak Joo’s fault.

All he wanted was pierced his heart with dagger. Scream left his lips but he couldn’t reach him and find his revenge.

Hard blown to back of his head send him to unconsciousness.

Deok Sung was standing above desperate chakho, taking his sword back. Face of young captain was pale and his hands were shaking.

“My lord!” he bow his head in front of Ahn Hyun.

“Take him to healer and leave.”

“Yes my lord.”

“We won captain. That’s all that matters.” But commander’s voice shook when he spoke.

~°~

Yeongshin woke up...

For the truth...he didn’t woke up. He just opens his eyes. That state couldn’t be taken as consciousness.

He never felt like this.

Like nothing.

Like no one.

He had no home. His village was burned to the ground.

He had no friends. His only friend Byung Chul was dead. He didn’t even have a chance to pay him respect and buried him.

And he had no family. His parents were dead and his little brother. Brutally murdered, his body violated. His innocent body used as a lethal hideous weapon.

Yeongshin couldn’t...he just couldn’t keep on living.

“Finally you are awake.” Young man came to him and gives him bowl with soup. “Eat slowly, you barely made it. Your stomach was tear to shreds, but captain bring good physician.”

“Fuck him.” Yeongshin growl and stood up from makeshift bed. He was in some infirmary, wounded and dead soldiers were everywhere.

He was in terrible pain, but he didn’t want to stay in that place anymore.

His steps lead to big board with list of names of dead.

His eyes were searching until he found it.

~Seo Mingu; Sumang – killed in battle~

Tears sting in his eyes when he saw his brother´s name. And then he froze. Right there, just under...

~Seo Yeong shin; Sumang – killed in battle~

“What...no....!” Cold fist of fear griped his spine and shook with him. He quickly limped closer and read it again and again. His name was still there, telling him, he is dead.

He made it quickly to nearest magistrate. Holding tight grip on his stomach that was pulsing with pain. He even tastes blood in his mouth.

Old magistrate was sitting behind table and barely lift his eyes.

“What do you want?” his voice was tired and annoyed.

“My name is on the list of dead. But I’m not.” he touched his chest to felt his beating heart, because he was loosing the fate.

“Do you have identity tag?” old man looked at him with distrust.

“No...Someone took it from me, when I was injured.”

“And what is your name?”

“Seo Yeong shin. From Sumang”

Magistrate’s face twitch. But he opened his book and looked for his name. And there he was. His name with red stamp over it. Dead.

“Yeong shin is dead. Now leave.”

“I’m not dead!” Yeongshin screamed and hit the table with his fists.

“Yeah, I know your tricks. Identity thieves.” Magistrate hissed to his face. “Guards! Get him away!”

“No! Don’t touch me!” he missed the pair of guard, who was trying to catch him. But another took him from behind. “I’m alive! Yeong shin! Seo Yeong shin from Sumang is alive!” He tried to fight, but the pain was unbearable. His insides were ripping apart and he starts coughing blood. “Please...I’m not dead!” guard who caught him, had mercy. He carefully let Yeong shin lean on him and guide him out of the town.

“Listen friend. If you don’t have tag, I know a man who can make you new one.”

But Yeong shin wasn’t listening. He looses the last drop. Except home, friend and family, he lost his name.”

“...I visited that man and he made me new identity tag. But I’m still officially dead.”

Yeongshin finished his story and take a sip of hot tea. He was still shaking, even though Nilah brought him back home, give him dry clothes and blanket over his shoulders.

She was listening, treating his cut palm with strip of bandage and trying not to look to his face. If she would raise her eyes he will see tears and sadness.

“Nilah, it’s...” he gently touches her face and wiped away tear with his thumb.

She burs in tears, hiding her face. It was like waterfall of emotions.

“I can’t stand it. I’m sorry. How could they...?” she was sobbing so hard that Yeongshin must hold her tightly, tears soaking his clean shirt. “I remember nights, when I was looking to the sky, watching stars and making a wish that with some miracle Lord Ahn Hyun will become my father...but he was same monster as my real father is.”

Yeong shin press his lips to Nilah’s hair, her scent was pulling him out of bad memories. It was different life. That man who he was, was long gone. He wasn’t chakho, soldier or brother anymore. Now he was just a man, who belongs to this beautiful woman. And that was all that matter.

“Nilah, please don’t be sad. I wasn’t telling you this story to make you feel sorry for me.”

She wiped away tears and look to his eyes. There was that deep sadness that was usual for Yeong shin that he will probably never get rid of. But those eyes had gentle and caring smile.

“I just want you to know that I never lied to you about anything. You know me whole from the beginning.”

“I love you Seo Yeong shin.” She whispered sealing it with gentle kiss.

He held her closer with hand on the back of her neck savouring her lips. He never gets enough of her taste even if she tastes like tears. It was his Nilah, brave woman, tough fighter, but someone who had the most beautiful heart full of compassion.

Yeong shin’s heart was beating fast when he carefully laid her down on the floor.

She dug her bare hands to his shirt, untying it and revealed his torso. She lifted her head and touch his chest with warm lips, loosing her mind, when he silently moaned when her tongue touch his scar.

His body was above her, pressing her gently to the ground, his knees between her crouched legs.

“Can I-?” he whispered with shaky breath, touching the hem of her shirt. She can’t speak too full of emotions and love, she just nodded.

Yeong shin undress her slowly with steady hands, his lips parted and eyes bright.

Nilah helped him peel of his shirt, pulling it from his arms. She was nervous and calm in the same time when he kicks down his pants. She suddenly saw new scars that she can’t saw before. One nasty devious scar on his hip and that scar that almost cost his life, from samurai’s sword right next to his navel.

“Are you cold? You are shaking.” He whispered when he noticed unrest of her limbs.

“No.”

“Should I stop?” he tried to read her face, looking for any sight of fear.

“No, please, don’t stop.” Nilah held his hand pulling him closer. His lips widened in pleased smile.

Nilah felt like her lungs can’t took more of air, when his warm skin lied flush against hers. And he cradles her head in his hands engulfing her lips with his.

Her fingertips raked up his backs, tracing patterns of his scars while her tights trembled at the sounds he made his voice deep in hollow of his throat strangled and rough, so unlike his touch.

“Nilah, do you want me?” he whispered in her ear his breath hot against her skin.

She again said nothing, deepened the kiss, his tongue warm and tempting. Nilah get her courage and touch him where she thought she will never touch a man.

Yeong shin made a sound that she never heard from him. It was like vulnerable whimper.

“I’m sorry...did...did I hurt you?” She wanted to put her hand away, but Yeong shin’s hand stopped her.

“No, it’s perfect. You are perfect...too perfect for me.” He lean his forehead against hers taking deep breath. “No matter what you say, you are beautiful, gentle noble lady. Like delicate flower.” He kissed her temple his hands caressing her belly and gentle curve of her breasts. “My hands are too rough to your silky skin, Even though I saw you fight, I’m still scared that I broke you if I’m not careful enough.”

“You don’t have to be scared, you will never hurt me. “

She brought her hips up and guides him to her warm centre.

She would lie if she tells she wasn’t scared. That even part of her wasn’t thinking about that day when Sang-Ho violently took her. How it hurts when he pushed himself inside her in one swift move. How she cried and scream. How she bleed after that...

But Yeong shin was something completely different. He was slow and careful when he dipped inside her, controlling her face like he knew all her fears.

He watched her with awe when she gets used to him and her eyes spark like thousands of stars when his hips were tightly pressed against hers.

He starts moving holding her in tight embrace to feel her as close as was possible, sharing every inhale with her, memorizing every inch of her beautiful face, every flicker of eyelashes, every touch of her lips.

If he ever gets lost, surrounded by the horde of undead, this was the things worth of fighting. To see, touch and feel her again.

How long he longed to be with her like this, to feel her trembling underneath him, to love her with his whole body and soul. That road was long and full of obstacles, but the price was worth it. They were together, in their own home, with hopeful future.

She moaned when he touched her down there, like before and her breath shortens. He keeps circling that bundle of joy with his fingertip, pushing into her and his lips touched scar on her collarbone. Her breath hitched when her back arched and she let out cry of pleasure.

It took him just a few more thrust to follow her to beautiful bliss.

“I love you Nilah.” He breathes out against skin of her neck. “You are everything.”

Nilah felt just pure joy. Smiling and holding her lover who lay on her chest catching his wild breath.

“Did you do this before?” she asked. She was curious if he ever cared about some woman before.

Yeong shin cover their naked bodies with blanket and lay back next to her on his back. He held her hand and kissed her knuckles.

“I did. But not like this. Never with someone I love. This was much better.”

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dragonrajafanfiction · 4 years ago

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Dragon Dancer IV: Breaking Point

Two Executive department officers sat in front of me. The agent, a man who had a substantial bald spot despite his apparent youth, placed a tablet on the table. “This is the video we’re about to show to the School Board who are meeting as we speak.”

Anjou was still hanging on to life by a thread, but in this video he was healthy and strong as ever in a corridor of the library three days ago. The video was time stamped 2:42 am.

Anjou was alone walking towards the elevator to the ice cellar at the end of the hall holding the black card that would give him access. I never saw the attack or the attacker. I only saw Anjou stop in his tracks. He asked. “Is that you?”

By then, the black card had disappeared from his hand.

Anjou looked down at his jacket. A thin line of blood was slowly spreading over his fine bespoke suit before breaking open and covering the front of his shirt in red. He fell to his knees, then face down, where the blood continued outward, staining the carpet.

I turned away from the images. “What do you want me to say? This means nothing to me. I told you. I don’t know where Mingfei is, and I don’t think he did it.”

I’d been imprisoned in a home that wasn’t mine, in a world that had vanished the love of my life, pursued my best friend like a criminal, and now turned its greedy, hungry eyes on me.

“Mingfei sacrificed for you. He sacrificed his life!” I hissed at them. He had killed Dragon Lords, Dragon Lords who’s human forms he knew personally as friends, by sacrificing his own life in exchange for the power to do so. And he’d kept it all a secret, letting others have the credit.

And this is how they repay him.

The other man spoke. “Lu Mingfei’s Soul Skill is unknown. We have no idea what he’s capable of. You established the Club known as Club - S... and it’s byline is “The S is for Secrets”. There are only two members of Club S... you and Mingfei.”

“We gave a thorough search of the entire premises. But it appears you never kept any records of what these secrets are. There’s not so much as a file cabinet in Norton Hall.”

I glowered at them. “So?”

He gave an incredulous laugh. “What do you mean ‘so’? By your own admission you’re withholding information from this investigation!”

“This isn’t an investigation. This is a witch hunt!” I shot back. “I told you again and again. I don’t know where he is, he would never kill the principal or steal the dragon skeleton and he doesn’t work with dragons!”

“Mrs. Lu...”

“Don’t call me, Mrs. Lu! My name is Mrs. Meixiu Chu! Which I’ve told you more than once!”

“Okay...” The Executive Agents stood up. “Then I’m afraid there won’t be much we can do for either of you. What the School Board decides, it decides.” They walked out of the the apartment, shutting the door and locking it.

I sat on the couch, trembling uncontrollably. “Johann... I’m so scared...”

I stood up, pacing, rocking back and forth. They always wanted to get ahold of me from day one. They would probably take Ru’Yi away, imprison me and only let me out if I agreed to their genetic tampering. I would be completely at their mercy.

From the start, no one wanted Johann and I together. We’d gone behind their backs and gotten married. Then we’d had a child. The only one standing between me and them was Anjou.

Now Anjou was gone.

They were going to take my daughter... and they were going to take me.

Unless I ran.

I was under constant surveillance. The Restriction on Soul Skills was still in place. I wouldn’t be able to physically outrun them but there was one thing I still had: Mingfei’s Bugatti Veyron. He kept the keys under the front seat. He never drove the car and occasionally he would need to turn it on for a few minutes to maintain the engine and the battery. Plus, I knew he was activated by voice, so long as the keys were in range.

I walked into the kitchen and I started eating and drinking. I would need my strength. Sugar for fast reserves. I grabbed apples on the counter and ate three of them. It was cold outside. I would have to think of somewhere to run.

Paris... no, there were many agents in Paris. Japan? I knew people in Japan. I’d fought alongside them. Chisei was no longer the Patriarch, but I had his swords. Would they have mercy on me? I shook my head. “No.”

I couldn’t trust anyone. They were all part of the same massive monster that was the Secret Society of Dragonslayers.

I swallowed hard, feeling what I just ate try to rise up again in my throat. I took a deep breath.

I heard Johann’s voice in my mind. “ Enemies will read your eyes. When faced with danger, don’t rehearse what you’re going to do, adapt to the circumstances as they come.”

I had to calm down. I took a deep breath and let it out.

I looked at the dishes in the sink. I turned and began setting them in the dishwasher.

Then I started to clean the refrigerator. I kept my mind firmly in the present, cleaning. About a half an hour passed and my panic somewhat subsided.

And then the door opened again. I turned to look. “Gosh will you learn to kno-”

Executive Department officers walked through the door one after another. I counted. Six. Seven. Eight.

“Carli Lu.” The one at the head of them addressed me, a muscular woman armed with two pistols.

“That’s not my name.” I whispered weakly.

She ignored me.

“Your Husband Mingfei Lu is under suspicion of attacking Principal Anjou, stealing the skeleton of Constantine, and kidnapping the Gattuso lady Chen Moutong.”

“What?!”

“And just now, in the past few minutes, the skeleton of Norton was stolen from the Vault watched over by the Gattuso Family. The theft resulted in the death of Frost Gattuso.”

My chest rose and fell in rapid whistling breaths.

“He is accused of treason against the Secret Society. As a result, we were ordered to take you into custody... however... The new acting head of the Gattuso, Caesar Gattuso is showing you consideration as a mother.”

“He’s asked us to put you on a plane to his estate in Italy. He promises to treat you kindly until this affair is sorted out.”

I willed myself to be calm. “Sorted out? You’re going to kill him.”

“He’s wanted for questioning.” She corrected me. “There is a lot of evidence pointing to him. But at this point, we only want to talk to him.”

They were lying. Even if they weren’t, they wouldn’t believe a word he said because they didn’t believe me.

“May I... have a moment to calm down?”

The woman turned to the other officers some of whom left the apartment, but most only moved further into the apartment one going to the door, another moving to the living room window.

They were cutting off my escape.

She smiled at me, but there was no warmth or kindness there. “Take all the time you need.”

“I’ll... I’ll go get my daughter.”

I turned and walked out of the kitchen. The woman followed me close behind as I walked into Ru’Yi’s room. The baby was lying in her crib in her little frog onesie. I looked down at her and then at the hilt of Spider Fang that was lying just behind the crib beyond the mattress.

I thrust my hand down, gripped the smooth leather and whirled, slamming the scabbard against the woman’s temple. She staggered back, hand reaching for her pistol. I swept the scabbard again, this time striking her throat. Gagging, her hand instinctively left the pistol to clutch her neck. I reached down for her gun and grabbed it. Firing, once! Twice!

As she fell against the wall instantly unconscious. The footsteps of the other agents pounded toward the door.

I kicked it closed. A frigg bullet whizzed by my face and I pressed against the wall in time to avoid a hail of them coming through the door, shattering the window on the far side of the room. I rushed over to Ru’Yi, who was wailing now, startled by the noise. I scooped her up, tucking Spiderfang and Tongzi into my belt and fired round after round at the door.

There was a tree just outside the window.

I tucked Ru’Yi tight against me, ran diving out the shattered glass. Hot pain ran a long line down my back and I cried out even as I reached for the nearest limb and hung there just long enough to break my fall. Then I fell down to the landscaping.

Blood was running down my back in a hot stream as men came around the corner, pointing their pistols until they saw Ru’Yi in my arms. They didn’t fire. I turned and ran toward the garage.

“Cut her off! Cut her off!” They were yelling, drawing closer. But I had the advantage of surprise.

I slammed my shoulder into the door, knocking it open. I shouted. “Carli Lu!” The Bugatti, one of the fastest cars in the world, roared to life like a demon. I slammed my hand against garage door opener and swung open the driver’s side door as it began to rise, agonizingly slowly.

The agents rushed into the garage, saw me go for the car and fired at the tires. But frigg bullets were not equipped to puncture tires.

The Veyron peeled out of the garage, nearly flattening a foolish agent who tried to shoot me through the windshield.

My back hurt so much but I couldn’t stop. I had to get out of the range of the Soul Skill Restriction.

Cassell sat on top of high hills. The alchemy matrix extending the Soul Skill that suppressed draconic speech could only go out so far from the ground. I pushed the pedal to the floor, reaching 100 mph, then 125, going up to where the hill peaked.

“Hold on baby.” I clutched Ru’Yi to myself, crying as we approached a sheer drop off, going 150 mph.

I opened the door as the car flew straight off the cliff. It soared horizontally for several yards until its nose tipped downward.

At that moment, I jumped, reaching out, hoping that the last few feet I could get away from the College would be the last few feet I needed.

I squeezed my eyes shut and visualized the trees of Chizuru in full bloom of March, willing myself there.

#Dragon Dancer #Mingfei Lu #Johann Chu #Caesar Gattuso #Nono #anjou #Dragon Raja #Fanfiction #Writing

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pamphletstoinspire · 6 years ago

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NOVENA TO Saint Joseph 30 DAY NOVENA PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH May be recited at anytime or from Feb 17th/18th (Leap Year) through March 18th Feast Day: March 19th

“In October, I will perform a miracle so that everyone can believe in the apparitions… St. Joseph will come with the Holy Child to bring peace to the world.” This was Our Lady’s prediction of the miracle of Fatima, 1917.

Thirty Day Novena to St. Joseph

Ever blessed and glorious Joseph, kind and indulgent Father, and compassionate friend of all in sorrow, through that bitter grief with which thy heart was saturated when thou didst behold the sufferings of the Infant Savior, and in prophetic view didst contemplate His most ignominious Passion and Death; take pity, I beseech thee, on my poverty and necessities; counsel me in my doubts; and console me in all my anxieties. Thou art the good Father and protector of orphans, the advocate of the defenseless, the patron of those who are in need and desolation. Do not disregard the petition of thy poor child; my sins have drawn upon me the just displeasure of my God, and hence I am surrounded with sorrows.

To thee, o amiable guardian of the poor neglected family of Nazareth, do I fly for shelter and protection. Listen, then, I entreat thee, with a father's solicitude, to the earnest prayer of thy poor supplicant, and obtain for me the objects of my petition. I ask it by the infinite mercy of the eternal Son of God; which induced Him to assume our nature, and be born in this world of sorrow. I ask it by the griref which filled thy heart, when, ignorant of the mystery wrought in thy Immaculate spouse, thou didst fear thou shouldst be separated from her.

I ask it by that weariness, solicitude and suffering which thou didst endure when thou soughtest in vain at the inns of Bethlehem a shelter for the sacred virgin and a birthplace for the Infant God, and, when being everywhere refused, thou wert obliged to consent that the Queen of Heaven should give birth to the world's Redeemer in a wretched stable.

I ask it by that most sad, painful duty imposed on thee, when the divine Child being eight days old, thou wert obliged to inflict a deep wound on His tender body, and thus be the first to make flow that sacred blood which was to wash away the sins of the world.

I ask it by the sweetness and power of that sacred name, Jesus, thou didst confer on the adorable Infant.

I ask it by that mortal anguish inflicted on thee by the prophecy of holy Simeon, which declared the Child Jesus and His holy Mother, the future victims of Their love and our sins.

I ask it through that sorrow and anguish which filled thy soul when the angel declared to thee that the life of the Child Jesus was sought by His enemies, from whose impious designs thou wert obliged to fly with Him and His Blessed Mother into Egypt.

I ask it by all the pains, fatigues and toils of that long and perilous pilgrimage.

I ask it by all the sorrows thou didst endure, when in Egypt thou wert not able even by the sweat of thy brow, to procure poor food and clothing for thy most poor family.

I ask it by all the grief thou didst feel each time the divine Child asked for a morsel of bread, and thou hast it not to give Him.

I ask it by all the solicitude to preserve the sacred Child and the Immaculate Mary during thy second journey when thou wert ordered to return to thy native country.

I ask it by thy peaceful dwelling in Nazareth, in which so many joys and sorrows were mingled.

I ask it by thy extreme affliction, in being three days deprived of the company of the adorable Child.

I ask it by the joy in finding Him in the temple and by the ineffable consolation imparted to thee in the cottage of Nazareth, with the society of the little Jesus.

I ask it by that wonderful condescension by which He subjected Himself to thy will.

I ask it through that dolorous view, continually in thy mind, of all thy Jesus was to suffer.

I ask it by that painful contemplation, which made thee foresee the divine little hands and feet, now so active in serving thee, one day to be pierced with cruel nails; that head, which rested gently on thy bosom, crowned with sharp thorns; that delicate body, which thou didst tenderly fold in thy mantle and press to thy heart, stripped and extended on a cross.

I ask it by that heroic sacrifice of thy will and best affections, by which thou didst offer up to the Eternal Father the last awful moment, when the Man-God was to expire for our salvation.

I ask it by that perfect love and conformity with which thou didst receive the divine order to depart from this life, and from the company of Jesus and Mary.

I ask it by that exceeding great joy which filled thy soul when the Redeemer of the world, triumphant over death and hell, entered into the possession of His Kingdom, and conducted thee also into it with especial honors.

I ask it through Mary's glorious Assumption and through that interminable bliss, which with her, thou wilt eternally derive from the presence of God. O, good Father, I beseech thee, by all thy sufferings, sorrows and joys, to hear me, and to obtain the grant of my earnest petitions

Here name your petitions or reflect on them

Obtain for all those who have asked thy prayers all that is useful to them in the designs of God. And finally, my dear protector, be thou with me and all who are dear to me, in our last moments, that we may eternally chant the praises of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Amen

Ave Maria.... [Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.]

O guardian of the Word Incarnate, we feel animated with confidence that thy prayers in our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.

[Then the following V. and R. are to be said seven times, in honor of the seven joys or sorrows of St. Joseph.]

V. O glorious St. Joseph, through the love thou dost bear to Jesus Christ, and for the glory of His name, R. Hear our prayers and obtain our petitions.

Prayer

O Glorious St. Joseph, spouse of the immaculate Virgin, obtain for me a pure, humble, and charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine will. Be my guide, father, and model through life, that I may merit to die as thou didst in the arms of Jesus and Mary.

St. Joseph, friend of the Sacred Heart, pray for us.

(Indulgence of 5 years on any day.)

The Seven Joys and Sorrows of St. Joseph

1. The sorrow St. Joseph had when he was minded to put away his stainless spouse. The joy he had when the archangel revealed the sublime mystery of the Incarnation.

2. The sorrow St. Joseph had in seeing the infant Jesus born in abject poverty. The joy he had in hearing the harmony of angel choirs, and beholding the glory of that night.

3. The sorrow St. Joseph had when the Precious Blood of the infant Savior was shed at His circumcision. The joy given with the Name of Jesus.

4. The sorrow St. Joseph had at the prophecy of Simeon foretelling the sufferings of Jesus and Mary. The joy given, at the same time, of the prediction of salvation and Glorious resurrection of innumerable souls.

5. The sorrow St. Joseph had in his toil to nurture and to serve the Son of the Most High, especially in the flight he made with Him into Egypt. The joy he had in having God Himself always with him, and to see the overthrow of the idols of Egypt.

6. The sorrow St. Joseph had by the fear of Archelaus. The joy he had in returning with Jesus from Egypt to Nazareth, and the reassurance of the angel.

7. The sorrow St. Joseph had when through no fault of his, he lost Jesus, the holy Child, and searched for Him in great anguish for three days. The joy he had when finding Him amidst the doctors in the Temple.

Outside of the Blessed Virgin Mary, no earthly saint has more titles.

Holy Joseph is known as:

 Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary  Foster-father of Jesus  Patron of the universal Church  Patron of a Happy Death  Model of Righteousness  Protector of Children  Hope of the Sick  Consolation of the Poor  Rescuer of Sinners  Solace of the Afflicted  Model of Christian Workers  Patron of those who fight Communism  Patron of Priests and Seminarians  Model of Single Men and Married Men  Guardian of Virgins  Safeguard of Families

"In October I will perform a miracle so that everyone can believe in the apparitions.... St. Joseph will come with the Holy Child to bring peace to the world." This was Our Lady's prediction of the miracle of Fatima, 1917.

The great holy reformer Saint Teresa of Avila had a tremendous devotion to Saint Joseph as we see from "The Autobiography of St. Teresa", chapter 6

"I took for my advocate and lord the glorious Saint Joseph and commended myself earnestly to him; and I found that this my father and lord delivered me both from this trouble and also from other and greater troubles concerning my honor and the loss of my soul, and that he gave me greater blessings than I could ask of him. I do not remember even now that I have ever asked anything of him which he has failed to grant. I am astonished at the great favors which God has bestowed on me through this blessed saint, and at the perils from which He has freed me, both in body and in soul. To other saints the Lord seems to have given grace to succor us in some of our necessities but of this glorious saint my experience is that he succors us in them all and that the Lord wishes to teach us that as He was Himself subject to him on earth (for, being His guardian and being called His father, he could command Him) just so in Heaven He still does all that he asks. This has also been the experience of other persons whom I have advised to commend themselves to him; and even to-day there are many who have great devotion to him through having newly experienced this truth."

"I wish I could persuade everyone to be devoted to this glorious saint, for I have great experience of the blessings which he can obtain from God. I have never known anyone to be truly devoted to him and render him particular services who did not notably advance in virtue, for he gives very real help to souls who commend themselves to him. For some years now, I think, I have made some request of him every year on his festival and I have always had it granted. If my petition is in any way ill directed, he directs it aright for my greater good."

"I only beg, for the love of God, that anyone who does not believe me will put what I say to the test, and he will see by experience what great advantages come from his commending himself to this glorious patriarch and having devotion to him. Those who practice prayer should have a special affection for him always. I do not know how anyone can think of the Queen of the Angels, during the time that she suffered so much with the Child Jesus, without giving thanks to Saint Joseph for the way he helped them. If anyone cannot find a master to teach him how to pray, let him take this glorious saint as his master and he will not go astray."

#novena to st joseph

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mattchase82 · 4 years ago

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Sister Josefa Menéndez Revelations of hell

Jesus Christ often appeared during the years 1921-22 and 23 to Sister Josefa Menéndez, a nun from the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

His Memoirs are published in a book of more than 500 pages entitled: The Way of Divine Love. This book explains Jesus' commitment to save our souls by encountering His love before "the approach of the last days of the world."

In the life of Sister Josefa, a very rare phenomenon took place in the life of the saints: knowing in their own flesh the sufferings of hell. God allowed the devil to bring her down to hell. There, he spends long hours, sometimes an entire night, in an indescribable agony. Although she was taken to hell more than a hundred times, it seems to her that each time is the first, and each one seems as long as an eternity. It supports all the tortures of hell, with only one exception: hatred of God. It was not the least of these torments to hear the barren confessions of the damned, their cries of hate, pain and despair. In spite of everything, when after a long wait he comes back to life, shattered and exhausted, with his body agonizing by pain, she does not notice suffering, however severe it may be, if with that he manages to save a soul from that creepy cavern of torments. As you begin to breathe better, your heart explodes with joy knowing that you can still love the Lord.

Sr. Josefa writes with great reluctance on the subject of hell. She did it only to conform the blessed desires of Our Lord.

Our Lady told him on October 25, 1922: "All that Jesus gives you to see and suffer from the torments of hell is so that you can make them known to the world. Therefore, forget yourself completely, and think of the glory of the salvation of souls. " She repeatedly testifies about the greatest torment of hell: "One of these condemned souls shouted in despair:" This is my torture ... I want to love, and I can't do it; There is nothing that comes out of me except hate and despair. If one of us could do as much as a simple act of love ... this would no longer be hell, but we cannot. We live in hatred and malevolence. "(March 23, 1922) Another of these unfortunates said:" The greatest of these torments here is that we cannot love God. While we are hungry for love,

She also records the accusations made against them by these unhappy souls: "Some groan because of the fire that burns their hands. Perhaps they were thieves, because they say:" Where is our booty now? ... Damn hands ... Why did I wish to possess what was not mine ... and that in any case, I could only have possessed for a few days? "Others curse their tongues, their eyes ... whatever member was the occasion with which they sinned. .. "Now, oh body, you are paying the price of the pleasures with which you gave yourself! ... And all this you did on your own free will ... !!!" ( April 2, 1922)

"It seemed to me that the majority accused themselves of sins of impurity, of robbery, of fraudulent commerce; and most of the damned are in hell for these sins." (April 6, 1922).

"Some accuse other people, others accuse the circumstances, and all curse the chances of their condemnation." (September 1922).

"I saw many people from the underworld fall into hell, and now the words cannot even describe their horrible and frightening screams: 'Condemned forever ... I was deceiving myself ... I am lost ... I'M HERE FOREVER '. "

"Today I saw a vast number of people fall into the burning abyss ... They seemed like some living people accustomed to the pleasures of the world, and a demon shouted loudly:" The world is ripe for me ... I know that the best way to to gain control of souls is to increase their desire for fun and enjoyment of pleasures ... "Put me first ..."; "Me before the others ..."; "And above all nothing of humility for me, but let me enjoy at my leisure ...". This kind of words ensures my victory ... and they throw themselves into crowds at the bottom of hell. " (October 4, 1922)

"Today," Josefa writes, "I did not go down to hell, but was transported to a place where everything was dark, but in the center there was a huge and frightening red fire. They left me motionless and I could not make even the slightest movement. Around me there were seven or eight people, their black bodies were naked, and I could see them only by the reflections of the fire. They were sitting and talking. "One devil said to another:" We have to be very careful not to be perceived. We could be easily discovered. " "The devil responded:" Insinuate yourself by ensuring that carelessness and neglect take over them, but keeping you in the shade, so that they don't discover you ... gradually, they will become more and more careless, indifferent to good and evil, without any compassion or love, and you will be able to incline them towards evil. Tempt these others with ambition, with love for themselves, that they seek nothing more than their own interest, WITH ACQUIRING RICHES WITHOUT WORKING ... legally or not. Excite those others towards sensuality and love of pleasure. Let vice blind them. "(Here they used obscene words)

"And with the rest ... explore their hearts ... so you will know their inclinations ... make them love passionately ... Act without any scruples ... do not rest ... do not have mercy ... The world must go towards condemnation ... and may souls not escape me.

From time to time, Satan's disciples replied: "We are your slaves ... we will work tirelessly. Yes, many fight against us, but we will work night and day. We know your power!" They talked all at once, and the one that I understood to be Satan used frightening words. In the distance, I could hear a party bustle, the clink of the glasses, and shouted: Let them gather themselves in their meals! That will make everything easier for us. Let them go to their banquets. The love of pleasure is the door through which you will take possession of them ... And those souls will no longer be able to escape from me. "

He added such horrible things that they could never be written or said. Then, as if submerged in a whirl of smoke, they vanished. (February 3, 1923)

The demon shouted rabidly for a soul that escaped him: "Fill your soul with fear, lead it to despair. If she puts her trust in the mercy of that ... (here she used blasphemous words against Our Lord) all will be lost But no, take her to despair, don't leave her for a moment, above all, make her despair ... "Then hell resonated with frantic screams, and when the devil finally threw me out of the abyss, he He threatened me. Among other things, he said: "Is it possible that such small creatures have more power than me, that I am so powerful? ... I must mask my presence, work in the shadow, any corner will be good to tempt them ... whispering to a heard ... on the sheets of a book ... under a bed ... Some souls don't pay attention to me,

Josefa, on his return from hell, noticed the following:

"I saw several souls fall into hell, and among them was a fifteen-year-old girl, cursing her parents for not telling her about the fear of God or for telling her that there was a place like hell. Her life was very short, she said, but full of sin, because she granted him to the limit everything that his body and his passions asked him in the way of his self-satisfaction, especially he had read bad books. " (March 22, 1923)

"The sounds of confusion and blasphemies do not cease for a single moment. A foul smell suffocates and corrupts everything; it is like burning of rotting meat, mixed with tar and sulfur ... a mixture to which nothing on Earth can be comparable. " (September 4, 1922).

Again, he writes: "Souls were cursing the vocation they had received, but not followed ... the vocation they had lost, because they had no will to live a hidden and mortified life ..." (March 18, 1922 )

I began to hear many screams, and immediately I found myself in a very narrow hallway. On the wall there are some niches, where there is a lot of smoke but no flame, and a very bad smell. I cannot say what is heard, all kinds of profanity and impure and terrible words. Some curse their body ... others curse their father or mother ... others reproach themselves for not taking advantage of such an occasion or such light to abandon sin. Anyway, it is a tremendous confusion of screams of rage and despair. I went through a corridor that had no end, and then, giving me a blow in the stomach, which made me like to bend and shrink, they put me in one of those niches, where it seemed that they pressed me with burning plates and like very needles fat by the body, that burned me. In front of me and near, I had souls that cursed and blasphemed me. It is what made me suffer the most ... but what has no comparison with any torment is the anguish felt by the soul, looking away from God. "It seemed to me that I spent many years in this hell, although it was only six or seven hours ... Then I felt that they were pulling me again, and after putting myself in a very dark place, the demon, giving me like a kick let me free I cannot say what my soul felt when I realized that I was alive and that I could still love God. "To be able to rid myself of this hell and although I am so afraid to suffer, I do not know what I am willing to do. I see very clearly that everything in the world is nothing compared to the pain of the soul that can not love, because there you breathe only hate and desire for the destruction of souls. "(...)" When I enter Hell, I hear like screams of rage and joy, because there is one more soul that participates in its torments. I do not remember then having been there other times, but it seems to me that it is the first time. I also believe that it must be for all eternity and that makes me suffer a lot, because I remember that I knew and loved God, that I was in Religion, that he has given me many thanks and many means to save me ... What have I done to lose so much good ...? How have I been so blind ...? And there is no choice ...! I also remember my Communions, that I was a novice, but what torments me most is that I loved Our Lord very much ... I knew him and he was all my treasure ... I lived only for Him ... How can I now live without him...? Without loving it ..., always hearing these blasphemies and this hate ... I feel that the soul is oppressed and drowned ...

More than once he witnessed the fierce struggle of the devil to snatch the divine mercy such or such a soul he already believed his. Then Josefa's sufferings enter, it seems, in God's plans, as a ransom for these poor souls, who will owe him the last and final victory, at the moment of death. "The devil was very furious because he wanted three souls to be lost ... He shouted angrily: That they not escape ...! That they leave ...! Strong ...! Strong!" This way, incessantly, with screams of rage that answered, by far, other demons. For several days I witnessed these struggles. "I begged the Lord to do what I wanted to do with me, as long as these souls were not lost. I also went to the Virgin And She gave me great peace of mind because she left me willing to suffer everything to save them, and I think he won't let the devil out victorious. "(...)" The demon shouted a lot: Don't leave her ...! Stay tuned for everything that may disturb you ...! Do not escape ... make them despair ...! The confusion of shouting and blasphemies was tremendous. Then I heard him say furiously: It doesn't matter! I still have two ... Take away your trust ... I understood that one had escaped, that had already passed into eternity, because he shouted: Soon ... In a hurry ... That these two do not escape ... Take them, let them despair ... Soon, they leave us. "At once, with a grinding of teeth and an anger that cannot be said, I felt those tremendous cries: Oh power of God that is stronger than me ...! I still have one ..., and I will not let that take her away ... Hell, everything was no more than a cry of despair, with a very big mess and the devils screamed and complained and blasphemed horribly. I knew with this that souls had been saved. My heart leapt with joy, but I was unable to do an act of love. I still feel in my soul the need to love ... I don't feel hatred towards God like these other souls, and when I hear them cursing and blaspheming, it makes me very sad; I don't know what he would suffer to prevent Our Lord from being insulted and offended. What hurries me is that spending time will be like the others. This makes me suffer a lot, because I still remember that I loved Our Lord and that He was very good to me. I feel a lot of torment, especially these last days. It is as if a river of fire enters through my throat that passes through the whole body, and together with the pain I have said before. As if they squeezed me from behind and in front with burning plates ... I don't know how to say what I suffer ... it is tremendous so much pain ... It seems that the eyes leave their place and as if they pulled to tear them ... Nerves get very tight. The body is bent, you can not move a finger ... The smell that is so bad, you can not breathe, but all this is nothing compared to the soul, that knowing the goodness of God, is forced to to hate him and, above all, if he has known and loved him, he suffers much more ... "

Josefa dismissed this intolerable stench whenever he returned from one of his visits to hell or when he snatched it and tormented the demon: smell of sulfur, rotten and burned meats that, according to reliable witnesses, was noticeably perceived for a quarter of an hour and sometimes half time; And whose unpleasant impression she kept herself much longer.

"I heard a demon, from whom a soul had escaped, forced to confess his helplessness. 'Disconcerting ... how can they do to escape so many? They were mine' (and listed their sins) ... 'I worked very hard, and yet they escaped between my fingers ... Someone must be suffering and repairing for them. "(January 15, 1923).

Here is, finally, the full text of Sister Josefa's notes on "The Hell of Consecrated Souls". (Biography: Chapter VII, September 4, 1922).

"The meditation of the day was about the Particular Judgment of religious souls. I could not free my mind from this thought, despite the oppression I felt. Suddenly, I felt surrounded and oppressed by a great weight, so that in an instant, I saw more clearly than ever before how wonderful is the holiness of God and His abhorrence of sin. "I saw in an instant my entire life, from my first confession to this day. Everything was vividly presented to me: my sins, the graces I received, the day I entered into religion, my novice dresses, my first vows, my spiritual readings, my prayer times, the notices given to me, and all the help of religious life. Impossible to describe the confusion and shame that a soul feels at that moment, when it realizes: 'everything is lost,

As in her previous descents to hell, Sister Josefa never accused herself of any specific sin that could have led her to such a calamity. Our Lord had only projected that she felt the consequences, if she had deserved such punishment. Sr. Josefa wrote: "Instantly, I found myself in hell, but not dragged there as before. The soul rushes there herself, as if it were to hide from God and thus be free to hate and curse him.

because - and I have written about this before - even though bodily forms were not visible, torments felt as if they were present, and souls recognize each other. One said: 'Hello, you here? And are you like us? We were free to take those votes or not ... but no! ' And they cursed their vows.

Some souls cursed the vocation they had received, and to which they had not reciprocated ... the vocation they had lost because they had not wanted to live humble and mortified ... On one occasion, when I was in hell, I saw a large number of priests , religious and nuns, cursing their vows, their orders, their superiors and everything that had given them the Light and grace they had lost. I also saw some prelates. One accused himself of having used the property belonging to the Church illegally. (September 28, 1922)

The priests threw curses against their tongues, which they had consecrated; against his fingers, which had carried the sacred Body of Our Lord; against the acquittals they had granted; while they were losing their own souls; and against the occasion for which they had fallen into hell. (April 6, 1922)

A priest said: "I swallow poison because I used money that was not mine ... the money they gave me for the masses I did not offer." Another said that he had belonged to a secret society that had betrayed the Church and religion. And that he had been bribed to commit all kinds of terrible desecration and sacrilege. And another said that he had been condemned for attending obscene amusements, after which he should not have celebrated Mass ... and that he had spent about seven years like that. "I felt all this as before, and although these tortures were terrifying, they would be bearable if the soul were at peace. But it suffers indescribably. Until now, when I went down to hell, I thought I had been condemned for abandoning religious life. But this time it was different. He wore a special brand, a sign that I was a religious, a soul that had known and loved God, and there were others who bore the same sign. I cannot say how I recognized it, perhaps in the special way of insulting them with the treatment of evil spirits and other condemned souls. There were also many priests there. This particular suffering I am not able to explain. It was much more different than what I had experienced on other occasions, because if the souls of those who live in the world suffer terribly, infinitely worse are the torments of the religious. Incessantly, the three words, Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, are printed on the soul with sharp remorse. perhaps in the special way of insulting them that they were treated by evil spirits and other damned souls. There were also many priests there. This particular suffering I am not able to explain. It was much more different than what I had experienced on other occasions, because if the souls of those who live in the world suffer terribly, infinitely worse are the torments of the religious. Incessantly, the three words, Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, are printed on the soul with sharp remorse. perhaps in the special way of insulting them that they were treated by evil spirits and other damned souls. There were also many priests there. This particular suffering I am not able to explain. It was much more different than what I had experienced on other occasions, because if the souls of those who live in the world suffer terribly, infinitely worse are the torments of the religious. Incessantly, the three words, Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, are printed on the soul with sharp remorse. infinitely worse are the torments of the religious. Incessantly, the three words, Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, are printed on the soul with sharp remorse. infinitely worse are the torments of the religious. Incessantly, the three words, Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, are printed on the soul with sharp remorse.

"Poverty: you were free and you promised! Why, then, did you seek that comfort? Why did you take that thing that did not belong to you? Why did you give that pleasure to your body? Why did you allow yourself to dispose of the property? of the community? Didn't you know that you no longer had the right to own anything, that you had freely renounced the use of those things? ... Why did you murmur when there was nothing for you, or when you imagined worse treaty than the others? ? Why?

"Chastity: you yourself made that vow freely and with full knowledge of its implications ... you forced yourself ... you wanted it ... and how did you observe it? If so, why didn't you stay where it would have been It is lawful for you to grant you pleasures and joy? "And the tortured soul responds: 'Yes, I made those vows; I was free ... I could not have voted, but I did it and I was free ... 'What words can express the martyrdom of such remorse? "writes Sr. Josefa," and all the time the imprecations and insults of other souls Damned continue.

"Obedience: didn't you completely commit to obeying the Rule and your Superiors? Why, then, did you judge the orders that were given to you? Why did you disobey the Rule? Why did you dispense with community life? Remember how sweet it was the Rule ... and you didn't keep it ... and now, "satanic voices shout," you have to obey us not only for a day or a year, or a century, but forever and ever, for all eternity. ... It's your own work ... you were free.

"The soul constantly remembers how he had chosen God for himself as his Husband, and that once he loved Him above all things ... that for Him he had renounced the most legitimate pleasures and everything he considered most dear on earth, that at the beginning of his religious life he had felt all the purity, sweetness and strength of this divine Love, and that by an untidy passion ... he must now eternally hate the God he had chosen to love. "This forced hatred is a torment devourer that consumes the soul, no joy of the past can bring even the slightest relief.

"One of his greatest torments is shame," adds Sr. Josefa. "It seems to her that all the damned around her continually mock her saying: 'That whoever was lost never had the help you enjoyed would not be a surprise ... but you ... what did you lack? You, that you lived in the King's palace ... that you celebrated at the table of the elect. '

"Everything I have written," he concludes, "is nothing but a shadow of what the soul suffers, because words cannot express such frightening torments." (September 4, 1922).

#catholic mysticism #seer #catholicism #traditional catholic #catholic #heaven #christianity #love #its the truth #jesus christ #catholic saints #catholic faith #the devil is a lie #satan #holy #nun

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anastpaul · 7 years ago

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Blessed Memorial of St Cajetan, 7 August – Founder of the Theatine Order – Priest, Confessor, Reformer, Doctor of Civil and Canon Law, Diplomat, Mystic, Miracle Worker, apostle of the sick and the poor. Known as the “Father of Providence” and the “Huntsman of Souls” – (October 1480 at Vicenza, Italy as Gaetano dei Conti di Tiene – 1547 at Naples, Italy of natural causes) – Beatified on 8 October 1629 by Pope Urban VIII and Canonised on 12 April 1671 by Pope Clement X. Patronages – bankers; gamblers; unemployed people; workers; non-gamblers; document controllers; job seekers; Albania; Italy; Ħamrun (Malta); Argentina; Brazil; El Salvador; Guatemala. (images above - Founder Statue at St Peter’s Rome and Cajetan and Luther| photo by Francesco de’ Rossi).

St Cajetan was born of a noble family in Vicenza, Italy. He was the youngest of three sons born to Don Gaspar di Thiene and Dona Maria di Porto.

He studied civil and Canon Law at the University of Padua and moved to Rome where he worked in the Court of Julian II. He assisted at the fifth Council of the Lateran. He was ordained a priest and became part of the “company of Divine Love.” In 1518 he returned to Vicenza. After the death of his mother, he dedicated himself to the founding and directing of hospitals to treat the syphiletics in Vicenza, Verona and Venice. With his own hands he cared for the sick. Such zeal did he show for the salvation of his fellowmen that he was surnamed the “huntsman for souls.”

In 1524, with Juan Pedro Carrafa, Bishop of Chieti, he founded the Clerics Regular who later would be called the Theatines. One of the four men who joined him in his new order, Juan Pedro mentioned above, went on to become the pope (Pope Paul IV). The Theatines, as they were later to become, were to be a community of priests who were to lead an apostolic life. They were to look with disdain all earthly belongings, to accept no salaries from the faithful; only from that which was freely donated were they allowed to retain the means of livelihood. St Cajetan was tortured during the plunder of Rome in 1527 (the torturers hoping to obtain his inheritance which had long before been spent on the poor and sick), Cajetan later returned to Venice where for three years he directed the Religious Institute he had founded. In 1533, where he established a centre for opposing the spread of Lutheranism in Naples. He eventually extended that mission to the city of Verona where he would die fourteen years later in 1547. It was in this city that he planted the yeast of reform that made him worthy of the devotion with which the Neopolitans have always awarded him. He founded a bank to help the poor and offer an alternative to usurers (loan sharks). It later became the Bank of Naples. His concern for the unemployed, giving them the necessary financial help in their time of need, made him their patron. Later in his life, Saint Cajetan would introduce the Forty Hours’ Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, as an antidote to the heresy of Calvin. In 1629, Urban VIII authorised public worship to Cajetan and on April 12, 1671, Clement X inscribed him in the catalogue of Saints.

St Cajetan often prayed eight hours daily. On Christmas Eve at the Church of Saint Mary Major he was greeted with his first vision of Our Blessed mother. When he entered the church he saw the Mary, radiant with light, who came to him and placed Her divine Infant in his arms. These are the words he used to describe his vision: “….I boldly found myself, at the time of the Holy Nativity, in this crib; to give me courage I had with me Saint Jerome my father, who had the crib so close to his heart and whose remains were placed at the entrance of the same crib; and with a little bit of encouragement from the old man (St. Joseph), from the hands of the Virgin Mary, I took into my arms that little Baby: the Eternal Word Who became flesh. My heart was really hard, you must believe me, because if it were not as hard as a diamond, it was sure to liquefy at that moment… patience…”

St Cajetan is the “Heart” of the Catholic reformation, the founder of the Clerics Regular (Theatines) and the “Great Man and Great Saint” that Christians acclaim as “The Father of Providence” for he aids those who invoke him in their needs with great miracles.

Prayer of Saint Cajetan before a Crucifix Look down, O Lord, from Your sanctuary, from Your dwelling in heaven on high and behold this sacred Victim which our great High Priest, Your Holy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, offers up to You for the sins of His brethren and be appeased despite the multitude of our sins. Behold, the voice of the Blood of Jesus, our Brother, cries to You from the cross. Listen, O Lord. Be appeased, O Lord. Hearken and do not delay for Your own sake, O my God; for Your Name is invoked upon this city and upon Your people and deal with us according to Your mercy. Amen.

St Cajetan “Father of Providence” Pray for us!

(via AnaStpaul – Breathing Catholic)

#stcajetan #august7stcajetan #fatherofprovidence #theatines #popepaulIV #catholic #catholicism #hunstsmanofsouls #prayerofstcajetan #prayerbeforeacrucifix

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tillerman1 · 6 years ago

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THE RESERVE by Ingmar Bergman

THE RESERVE (translated to the sentence by Thomas Jester)

MONOLOGUES:

ANNA: I named Anna Fromm 34 year lecturer in Slavic language and happy married then eleven years. I have two children, one boy and one girl. My husband's name is Andreas. There is no glimpse of something worrying in my daily life. My closest is nice, nice men, completely normal all but my eldest brother Albert, who is soaring to die.

ANDREAS: My name is Andreas Fromm is forty years old and is an architect of a state-owned work. My wife's name is Anna. I do not think there are many men who feel as good as me. Sometimes I almost feel that it feels a bit anxious with an existence, as is so to the degree protected for discomfort and real concern.

ANNA: It is clear that I worry about what's happening around me in the world. It's coming to me in a short moment. I can feel a breathtaking nausea, as the news itself affects me. But then the day ends.

ANDREAS: It's happening sometime that you think: when will the storm change direction. When will it cross this protected island. But it's not just the thoughts that keep you awake at night.

FIRST ACT

Anna wakes up early, but she stays immobile in the big comfortable bed. The body is itself still in one pleasant numbness; the room is dark and cool, The clock can not be more than six, it's still in the house. The big clock in the dining room strikes something (but always wrong). Henrik coughs in there in the children's room. The birds are heard in the trees outside the open window. She stretches out her hand and turns on the little white radio: it gives off a weak but penetrating voice: "Be merciful, Lord, for in my heart I am terrified. Yes, my soul is terribly frightened. Ah, Lord, how long? Return, O Lord, save my soul, save me for your mercy." She turns off the radio and sighs a bit unhappy. Then she hears trembling steps and it cracks on the door, a slight whining voice: May I come in. He gets it. Henrik, eight years old, now with coryza cum cough, comes across the floor and creeps up to Anna in bed. Are you awake already? It's hard to sleep, do you understand, because I cough all the time. I have been coughing all night. Anna pours some mineral water and gives the son a drink. Can not I stay with you? No, you're going to come in to you now, Henrik. If you take a book and read for a while so it's almost morning. Henrik descends from the bed and is gloomy. Mom, Martin Luther King has been shot. What do you say, has he been shot? Yes, no, they said in the news, says Henrik and Gäspar. Andreas Fromm thinks in principle that the morning is a bit of a big deal. He wakes up a few minutes before the alarm clock rings. Then he lies a little and enjoys being awake, being healthy and in all modesty of being Andreas Fromm. Then he stands up: counts one seated in bed, counts two puts feet on the floor, counting three stands on the floor. The window is open, it is pale, the small snow in the garden and spring has become unconscious. This generates not Andrew; he makes his small trainings program, since he has removed the pajamas jacket. Then he looks smoothly (and dancing) his bathroom, where he shaves, washes, spruces himself and cuts his toenails. He has great pleasure in all this. At eight past eight he comes down to the dining room, where Berta already presented his breakfast: squeezed orange, an egg, toast, cheese, boiled ham and tea with lemon. He looks in the newspaper. The headlines are blacks of Vietnam. Just before eight he walks into the nursery and greets Veronica, which is his love and five years. She is already eagerly engaged in the morning for her dolls and receives the father's tribute with friendly but excited eyesight. Berta tells him that Henrik is asleep and that he has been worried during the night. Andreas says he does not come for dinner today, takes the stairs in two shots and knocks on the bedside door. Anna cries in and greets him good morning. She sits in bed with her breakfast tray. Their conversation is short, polite and neutral. Anna says she will have Dad for dinner today, if he still does not come home, it's fine. He asks her to greet the old man. Anna wishes him a good day. Andreas recalls that there comes a man, like that should repair boiler today, and to heat probably comes to be off a few hours. Anna says that is not so good because Henrik is cold, but Andreas makes her feel that it's probably not going to be particularly cold in the rooms and that it's hard to get people and they come when it suits them, the devils. Anna asks if he or she is going to buy tickets for the concert. He says that his secretary arranges that matter. She asks him really not forget this. Andreas assures that he really should not forget this. They smile kindly (mornings are not clear) and Andreas does hastily farewell. Did you hear the news, Anna asks suddenly. No, why, asks Andreas. Martin Luther King is murdered, says Anna. What are you saying, is it true? Well, Henrik came in and told me he had heard it on the radio, I did not think it was true. Damn, says Andreas. They say fast farewell. Andreas takes pileus and coat, Berta vacuums in the stairs. He takes his little car from the double garage down the road and slopes gently on the wet slippery asphalt. In the car radio he hears about the murder. The queue in to the city is longer than usual due to the bad roadmap, but he will still arrive in good time to the Workshop. He takes the elevator up to his department and then the corridor to the left. His secretary, Mrs Prakt (a big girl with hanging shoulders and small intelligent eyes) is already there. She presents the entry and current visits list on his desk. She says that the Director-general calls for a call.

ANDREAS: Well, now I'm busy at four past nine, it's not possible. Did not you say that?

MISS PRAKT: Yes, I said you were busy. But the Director General said it was important and wondered if you can not postpone the meeting.

ANDREAS: Yes, I can do that. If you want to call Ray and ask him to come tomorrow instead, if he can. Would thou be able to arrange tickets to Concert Hall on Sunday also, then you are terribly sweet.

MISS PRAKT: I'll do that. Do you go for lunch?

ANDREAS: No, I do not think so. Why?

MISS PRAKT: I would to the dentist understand you and I wonder if you could dispense with me one hour after lunch. It may happen, I still have time, but I'm not sure. One must wait.

ANDREAS: Go you. I only have those sad guys from the social welfare office at one o'clock. And it will be long and obscene, you can come whenever you want. Hi.

Miss Prakt also says hello, but a bit weaker. She has respect cum toothache. Andreas walks through the corridors, takes the stairs and is soon at the head of the Director General. He is immediately admitted. Generaldirektör Ek är en storvuxen man med något bondskt över sin uppenbarelse. He is generally regarded as a "good man", an opinion he shares. They greet warmly, most kindly, and settle down in the comfortable couch, far away from the desk's services.

EK: It was fine that you could come right away. How are you?

ANDREAS: I'm fine, thank you. How are you doing yourself?

EK: Thank you. We have an infection going home. Alice is crazy and the girl is crazy and the kids are crazy. I have managed so far, but today I feel overblown, but it may be the weather of course.

ANDREAS: Yes, spring it's difficult it.

EK: Listen, Andreas, I have a boring thing to talk to you about.

ANDREAS: Oh, that was boring.

EK: I was in touch with the department last afternoon and then I met Rosén. He let me understand that they will not take your suggestion. They will relay it to us for new investigation and new proposals.

ANDREAS: So. It was boring.

EK: I wanted to tell you right away, so you do not get it through the newspapers. When the official decision was due, Rosén could not say definitely, but probably after Easter. As I said, I wanted to talk about it for you.

ANDREAS: It was nice of you.

EK: Something foolish was in the mood, I knew that. Because it took so long with the decision.

ANDREAS: Did Rosén have any motivation?

EK: Yes, you know, Rosén is a pot. He has nothing to say. He suggested that your proposal seemed a bit academic. A little on the side of development. Frankly, I did not listen so carefully. He speaks like a mill and then he has bad breath.

ANDREAS: Who will take over then?

EK: Rosén thought we would use Feldt and Bauer. There are two talented youngsters.

ANDREAS: They have no experience at all.

EK: I think they are pretty forward. And so they have a huge advantage in front of you because they are untested.

ANDREAS: (laughing) I'm 40 years, Georg!

EK: (laughing) Being 40 is almost like having a shameful illness.

ANDREAS: (laughing) What am I supposed to do now then? We'd put me away for the next year.

EK: We will talk more about it after Easter. I'll think a bit.

ANDREAS: Then I will not bother you anymore.

EK: Yes, by all means.

ANDREAS: I am grateful that you spoke so quickly. Salute your wife so much and have a nice Easter if we don't meet. Bye. Thank you.

EK: Bye. Thanks. And greet Anna so warmly.

When Andreas returns to his room, Mrs. Prakt tells that lawyer Järnberg is already waiting. Andreas says that he must first make a call. He walks into his room and closes the door. Sets himself at some desk and feels after. He knows nothing. Then he calls home. Asking for Anna. Berta announces that the wife had just left that she would first go to her brother at the hospital and then to town and that she would not come back until dinner. She would be at the Humanist Library at two o'clock she had said. Andreas puts on the handset and still does not know anything. Possibly a little headache. (It may be the weather.) Possibly a strange answering of the eyelids. Anna visits the same day, his brother Albert, who is admitted to a mental clinic. (He has an individual room, which is not very big but bright and modern.) Albert is short and coarsely built. The face is round and bright. He is at 45. He has knitted up the jacket sleeves, the wrists are worn with bracelets. Cheeks and mouth are painted. Anna takes her brother in arms and kisses him, handing out some foreign magazines and a pack of cigarettes. This employs them for a while.

ALBERT: Anna little, how it was fun to see you. I've missed you terribly.

ANNA: There has been so much to do lately.

ALBERT: Do not take it! I know how much you have to stand in. So yes set you. How are the children doing?

ANNA: Henrik is a little cold, but Veronica feels good as usual. She is with Mom over Easter. We also planned to go to the country over Easter. We'll see if the weather is going well.

ALBERT: I have nothing to offer just. Would you like a banana? A cigarette? A piece of chocolate perhaps?

ANNA: No thanks, I do not want anything.

ALBERT: Bla bla bla bla bla. (Smiling.)

ANNA: Just that.

ALBERT: Can you answer me honestly on one thing?

ANNA: I'll try.

ALBERT: Am I injured or is it myself that wants to sit here. I've forgotten the real relationship.

ANNA: There is no one who keeps you locked.

ALBERT: How do you think I look?

ANNA: I think you look much healthier, but I do not understand why you make up and dress yourself.

ALBERT: (crying) I'm over, Anna.

ANNA: But your new book.

ALBERT: It's nothing.

ANNA: What do you mean?

ALBERT: I have told everyone that I have written a new book. But it is not true.

ANNA: Your publisher said –

ALBERT: That I had read for him (smiling). I took a piece of Baudelaire, which I wrote before he came. He is not so formed.

ANNA: It's just a decline, Albert. You've been here before and you've suddenly come across something.

ALBERT: (laughing) It may be enough now. Enough of all this nonsense. I'm pulling in my contacts. There is a great silence, which is unthinkable for those who do not hear it. Do not you think I'll see how the dusk expands.

ANNA: You should not say that.

ALBERT: Destruction has taken power, that's the truth. The lie has taken power. That's the truth. Hate has dressed in righteousness's clothing, that's the truth. Remember, when you relate our meeting to Andreas and our friends. (He starts to cry.) The worst thing is that I was hoping. (Turns himself on his mouth.) I am the way, the truth and the life. I am the truth, I!

ANNA: You have to calm yourself.

ALBERT: Yes, I'll calm down. It is only hysteria, do you understand, my sweetheart.

None of the siblings come round to say something, but both express a delayed soreness.

ANNA: You make me so unresolved. Not for what you say, but because you are so afraid. It's like when I was little and you came in and sat on the floor in a corner of the nursery. I was only six years old and you were eighteen. And then you sat there in the corner and just watched me until I started crying because I knew you wanted me to understand something that I did not understand. I've never been able to comfort you.

ALBERT: You're just talking to me.

ANNA: Is not it enough, that I'm sitting here and holding your hand?

ALBERT: Well, that's fine.

They are silent and holding hands for a while.

Despite that Andreas said to Ms. Prakt that he intends jump over lunch goes he to canteen just after Twelve. He takes the macaroni pudding with a glass of milk, goes with his tray away one corner, where he glimpses a plot table only changes in and beats in down with Feldt and Bauer, as seated together with a third for Andreas unknown young man. The boys greet their older colleague with kindness. The comrade, who turns out to be a Norwegian, is presenting from Bergen for consultations. One jokes a part about canteens food in general and if the macaroni pudding in particular. Suddenly Feldt asks if Andreas has received a message from the ministry - if they have been taken out of the wagon. The question comes inadvertently and in passing, but Andreas looks at Bauers reaction, that they already know most, Bauer and Feldt are neither malicious nor cruel. They are not even particularly tactless. They are both in 28 age with pale intelligent faces boxed in neat beards. They are elegantly dressed with colored polo shirts and narrow well-cut jackets. Bauer has colored glasses. Feldt has no glasses only heel-ring. They are polite and utterly effortless. Both regard Andreas attentively and there gets some fleeting silence with question to hanging over some table. Then Andreas laughs and says that the ministry will give backlash on the proposal. He had just learned this from Ek, who in turn had received the notification of Rosén at the ministry. Will you change a lot, asks Bauer. No, it's sadly not, says Andreas, laughing. I will no longer have the project to do. It will be given to someone else. I thought maybe you had heard something about that matter. Feldt shakes his head and says, that they had wondered, since the announcement was delayed. Bauer says regret that it was sad for Andreas, who worked so long for the project. They obviously think I'm a bit old-fashioned, Andreas says, laughing. So, it was like hell, says Bauer. It was also a motivation for substantive reasons, said Feldt ironically. You said you met that Rosén a few days ago, the Norwegians innocently say to Feldt, who gets a little red in the forehead. It was a completely different business. He said nothing about this, replies Feldt. Andreas looks down into the plate, deeply embarrassed. A plot thus, he says, hilariously distracting. Now you're kidding anyway, Bauer says surprised. Yes, what do you think, Andreas answers. I think much about the new generation, but not to lick like Rosén at the end. Bauer and Feldt laugh. Anna opens with her own key. The big dark rooms in the library are filled with books. The dry little black smell. The non-smoking room. Here and there at the work tables behind the shelves and next to the windows a dark shadow, someone forgotten over the Easter promise. Otherwise empty and quiet. Anna leaves some books and searches the catalog. Down in one corner sits a contemporary woman. Her face is dissolved, weak colourless. She has her coat and long pants, not very neat, chews on a caramel, asks Anna if she wants. She wants not Anna.

ANNA: What are you doing here over Easter?

KARIN: I'm getting lost. At home there is a damn noise from morning to evening, yes, you know. Mom is visiting. And so is …

ANNA: I understand.

KARIN: Congratulations to the scholarship by the way!

ANNA: Thanks! Thank you.

KARIN: Are you going to continue the seminars this fall?

ANNA: No, I do not think so. I have requested a leave of absence. It actually gets too hard. Andreas should ...

KARIN: Yes of course.

ANNA: Why, what's up?

KARIN: No, sorry, nothing. Nothing at all.

ANNA: (surprised) I just wanted to say that ...

KARIN: No, you do not need to explain.

ANNA: Nor did I think so.

KARIN: (after break): Nice Easter time.

ANNA: Thank you the same.

Anna just wants to go when Karin shouts at her. Anna rectifies herself and Karin comes towards her with a lit cigarette. They are adhered to the smoking room. Karin sets herself on a table and says that she actually wants say about something for Anna, It should not take long.

KARIN: You may think that I have seemed quite unpleasant at the last time - no, do not interrupt me - that's why. Not as you think this is the scholarship. I am not jealous, believe for fan none to me is jealous. But I finally have a need to tell you what I think. I have always wondered what it is - but I think it is, I do not know. I think you're lying in some damn fine way. Sometimes I get an unpleasant desire to beat you. Yes, do not misunderstand, it's nothing personal, you've never hurt me. Your face is so beautiful and you are always so well dressed and you always say the right things.

ANNA: Do not know what you are talking about.

KARIN: I have not figured that either. At some point people of your variety cease to exist. You turn into impersonal surprise. Or at its height to a well-expressed disapproval.

ANNA: Is not it just that you are very tired and shabby?

KARIN: Not true? This winter has been difficult, and the children have been sick and you know my mom! Huh?

ANNA: I must go now.

Karin laughs, pushes the cigarette into the overflowing ashtray. She has got a dust on her hands, wipes herself on her coat, goes to the door with Anna, takes her hard in her arm.

ANNA: It hurts.

KARIN: Have you seen that I lack one tooth here on side? Does not it look freaking out? It's not for economic reasons I do not go to the dentist. It is lethargy. Do you understand what I mean?

ANNA: No. Frankly, no.

KARIN: (smiles) But I can afford myself to dislike about you and what you represent.

ANNA: Let go of my arm, please.

KARIN: Bye. Happy Easter. Health Andreas.

Anna does not answer, gets up the door and gets into the rain. When Andreas returns to his workroom, he calls Berta and asks if Anna has heard. She has not. If she would call, Berta would be so kind to ask her to call. Say it's not important, but he just wants to talk to her. It promises Berta. Is everything good otherwise? Well, everything is fine.

SECOND ACT

That afternoon, Anna meets her lover. At their meetings they use a small dark apartment on a quiet and secluded street. When she unlocks the front door, is he in kitchenette and prepares tea. The toaster, which works badly, delivers two half black discs. Anna saves them before she takes off her coat.

ANNA: You're already here. I thought I would come first for once today, and have the tea ready when you arrived. Too bad! You're so good. Hello honey, have you been here for a long time?

ELIS: I came ten minutes ago.

ANNA: We should get a new toaster. This one is really sad. It is just to toss. Should we try again?

ELIS: No, no, that's enough with the biscuits, I think.

ANNA: At least I'm not hungry. And yet I skipped lunch today. Did not have time. By the way, I need to go downstairs.

ELIS: No.

ANNA: I have to go down, I apologize for counting calories. The strange thing is that Andreas is so fond of desserts. But he goes not up one pound. I'll start playing golf again. Have you walked here? I did not see your car.

ELIS: It is on the cross street. I bought a newspaper. Did not think you were coming soon.

ANNA: Everyone greeted Albert, would have stayed longer, but I did not manage. - ELIS: Is it equally bad still?

ANNA: I do not know. I think it's worse.

Anna has removed the outerwear and loosened her hair. Stands and looks in the bathroom mirror.

ELIS: What are you doing?

ANNA: Looking me in the mirror.

ELIS: Why?

ANNA: I do not know. It is nice.

ELIS: In a few years you do not think it's nice anymore.

ANNA: It does not matter as long as you promise to like me.

ELIS: I promise.

De kysser varandra. Anna looks at him for a long time.

ANNA: You look tired.

ELIS: (smiling) I'm tired.

ANNA: Has it happened a bit boring?

ELIS: Not more than usual.

ANNA: Is everything good at home?

ELIS: Eva came home yesterday. Yes, you know that.

ANNA: And it went well? No frustration?

ELIS: The only thing is that she worries so much. And the pain is not better.

ANNA: How, then on the way she worries?

ELIS: Always when she's gone for some time, she comes home with a bad conscience and believe that something has happened. God knows what she's imagining. Then she is all nervous about her questions and starts to rule and set. It is clear that Miss Alma gets pissed off.

They have set themselves on the small couch on screen. Anna serves.

ANNA: Is it strong enough?

ELIS: Nay thanks. Have you added sugar?

ANNA: No. Can I show you a dress that I bought this morning?

ELIS: Yes, but then you put it on you.

ANNA: It will change a bit, you understand. But I did not want to buy it until you had seen it. Mrs. Arnold said it was amazing to me. I have to prepare for one thing. It is red. I've never had red before. I thought it would make me paler, but I do not think it does. I have a lot of prejudices when it comes to colors.

While Anna is talking, she slips out of the suit and puts on the red dress. She holds her hair up.

ANNA: Now you should think about it with a pair of other shoes and put the hair up. Then it's a bit too tall and does not sit well in the back and these buttons can be replaced. – What do you think?

ELIS: Well, that's nice.

ANNA: Do you really think that?

ELIS: It is tremendously attractive.

ANNA: Do you mean it. That makes me happy. I liked it immediately. Sometimes you just have to buy a red dress. Are you sure you like it?

ELIS: I think it's extremely nice.

ANNA: Then I'll go and get it changed right away tomorrow. This is almost my first red dress.

She takes off the dress and the other clothes, creeps into a white bathrobe, which hangs in the bathroom, comes back and sets herself and the drinking tea.

ELIS: How does Henrik feel?

ANNA: He's better, but he had to stay in bed today too.

ELIS: How are you going to have Easter tonight? Are you traveling anywhere?

ANNA: We travel well to the country, I believe. We have not decided yet. We have to go for a dinner on Mother's Day. You know them by the way.

ELIS: Yes, I know. The advocate Sernelius. We will also be there.

ANNA: That was fun.

ELIS: Devil strange. Invite people on Christmas eve when everyone wants to leave town as soon as possible.

ANNA: Um. We get good food.

ELIS: I have no pleasure in that.

ANNA: No, poor thing, how are you with the ulcer?

ELIS: Up and down. Right now nothing further.

ANNA: How are you having night sleep?

ELIS: Not at all if I'm to be sincere.

ANNA: Do you have any good sleep remedies?

ELIS: I took two strong rackers last night and lay awake all night. It's pure torture.

ANNA: Do not you sleep at all?

ELIS: No. I'm walking around. And playing gramophone.

ANNA: What does Eva say?

ELIS: Eva poor has probably of her own concern. By the way, there is no danger of insomnia, says my doctor. Just do not worry.

ANNA: What are you worried about?

ELIS: For everything between heaven and earth. But mostly because we have to dismiss a lot of people again. There are men in fifty years and more. They have been in business for twenty, thirty years. You should see their faces, when one informs them. And that's good men, you understand. Good professionals. Nice, caring, decent people. And so it quietly outlined the question: "You yourself? Why do you stay?"

ANNA: (smiling) You are getting old.

ELIS: (laughing) Just that. I'm getting old.

ANNA: (looks at him for a long time) If I knew…

ELIS: Knew what?

ANNA: Nothing. You tell me everything, do not you?

ELIS: Yes, I do.

ANNA: No, but it's something you hide from me.

ELIS: No, what would it be?

ANNA: Yes, I do not know. That's why I ask.

ELIS: (smiling) So grave ourselves became suddenly.

ANNA: Imagine we've lived together for eight years and not a poor week for ourselves, it's no wonder.

Anna takes over the bed and draws the curtains. It will be a mild half-moon. She throws off the swimsuit and creeps down in bed, looks and looks at Elis, who's getting dressed. When he is naked, he drinks a sip of tea. Anna is listening to this. The vague fear of night dreams and today's experiences comes back. Elis wakes slowly and reluctantly.

ELIS: I slept so deeply.

ANNA: Must go now. It's late. My old dad is going to dinner, you understand. And he would be very upset if I were late.

ELIS: No, do not go straight away.

ANNA: Yes, honey. I must.

She bows over the man and kisses him in love. He answers her kiss with tenderness and begins to chill her. They look smiling at each other.

ELIS: What still is sweet and soft and good.

ANNA: (laughing) It does not help. I do not have time. No.

Then she gives up and they sink into a warm, smiling security, not very passionate. Then she gets in a hurry, out of the bathroom, washing and blowing, talking to Elis, who stays in bed and smokes a cigarette.

ANNA: Andreas and I were going to buy some shares. Do you know what's best? We have our usual old man, of course, but he is so terribly careful and conventional.

ELIS: I can call Andreas and talk about the matter.

ANNA: We sold a plot, you understand. Andreas's father bought it shortly after the First World War for five thousand. Today it is worth astronomical money, you can imagine, twenty crowns the square meter. It's not wise. For a while there was a risk that the town would buy the area, but it was a private construction company that came before. That way, we got much better paid.

She stands at the little couch and dresses. The daylight shines through the curtains. It is a low-key contact-making issue without significance. She wears the suit, puts her hair and paints gently in the grayish light.

ELIS: I will call you tomorrow.

ANNA: I'm at the library from nine o'clock, but I'm done at half past one I would think. You can call me home at two o'clock if it suits you - I'll be alone.

ELIS: Do you still love me?

She looks up, smiling, shaking her head.

ANNA: You hide something for me and I do not know what it is and it hurts me.

ELIS: I do not know that I have any secrets for you.

ANNA: Is there anything about Eva?

ELIS: You are not jealous?

She comes up to him and sets herself on the bedside. Looks at him, smiling but seriously.

ANNA: I'm jealous, but we're not talking about that. We are not talking about something that is bothersome or that hurts. It's a secret agreement, right?

ELIS: (laughing) It was colossal, what made you deep.

ANNA: Not true? But now I have to leave. Dad will be furious. Do not lie and fall asleep now.

ELIS: I'll just smoke out this cigarette. Drive carefully!

ANNA: Yes, honey. Give me a kiss.

She leans his face against him and blows. They kiss each other. She opens her eyes and laughs at him. So caressing her his cheek.

Andreas has a meeting: The men from the National Board of Social Affairs are generally gray. One of them suddenly finds that now you have been sitting for four hours and have not come anywhere, but the case looked pretty simple from the outset. One other regrets in the context to Schmidt from project's insertion office none had could attend at some together tree. It had simplified quite a bit. A third assures that one can say with certainty that any startup will not be talked about until late autumn, no matter how much is the case in all instances. Of course, the best of course, says the fourth, that the whole thing was speeded up in the highest place, because nobody really knows who will take responsibility. Andreas says, then, that the money is there, it has been told. Who knows if they are after the election, says the first gloomy. Yes, anyway, I have to go now, says number three bored. I would pick up my car at two o'clock and now she is already half past five and you never know when such a crooked workshop closes. This becomes a general burst signal. Should we not get a new meeting as soon as possible, says Andreas. Four serious men nod and nets front their almanacs and look and murmur. Everyone agrees that before Easter there is no idea. The week after Easter, two of the men are available and one in England. Finally, you agree on a Tuesday in the future. Everyone is satisfied and believes that archetypes have advanced to that and that Schmidt in the design office can also be involved, only one says in time. Stimulated of this new thought takes you hearty farewell and vacate room. Ms Prakt comes in and cleans and opens the window. She confronts the bad smell and all tobacco smoke and says that most men are pigs. We have to write letters, says Andreas, as sitting to at some desk. Where do you have the letter from MIRAGET ET CONSEILLE? I have not received that, says Ms. Prakt a little accusation while she is spraying in the air with some kind of fresh air spray. You have known that, replies Andreas irritated. You got it yesterday, we would have answered yesterday, but I was prevented. You kept it, because you would think about it, says Ms. Prakt. Please, stop spraying and go out and get the letter, I know you have it, it's not here at all. Ms. Pratt becomes even heavier than usual and her round shoulders become even more round, but she immediately puts out the spray bottle, goes front to Andreas and looking one moment in one of paper boxes, which is on the right and fishes up the letter, puts it on pad front Andreas and disappears off room. Well, we'll write the letter now then, or should we not, says Andreas with sore voice. I should only retrieve paper and pen, responds Ms. Prakt with one submissive tone. She immediately comes back and sits down on the other side of the desk, round the back and gazing intently in the block. Andreas dictates an address - letter is half-private understand you. We send it to his home, you check the address, please. Ms. Prakt nods silently. Do not be mad now, Britt, says Andreas tired. I am not acid, responds Ms. Prakt. By all means I apologize, says Andreas. You're always right, you know, so there's nothing to bother about. Right? Ms. Prakt is still looking down. The back is curved and the round shoulders hang out hopelessly. I know how careful you are, please Britt, says Andreas. You, there is no human that I appreciate more. I have apologized. It is not that, says Ms. Prakt very low and shaking of head. What is that then, asks Andreas. Nothing, nothing, of any significance. No little old woman, I do not feel sorry for that, says Andreas with one last patience. Now you can either tell me where it's pinching or we'll get back to work. It's not me who has started talking, says Ms. Prakt stubbornly.

ANNA: What do you say about the murder of Luther King, daddy, is not it terrible? Do you think it will be civil war? I met Sidney this morning and he said that now you can expect anything. People learn to be desperate of horror.

FATHER: Do you hear Anna, I would not say anything, but I can not help you. You invite me to dinner, and it is by all means good of you, but it suits you to come an hour late.

ANNA: Twenty minutes, Dad. And I have explained.

FATHER: Why fits you never the time? Is it hereditary? Your mother was the same. I was going to go my way. Precisely when you came in by door figured I trip me and go. I thought you had forgotten my existence. I got the damned madam, but what she's calling your husband and ask him if he knew where you were. If you could possibly have told him something. Of course you did not. And at the library expedition they did not know anything either. Do not you understand that I'm getting pissed off? Huh?

ANNA: Sure, please poppa, but now is it great. Can not we talk about anything else. I have asked forgiveness. Moreover.

FATHER: You just reels out a few phrases. It's easy to say I'll say. I heard Henrik is cold.

ANNA: It's no big deal. Should I ask him to come down?

FATHER: No thanks. I do not want his bacilli. Unless he is not school sick, of course. You spoil him. Where is Veronica by the way? It is the only human in this house that you can meet with. Where have you hidden the kid? Get her out and I'll be in a good mood. I promise.

ANNA: She's actually with Mom. I have said that.

The father gives her a furious eye. But silent. The head dares a bit. He draws heavily after his breath.

ANNA: Should not dad to calm down now.

FATHER: Why should Gertrud always take care of Veronica? Why can she not get be with me sometimes? The kid is feeling well at home with me, I will talk.

ANNA: (patiently) Your housekeeper says she is not able to cope with any children and now she has pain in her back.

FATHER: Esther is an old fool. She will always make it. I'm thinking of getting me a younger person. One that is a little cheerful. You become disgusted to hear of all the bloody ailments and everything creaking. I think the woman has had a small stroke, by the way.

The idea makes managing Egerman on better humor. He bowls with Anna, who has taken a sherry for company. The old man regards her willingly.

FATHER: I read in the magazine that you received a scholarship. I congratulate. What are you going to do with the money?

ANNA: I'm going to travel, I guess.

FATHER: Is it tax-free?

ANNA: Yes, I think so.

There is silence. The old gentleman sinks in own thoughts. Anna sits and looks at him, seized with a sudden tenderness.

ANNA: How are you, Dad?

The father looks up, listening to the unusual tone. Looking first suspicious, then he becomes even in the face, takes a sip.

FADERN: It's worst in the mornings. I can not say that I'm afraid to die. It's not that. I'm soon afraid of the day. As long as I had a lot of work, it went well. But now the last month, when I stopped - it does the same. I'm doing fine. I'm just sad I would think.

He is silent. The head dares, he gives Anna a shadow of sight, the glass holds him between his hands.

FATHER: I'll tell you, old age is a hell.

When Andreas comes out of the work it rains. Ms. Prakt is standing on the stairs and watching the cloud out. She has no umbrella and wears something, which is probably a new spring cap. Andreas offers to drive her because they have the same route. She laughs graciously but says that this is too much trouble. Andreas försäkrar motsatsen och hämtar sin bil på parkeringsplatsen. He asks if she wants possess a cigarette and that wants her gladly. They smoke and travel under silence. Pardon you if I stop here one moment. I'm just going to buy the newspapers, says Andreas, and parks a little carelessly in front of a tobacco shop. He squats for the rain, gets his newspapers. He throws them in the back seat and starts. A blue Volkswagen stands in front of him. He takes out the turn a bit too tight and strikes the front of the car with a loud and scary sheet noise. Oops! says Ms. Prakt. It was certainly not so dangerous, says Andreas annoyed and passes the empty cart. Soon after, he had to stay in the street corner to drop a truck. At the same moment, the car door is pulled up and a furious, fat man sticks his head in and screams: Are you going to sneak! Take it easy, strains Andreas completely blocked. Get out instantly, roars man, dressed in leather jacket, blue pants and cap. Was it your car I ran against, asks Andreas silly and rises. Was it your car, imitates man contemptuously. Would it make any difference, huh! They go the few steps back to Volkswagen. On the left wing there are two barely noticeable scratches and the bumper has become slightly curved. So you thought about it, it is neat. I was not going to sneak, Andreas defends himself. I was just going to park my car on the cross street over there and then go back. Oh, are you lying, at least not for it makes you damn bad. The man takes out paper and pen. What's your number? I have forgotten that, Andreas desperately answers. What's your name, then, have you forgotten that too? Could we not make up this here in benefit, asks Andreas. In benefit what is it? This is going to be fucking unpleasant for you. Miss Prakt has come and set herself at Andreas's side. Her new spring coat darkens of rain. You can at least be polite, she says angrily. I testify that you were rude and practically started fighting. I'm going to testify about that. Be sure and tune the tone before you continue to argue about this bauble. A small crowd of interested spectators has gathered. Now listen, don't try to talk like a nice lady because you are just whore to that gangster, the man says. You hear how he speaks, says Miss Prakt furiously. There is no police nearby, who can take care of this. Everyone stands. It rains. The man walks around with paper and pencil, notes the car number. Such as you should be fixed, he says. Andreas tries to ask if he is not ready now, so he can go. You stay as long as I want, the man answers. Then comes the car's owner. It is a younger person, can be in his twenties. He has glasses and is barbed, dressed in an old shabby raincoat. He stares in astonishment at the assemblies. Forgive me, I happened to encounter your car when I turned out, I took the turn too tight, so I have made two scratches and bent to your bumper. It was not so dangerous, says the young man. He was thinking of throwing it, says the fat, but I stopped that. Actually, I didn't think so, says Andreas. I would stay around the corner and then go back and see what happened to your car. Yes, anyway, there is no harm done, says the young person surprised. I actually have a hurry, so if you'll excuse me. If you want compensation, says Andreas, you can call me. My name is - The young man shakes his head on his head and sticks out with a tear start. The curious assembly is dissolved. What are you going to do now, says Andreas plagued. Fucking upper class walkers, says the man and goes to his own car, where there is a lean and uninterrupted woman with resentful looking eyes. Andreas and Miss Prakt return to their car. Andreas doorbell to Dr. Farmans practice. It takes a while. Then sounds rapid footsteps and the door opening. It's sister Ester, doctor's assistant and helper for many years. (She is thirty-five, has a beautiful, slightly angular face with very bright eyes and a large well-shaped mouth. She is tall and wide-shouldered, dressed in white coat and manageshappenhat, her hair is thick, blond and set in a big knot.) When she knows again Andreas smiles her smooth and releases in him.

ESTER: Hello, architect Fromm. The doctor just walked out a few minutes. Han är tillbaka på ögonblicket. We have just completed our last patient. So be it and sit down here for so long.

Andreas takes off his coat and settles in the large, airy and modernly decorated waiting room. Opposite him, he has a considerable aquarium. Sister Ester walks in and out of the expedition to the treatment rooms, cleans, picks up, sorts paper. This was our last patient of fourteen days, she says and packs down some x-rays in a brown envelope. Well, you shut that long. We take a little vacation. The doctor takes the family with him and goes to the mountains. I think he does the right thing because he has certainly been working this winter. I never think people have been as sick as this year. How then in a way? Well, I don't really know, Sister Ester thinks. But it's as if people didn't have the strength anymore. The winters are getting longer and longer and all infections become more agitated and last longer. People are so tired so they don't know where to go. She laughs. The phone rings. She answers Dr. Farman's reception, Sister Ester. Well, what do you say, yes, but it was difficult. Architect Fromm is here. No, I don't know what he wants. You can talk to him yourself. Sister Ester hands over the handset. Hi, says Andreas. So terribly annoying, Ernst says sincerely worried. Farewell. Cheerio then, says Andreas. See you! Yes, then I have to thank you, says Andreas. You have two dead fish in the aquarium, he adds on the way to the hall. It's some disease, they die in a chorus. It is not precisely anyone advertising for our internship, says Ester and looking out on a small landing net and begins fish after the small bodies. We have changed both water and sand and plants, but it does not seem to help. One must probably scour the entire aquarium with some disinfectant. She turns around and looks a little surprised at Andreas. He has sat on a chair inside the door, has got on his coat and has his hat in his hand. How are you? asks Ester professionally. Andreas shakes his head. She stands center at room with the small snare with one hand. It has begun to obscure. The sun has suddenly gone out of the thick cloud of snow. How is it? Nothing, says Andreas. I do not know. But I don't want to go home. Ester looks at him and suddenly smiles. Well, don't go home then, she says objectively. Here you can stay for as long as you want. Call and say you've been busy. There is canned food in refrigerator. You can watch TV and read books and newspapers. Then you go home tonight, or in the night or tomorrow morning. Stay with me then, says Andreas. I don't think I can, Ester replies. I have those who are waiting for me and, unlike you, I find it fun to come home. So you are happily married, asks Andreas. Yes, you can say that. I feel good in every way, says Ester. She goes to Andreas and puts her big dry hand against his cheek. I do not know what it is, says Andreas, but I feel it as if I was being choked. It sounds so damn melodramatic. But that is the only adequate expression. I'm about to - He stops. Sister Ester goes in in doctor closet and retrieves up a bottle brandy, turns up a glass and hands him. He drinks in silence. It's ridiculous, he says. I certainly have no reason to complain. You don't do that either, replies Sister Ester immediately. Can't sister sit down for five minutes, asks Andreas. Well, I really can. She smiles again. I suddenly came to think of something. Esther asks what then, because it was silent. It's something ridiculous and maybe I'm unfair. Say it anyway. We never touch each other. We show each other tenderness only when we lie with each other and then in passing. We caress and kiss each other never to time where. And the kids get very little physical tenderness. They get all the damn vitamins they should have but no bodily closeness. They rarely touch each other, except when they fight. Isn't it remarkable? It's probably different with that, Ester says quietly. They sit quietly for a few minutes. Andreas drinks out, and puts the glass next to him on the table. The aquarium lights mysteriously at dusk and the sick fish moving in solemn dance. He gets up and walks toward the door. Sister Ester sits there over at dusk. Now you can no longer see her face. He goes into a bar around the corner and orders paper and envelopes and a brandy, settles down in a corner of the shady inspired room and listens for a few minutes to an inexhaustible pianist. Two young people are sitting at the counter and are joking: The girl is very young and bare-armed, she occasionally turns her little makeup face towards Andreas. The boy (a few years older) tries to explain something to her. Andreas puts the pen on the paper: Dearest Anna. It is so strange to sit here and write letters to you, but I have to try to express something that I must never say when we are together. He pauses and ponders. Then he writes with determined letters. I think we're wrong somewhere. It is perhaps so that we are simply wrong. Isolate us in a small clan of people, all of whom enjoy a privileged life far on the side and above the reality of the majority. He stops again. Then writes it with fierce movements and bigger letters. Isn't it so that our marriage is a damned parody of what it should be, what it was originally intended to be. Isn't everything a miserable lie? Can we change this? Can we? Or are we stuck. Trapped in our reserve. In our comfortable… He stares in amazement at what he has written and tears the letter. The barbarian, eye-made young girl looking curiously.

THIRD ACT

Thursday morning's evening at seven, attorney Sernelius and his wife Inger give dinner for some of the closest friends. The large, old-fashioned villa is situated on a promontory in the lake and you have lit small lanterns at the gate and along the way up to the house. Anna and Andreas are slightly delayed. The other guests have already arrived. Drinking champagne and advocates lively. Anna and Andreas go round and greet. Everyone is more or less familiar and fairly equal in both income and age. It is thus host Fredrik Sernelius, a somewhat furrowed youthful lord of 50 years age with sounding voice and vigorous tennis hand. His wife Inger is warm, cordial and superficial. After fifth baby has she given her natural laziness and indulgence free play. She is with other words quite fat. There are booker Elis Andresen and his wife Eva. Elis we have already met and his wife Eva is a very beautiful woman in her thirty-five years, but with the sickly's at-open, vulnerable face. There is also Ernst and Magda Farman. He is a prominent physician private practice. A friendly, somewhat mannered fifty-year-old with calm, happy eyes. Magda is a painter, heavy, female, somewhat closed of intelligent face and one suddenly erupting laugh. Then is it engineer Stone Ahlman and his other wife Petra. Mr. Ahlman is tall and casual with strikingly large nose and very strong glasses. His wife is the youngest of the ladies and new in the company. She is a child psychologist and a little uncertain in an environment unfamiliar to her. She has a quiet but somewhat empty face with beautiful features. Finally, it is Count Edward Albrekt and his Countess Karin. He is successful despite his youth, CEO and general influence. It is a friendly, unassuming person with rather pale traits. He is short and has started to lose hair seriously. His wife is tall, dark and beautiful with big brown eyes and black hair. She is lively or rather nervous. It is thus 10 guests, host and hostess, 12 people all that all. Well-behaved people with incomes. Decent people. Liability-conscious.

FREDRIK: <But hi> {sic}. Nice to meet you.

INGER: I'm sorry you had to wait.

PETRA: And how does little Kristina feel? It was so long ago.

MAGDA: She had been very difficult the last weeks. But she should have two new teeth.

STEN: Marie Mayer, you say. Yes, she received the Nobel Prize. That's right.

ANNA: (smiling) You see, I don't know how to wear myself. Still, does the theater have to be part of today's society?

MAGDA: I don't know, I never go to the theater.

ANNA: You just go to art exhibitions.

MAGDA: No, but I think the theater has become so sad.

KARIN: What you make me nervous when you talk like that. I don't understand what you're saying, but it scares me.

INGER: Have you seen stuff like the moonlight that is? Pure magic.

ERNST: Imagine what a fantastic view you have in any case.

INGER: Oh, you have no bad view either.

ERNST: How long have you been living here?

INGER: Wait, let me see. I always expect after my birth because I confuse the years in a mess. Yes wait. We came here to Sweden just before Margareta was born and when Elisabeth was newborn we moved in. It's nine years ago.

ERNST: Is it really nine years ago?

INGER: Forgive me, please Ernst. I have to go and make sure everything is ready, so we can go to the table. Bye for now.

ANNA: Are you alone here in the moonlight?

ERNST: Yes, you know everyone is talking to each other in the mouth.

ANNA: Those new pills you prescribed for me is not good at all. I have small bleeding and feel bad.

ERNST: Are you sure it's the pills?

ANNA: I do not know. How are you?

ERNST: I'm doing fine.

ANNA: I have known you for twelve years and always, when you asked yourself, you have answered: Well thank you, I feel excellent.

ERNST: I'm sorry, Anna. But I almost always feel excellent. Look at the practice after Easter, so we can talk. If you need to talk I mean. And then we can print out the old pills because they didn't feel bad. Right?

ANNA: No. Presently believe I we should go to table finally.

ERNST: Yes, I'm hungry like a wolf. I haven't eaten anything late this morning except two bananas for lunch.

ANNA: You are a sweet man, Ernst. I like you.

ERNST: I like you too.

The hostess calls to the table. The doors to the dining room have been opened. It is bright and beautifully set. Placement around the round table is made with strategic finesse: The host of the Countess Albrekt and the hostess take care of the count. (It's for their honor dinner is arranged: a farewell before their long journey abroad). Anna has got Elis and Andreas has got Mrs Eva. Sten Ahlman accompanies Magda Farman and the doctor may take care of Mrs Ahlman. The dinner is exceptionally well prepared. It consists of soup, dilammstek (suckling lamb steak) and some refined sweet till dessert. You drink a good vintage wine. The house's two eldest daughters help to suit up.

ANDREAS (till Eva) : Think I imagine that my wife is so beautiful. I can still be amazed, and just sit and look at her. It's abnormal, isn't it? After so many years of marriage.

EVA: Do you never have complications?

ANDREAS: Well, we do. But we have always been able to talk to each other and I think that is the main thing in a marriage.

EVA: So you are dear in your wife completely easy?

ANDREAS: Yes. That am I. (sic)

FREDRIK: You Edward, will you meet them on travels?

EDWARD: No for high Faro. It is not worth to nag. In addition, it may be a matter of time before it becomes public. And then the lords are sitting there.

FREDRIK: But the factories are not put down.

EDWARD: They change into another property. From one day to another. So that detail is already prepared. In any case, with us.

ELIS: So nice to sit here next to you.

ANNA: It was an unexpected surprise. I sometimes wonder if there is someone who knows.

ELIS: Think you Inger knows till example?

INGER: (shouting) I heard enough that you said something about me!

ELIS: ( artigt) Vi sa bara att du alltid ser till, att gästerna föräter sig!

ELIS: (polite) We just said that you always make sure that your guests get lost!

ANNA: Do you still have your good Miss Johansson? INGER: Yes only now will she stop, can you imagine!

ANNA: What are you saying ?! It was sad.

INGER: Nobody is more distressed than I am. But she has something wrong on one knee and now she will be operated and then she wants to travel to her sister in the archipelago and stay there. Yes, you know how it sounds!

ANNA: How old is she really?

INGER: She's over seventy. Charlotta little. It's probably time to invite. Do not you think my daughters are nimble little maids?

ERNST: Charlotta has grown enormously.

INGER: Dear, it's a young lady now.

ELIS: You have such a beautiful neck... Beware, so I don't kiss you.

ANNA: (Smooth) Andreas!

ANDREAS: Yes, my darling.

ANNA: Elis is sitting here saying that he wants to kiss me in the neck. Well, don't he get that?

ANDREAS: (laughs) Because you ask so kindly, it may well pass. But I don't want any scandal.

EVA: Imagine your marriage is almost the only happy marriages I know of. Well, it's strange.

ANDREAS: Your and Elis are fine.

EVA: I'm gone so much. I have pain all the time, do you understand and then I have to take pills and then I become a little stunned. It makes that Elis and I comes in from each other. But now we have found something.

ANDREAS: Well, you've found something.

EVA: Yes, actually, it is Elis, who has found it. And I think that is so touching. He goes with me to Bad Gottheim and stays there for two months. He takes his entire vacation and three weeks leave, for that we should be able to be together incessantly. He will write an investigation and take all material with him and a secretary, you know our excellent Mrs. Wettstein and so has he rented one villa with view of Lugano lake, so we don't have to stay in the spa hotel. I can take the car every morning to the treatment, doesn't it get amazing? Do you know when Elis came home and told me this and said he had already arranged everything, I was so happy that I started crying. It's typically Elis, to come up with such sudden surprises. Cheers Elis!

ELIS: Cheers my wife! How you look cheerful outward.

EVA: Yes, we have our secrets Andreas and I.

ANNA: That is always what I have suspected. (Laughing) Cheers Eva. We'll talk to you later, right?

ANDREAS: Eva told just about your fine idea. That's what you should do.

ELIS: Yes, just that. Toast Andreas.

ANNA: (smiling) What is that great idea, Elis?

ELIS: It's just that I follow Eva to the health center, so she doesn't have to be alone there.

ANNA: (smiling) How long will you be away?

ELIS: I would think five, six weeks.

ANNA: (smile) When do you travel?

ELIS: Today a week.

ANNA: Can you be away so long from your work?

ELIS: I have an investigation in progress. I'll take it with me.

ANNA: (smiling) It was a great surprise, Elis.

ELIS: (blushes) I understand you think so.

The dinner finally ends. Anna follows Elis into the salon and speaks a few minutes with Inger Sernelius. She stands with a coffee cup in her hand and the smile remains. Slowly, the feeling of unreality comes, a slight poisoning. Elis turns to her and asks her if she doesn't feel good. She shakes her head, but says she feels great, that she should just go and powder herself. Inger takes her under her arm and says quickly that they can go to her room together. There is quiet and cool and (a) primed (condition) for the night. The bedside lamp burns, it smells good and clean. Anna asks Inger not to light the ceiling light. She is sitting on the bed and breathing deeply again and again. She strokes her palm over the blanket, which she wanted to smooth out an invisible fold. Inger asks if she is pregnant. Anna smiles and says sorry, she is not. Inger asks her if she wants a tablet. She doesn't want that. Inger asks if Anna simply wants to be alone for a little while. Anna nods gratefully to the round, friendly woman. Inger pats her a little on arm and rustles out completely tranquil in her fine evening dress, sitting too closely over the bottom and bosom.

They travel home through quiet, dark front streets. Anna runs. Andreas sits comfortably reclined, has taken off his glasses, is a little drunk. They do not care to drive the car into the garage, even though it is cold and snowy. In the living room the TV is on, it roars and crackles. In a large chair, Henrik sits and sleeps wrapped in a blanket and with a Coca-Cola next to him on the floor. Anna accompanies him quickly to bed, he whines a little and gets water to drink. Before he falls asleep, he complains that the TV was so scary. He gives the mother a sleepy kiss. Veronica sleeps with an array of dolls and bears and favorite books in bed. Anna picks up most things and sneaks from there. On the way to bathroom pull her off the it long dress. The man comes from the other room and embraces her from behind. She turns to him and starts kissing him with sudden vigor, yet smiling and playful.

When Andreas left her, she has trouble falling asleep. The body resists, she is scared and tense. The thoughts wander, she lies in the dark and listens. She wakes up violently in her husband standing in the room, she glances at him in the floating night light, becomes very scared.

ANNA: What is it, Andreas? Are you sick?

ANDREAS: Sorry if I scared you.

ANNA: What is it?

ANDREAS: I want to talk to you.

ANNA: Now!

ANDREAS: Yes, right now.

Anna sits up and lights the lamp. Andreas is very upset.

ANNA: What time is it anyway? Half past three. Lord God, what is it?

ANDREAS: I've been deceiving you.

ANNA: Have you deceived me?

There will be a few moments of deep confusion. The two spouses consider each other. Anna knows how her cheeks begin to heat. Andreas sits down on the chair away at the dressing table. He arranges the objects on the line and on the stage.

ANDREAS: I don't understand how it went. I was up with Ernst to talk a little with him about my health. I felt so miserable, but he had just gone and his nurse remained, you know Sister Ester. And so - yes, nothing happened. But then called me to her in going in the morning and asked if she had lust of a drive and it had she for her man was out with the children. At the cinema or whatever it was. And then I picked her up and so we went out the country for a while. Then we went to Ernst's reception and there we were with each other. It has never happened before on honor's words, I have never deceived you in the years we have been married, there has been no reason.

ANNA: Has there been reason now?

ANDREAS: No, I don't understand.

ANNA: Are you in love with her?

ANDREAS: She is beautiful and kind and warm and yes kind and warm. But I'm not in love.

ANNA: Do you think it will happen again?

ANDREAS: How should I know?

ANNA: So you can't answer! Do you or don't you want it to happen again?

ANDREAS: I don't want it to happen again. I'm in love with you. I don't want to be with anyone else. The whole situation is completely unreal. What scares me is that it could happen at all. And that I don't know why.

ANNA: Why do you sound so submissive? Do you have a bad conscience? Have you that?

ANDREAS: I have a bad conscience. That's why I'm talking about everything.

ANNA: Are you sure it wouldn't have been better that you had kept quiet?

ANDREAS: (amazed) But we have agreed to...

ANNA: Isn't it just something you say. (turns over) No, I didn't mean anything. Everything is so hopelessly tangled.

ANDREAS: (confused) How do you mean now?

ANNA: Nothing.

ANDREAS: Yes, I ask you. Say what you think.

ANNA: I do not want your sincerity.

ANDREAS: Yes, but I have deceived you.

ANNA: You say you love me and you're not going to do it again. Well then. It is enough. We never talk about the matter again. It's forgotten.

Anna cannot look at her husband without fingers on the nightstand lamp screen. There will be a long, uncertain silence.

An hour later. Andreas has picked up a glass of cognac. The bottle stands next to him on the floor.

ANDREAS: Andreas Fromm and his wife Anna. There were no more successful people. We were talented, we were young and we had money and so we were really in love with each other, right? And we had agreed that we would do something magnificent, never before seen by our marriage. And so suddenly or slowly without noticing how it has happened.

ANNA: It is not like that.

ANDREAS: A comfortable failure. All the same, right? But the failure is a fact.

ANNA: (Refrigerated) What do you do about it?

ANDREAS: What you sound indifferent.

ANNA: How do you want me to sound then?

ANDREAS: I want you to understand what I'm talking about.

ANNA: I understand what you're talking about, but I think not as you. I think you whine, what do you want? Should I feel sorry for you? Is it pardon you want have? I forgive you. Here you are. Then you can go in and lie down and sleep for a few hours, then you see that life fiasco feels much less onerous in the morning.

ANDREAS: Wouldn't we be able to talk to you and me. Listen to each other, take us to a marital consensus. Didn't we say that before? Everything could solve itself, only one talked to each other.

ANNA: If you no longer know each other, you cannot speak.

ANDREAS: So you mean we don't know each other.

ANNA: I don't know you and I know you don't know me.

ANDREAS: But can we not get to know each other?

ANNA: Would you want that?

ANDREAS: A thousand times more than this.

ANNA: Is not it better that we try to live each one's life in parallel without penetrating each other's territory. Each behaves as well as he understands. So we take shared responsibility for one another. Isn't it much wiser in any case?

ANDREAS: I do not think so.

ANNA: You don't think so?

ANDREAS: I think you and I have the conditions for another life.

ANNA: You don't know what you're talking about.

ANDREAS: Don't say things all the time. It's just humiliating. I'm trying to reach you. The words may not be the right ones, but I want to reach you!

ANNA: It's like you've read everything in a quiz for ladies.

ANDREAS: So it must be then. I'm going to bed now.

Pause. He gets up and walks toward the door.

ANNA: No, stop. (pause) If I could trust you really mean what you say.

ANDREAS: I know anyway that I love you.

ANNA: (with deep spiritual shaking) If I could believe it.

ANDREAS: You could try.

ANNA: (after a long break) I have lived with another man for eight years. I'm not in love with him, but I'm addicted to him. He satisfies me or how to say. We usually meet a few times a week. It has been going on for eight years. I have lied to you all the time, when I have said that I am well with you. It has never been good. Now you know everything. Now you know how I got it.

Andreas sits a few moments and fingers on his nails, he looks at his hands, on the carpet and the wall. Long silence.

ANDREAS: Who is he?

ANNA: Do I have to say that?

ANDREAS: I do not know. It depends on what we intend to do with this truth outbreak.

ANNA: It's Elis.

ANDREAS: So. Elis would not go away in a few months with his wife? Did you know that he was traveling or was it a surprise to you?

ANNA: He was too cowardly to talk about it. Or maybe he thought it didn't matter. But I had never intended to tell you about Elis. You yourself asked me.

ANDREAS: I understand exactly. It suited perfectly, right now to start a marriage based on the truth. Now it was worth the effort. Now that your lover has given up for good. That you do not see the pattern.

ANNA: (furiously) If so. Does it matter? If the motives are bad and low and morally questionable, what does it do. Is it you who decides what is good or bad? Do you have any kind of moral advantage?

She's silent. Andreas knocks on the cognac glass with his index finger so that a sounding sound arises.

ANNA: I can handle myself on my own. I do not need you. The children I am capable of taking care of alone. Don't you think I wanted to live with you after all. I didn't want to break our marriage. I belonged to you. Don't you understand that?

ANDREAS: (screaming) I have trusted you. There has never been anyone else but you. Try to get it into your fucking high-fat thick skull.

Suddenly he embraces her and kisses her. She gets scared first, but lets herself be jerked. They tumble down on the bed and kiss each other. Caress each other clumsy. Then gets she of one cold, lies first still, then begins to fight against to come up. He gets furious and starts to beat her. She scratches him in the face and screams. She comes loose and rises. He sits left on the bed puffing and broken-clawed. They stare at each other with frightened surprise. Then goes him in till himself. When, after a while, she hears him coming through the hall, she locks the door. He takes the lock knob and asks her to open. She is not responding. He asks her again to open. She says no, I don't open. Then he shouts: Open for hell otherwise it goes bad. I'm not going to open, she screams back. It will be quiet for a few moments. He moves away, but right back. Then sees her the axe edge in the door's middle, then one time more. She immediately turns the key and opens: you are not wise, what are you? I do not want to hurt you, he says, out of breath and trembling. I don't want to hurt you, but you can't lock yourself in. She grips of a hatred, that almost detonates her. Should you not beat me now then, or should you beat to death me. Forgive me that I hit you, it wasn't the point, he answers confused. I don't know what took me, it was short-circuited. Forgive me, please. Should I forgive? she says calmly and with a foreign voice. You can go to hell with your pardon. They are staring at each other without power. He releases the ax into the floor, takes her in the shoulders and pushes her up against the wall, striking her face. She gets more and more dizzy in her head, her nose bleeds and she tries to protect herself with her hands. She shuffles back against the wall to the floor. Then she begins to vomit. He has sat himself on the bed. The rage has gone out of him, he's just scared. He tries to take her shoulders, but she shouts violently. Do not touch me. Don't take me. Lie down, he says, then will I wipe up. If I don't have to see you, I feel better, she answers and gets up on her knees. Despite her rejection, he gently takes her under her arms and leads her to the bed. She is bloody on her face, on her hands, in her hair. I have to wash myself, she says and wavering in the bathroom, locks in herself and begins flush and splash. He goes out into the kitchen and picks up a scrubber and bucket. She comes in again, when he is on all fours and wiping up. She settles deep in the bed. He takes the bucket out, comes back with a blanket, which he spreads over her.

A few hours later. It has begun to brighten, and it rains heavily. Anna looks up Andreas in his room.

ANNA: I have thought a little forward, if you are interested.

ANDREAS: Yes.

ANNA: We let everything be as usual these months, which are left. In mid-June, I travel to Poland on my scholarship. Then I can stay away for half a year. Under the time can we think after on where one's direction, how we want it.

ANDREAS: I don't need two months to know how I want it. I can say that right now.

ANNA: Can you?

ANDREAS: I do not want to live with a human being who has lied to me continuously throughout our marriage.

ANNA: So you don't even want to try?

ANDREAS: It is totally unthinkable.

ANNA: Yes, then there is nothing to talk about.

ANDREAS: It is remarkable what it shows up a lot. I do not get it, how I should clear it. Every thought, every memory, every situation is poisoned. Everything falls apart, every time we have been with each other and you have said that it has been fine. It is so disgusting that I can hardly touch it with my thoughts. All of our talks about fidelity, that one would be sincere. I do not even know if I am the father of the children. I wish you had never said anything.

ANNA: I wish that.

ANDREAS: I think you have to lie and deceive in order to live together. How the hell is otherwise possible?

ANNA: We are the ones who have come crazy from the beginning.

ANDREAS: Everyone comes crazy. It's all crazy. It is crazy basically and therefore it goes to hell. It's crazy from start to finish.

ANNA: (suddenly) Dearest, dearest Andreas.

ANDREAS: No, damn it, don't talk to me in that tone. Then I don't know where to go. Please stay on your own floor. Immerse yourself not your boundless generosity and cheerful outlook on life.

ANNA: Now you play such a bad theater that I almost have to laugh.

ANDREAS: The truth Anna, the truth is that there have been holes in me. There was nothing left.

ANNA: You. I have an idea. We make a good sandwich. It's sad to admit, but I'm hungry. Aren't you? A little hungry?

ANDREAS: By all means.

ANNA: Food always helps.

ANDREAS: Once, I asked you, if you didn't think I was dry and boring, remember that? If you didn't think it was sad with a man who was so conventional, you always argued that I was so conventional. Do you remember what you said that time? For me, you are the best man in the world. You said that. Was it just a lie? Or comfort?

ANNA: Not that too!

ANDREAS: Was it a lie?

ANNA: You're hopeless.

ANDREAS: So.

ANNA: You're hopeless.

ANDREAS: Yes. Perhaps.

She looks at her husband with cold eyes. He meets her gaze with gray shadows, touching her fingertips at the wound on her cheek.

ANNA: Should we make that sandwich now?

ANDREAS: (tired) As you like.

But she doesn't move. He asks her low, what she thinks about, but she doesn't answer.

ANNA: I can take responsibility for my children, that's what it should be. And I have to take responsibility for myself, that is also obvious.

Andreas trying mediate after what he should say at this specific moment. But he can't formulate himself. His fingertips touch the wounds of the cheek. It will be a long silence. In the end he finds something to say. He knows himself that this is not the right word in the current situation. But he hears himself say: I do not know how it will be without you. She shakes her head as if to ask him to be quiet, not to humiliate himself.

ANDREAS: What is it, Anna?

ANNA: It hurts.

ANDREAS: Are you not feeling well?

ANNA: I do not want to. No, I do not want to.

ANDREAS: What do you want?

She does not respond, but always looks at him. He intends to answer something, but stops.

Fårö in May 1969

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Afterword by Jan Holmberg

Ingmar Bergman has often been accused (or hailed, depending on who you ask) to be untimely. It is hardly fair either criticism or praise, because Bergman is much more than what is usually acknowledged has been quite anxious to follow his time. Ibland rentav ängslig. For example, in the late sixties, he took quite a big impression of the new wave of film aesthetics, its VERFREMDUNG [Alienation] effects and community engagement. It is noticeable in THE LIE, which already in the beginning breaks the illusion that has not even begun by letting its characters turn directly to the reader/spectator. The fact that THE RESERVE has rarely been noticed in Bergman literature is because it never became a film in his own direction (it was Jan Molander who made a television film of the manuscript 1970). But the film story is undoubtedly Bergmanesque, and was also published as such together with THE RITE, THE TOUCH and CRIES AND WHISPERS in the book Movie Stories 3 (1973). The text originated in the workbook's notes in 1968 around the planned project "Annandreas", which immediately became two different stories of two different couples named Anna and Andreas: the PASSION OF ANNA (1968) and THE RESERVE, which was completed in May 1969. In retrospect, it is almost at hand to consider THE RESERVE as a preliminary study of the much-known SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE with which it has great similarities. But it is much more than a sketch. Targets are indeed common for the two pieces, and it's not just the marriage institution itself, but the bourgeois indifference and narrow-mindedness in general. But the differences between the two works are interesting. Of SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE is it spouse Johan that deceives his wife Marianne; in THE RESERVE it is Anna who has a lover. Over home time is it as that Bergman from the one marriage portrayal till the other has cast about the traditional sexual roles, switched between active and passive, between subject and object. "Is not it better," says Anna to Andreas in THE RESERVE, "that we try to live each one's life in parallel without penetrating each other's territory. Each behaves as well as HE understands." The emphasis, which is mine, wants to emphasize how Anna's choice of pronoun suggests that Bergman is fully aware of gender as a social construction. "She" can be "he", "Anna" can be "Andreas", like me or you could be another. The fact that Bergman abandoned the work name "Annandreas" was probably wise (it sounds a little clever), but the figure of thought remains. Of SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE is the relationship Johan-Marianne hermetic. The outside world affects them, but is only suggested: their respective work as a researcher and a lawyer, the two daughters, Johan's mistress Paula and so on are mentioned, but no more. In THE RESERVE, on the other hand, the profession, children, lover Elis etc. gestalt, agent and function. It is hardly a coincidence that other impressions of the outside world in SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE consist of fiction, as when the couple have been to the theater and seen Ibsen's A DOLL'S HOUSE. THE RESERVE refers contrariwise to a day's current world event. Annas and Andreas's reaction to the news is also significant: Martin Luther King is murdered, says Anna. What are you saying, is it true? Well, Henrik came in and told me he had heard it on the radio, I did not think it was true." As all Bergman figures are, they are fully occupied with themselves and horrible messages from the great world are barely feasible, as would be the scenes in a nasty theater play. Is that true?

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Monday (January 1): "He was called Jesus"

Scripture: Luke 2:16-21

16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; 18 and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Old Testament Reading: Numbers 6:22-27

22 The LORD said to Moses, 23 "Say to Aaron and his sons, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, 24 The LORD bless you and keep you: 25 The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: 26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. 27 "So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them."

Meditation: What's the significance of a name? For the Jewish people the giving of a name had great importance. When a name was given it represented what that person should be in the future. An unknown name meant that someone could not be completely known. To not acknowledge someone's name meant both denial of the person, destruction of their personality, and change in their destiny. A person's name expressed the reality of his or her being at its deepest level. A Jewish male child was named at the time of circumcision, eight days after birth. This rite was instituted by God as an outward sign to single out those who belonged to the chosen people (Genesis 17:10-12). It was a sign of the covenant that God made with Abraham and his posterity.

Jesus - the eternal Son of God who was born of a woman to become our Savior In fulfilment of this precept, Mary's newborn child is given the name Jesus on the eighth day according to the Jewish custom. Joseph and Mary gave the name Jesus because that is the name given by God's messenger before Jesus was conceived in Mary's womb (Luke 1:31, Matthew 1:21). This name signifies Jesus' identity and his mission. The literal Hebrew means the Lord saves. Since God alone can forgive sins and free us from death, it is God who, in Jesus his eternal Son became a man to offer up his life as the atoning sacrifice to save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). The son that Mary bore is both God and man - the "Word who was God" (John 1:1) and who "became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). That is why Mary is not only called the mother of the Christ (the Greek word for Messiah in Hebrew) but also the mother of God or Theotokos in Greek which literally means "God bearer."

Jesus - the name above every other name In the birth and naming of this child we see the wondrous design and plan of God in giving us a Savior who would bring us grace (the gift of God's favor), mercy, and freedom from the power of sin and the fear of death. The name Jesus signifies that the very name of God is present in the person of his Son who became man for our salvation. Peter the Apostle exclaimed that there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved (Acts 2:12). In the name of Jesus demons flee, cripples walk, the blind see, the deaf hear, and the dead are raised. His name is exalted far above every other name (Philippians 2:9-11).

The name Jesus is at the heart of all Christian prayer. It is through and in Jesus that we pray to the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit. Many Christians have died with one word on their lips, the name of Jesus. Do you exalt the name of Jesus and pray with confidence in his name?

"Lord Jesus Christ, I exalt your name above every other name. For in you I have pardon, mercy, grace and victory over sin and death. You humbled yourself for my sake and for the sake of all sinners by sharing in our humanity and by dying on the cross. Help me to always praise your holy name and to live for your greater glory."

Psalm 67

1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, [Selah] 2 that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations. 3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! 4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. [Selah] 5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! 6 The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us. 7 God has blessed us; let all the ends of the earth fear him!

Daily Quote from the early church fathers: By Christ's faith, hope, and love we are purified, by Bede the Venerable, 672-735 A.D.

"He therefore received in the flesh the circumcision decreed by the law, although he appeared in the flesh absolutely without any blemish of pollution. He who came in the likeness of sinful flesh (Romans 8:3) - not in sinful flesh - did not turn away from the remedy by which sinful flesh was ordinarily made clean. Similarly, not because of necessity but for the sake of example, he also submitted to the water of baptism, by which he wanted the people of the new law of grace to be washed from the stain of sins... "The reason 'the child who was born to us, the son who was given to us ' (Isaiah 9:6), received the name Jesus (that is, 'Savior') does not need explanation in order to be understood by us, but we need eager and vigilant zeal so that we too may be saved by sharing in his name. Indeed, we read how the angel interprets the name of Jesus: 'He will save his people from their sins' (Matthew 1:21). And without a doubt we believe and hope that the one who saves us from sins is not failing to save us also from the corruptions which happen because of sins, and from death itself, as the psalmist testifies when he says, 'Who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases' (Psalm 103:3). Indeed, with the pardoning of all of our iniquities, all our diseases will be completely healed when, with the appearance of the glory of the resurrection, our last enemy, death, will be destroyed... We read that circumcision was done with knives made of rock (Joshua 5:2), and the rock was Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4). And by Christ's faith, hope and love the hearts of the good are purified not only in baptism but furthermore in every devout action. This daily circumcision of ours (that is, the continual cleansing of our heart) does not cease from always celebrating the sacrament of the eighth day. (excerpt from HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 1.11)

Sunday (December 31): "The favor of God was upon him"

Scripture: Luke 2:22-40

22 And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 "Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; 34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." 36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Meditation: Do you know the favor of the Lord? After Jesus' birth, Mary fulfills the Jewish right of purification after childbirth. Since she could not afford the customary offering of a lamb, she gives instead two pigeons as an offering of the poor. This rite, along with circumcision and the redemption of the first-born point to the fact that children are gifts from God. Jesus was born in an ordinary home where there were no luxuries. Like all godly parents, Mary and Joseph raised their son in the fear and wisdom of God. He, in turn, was obedient to them and grew in wisdom and grace. The Lord's favor is with those who listen to his word with trust and obedience. Do you know the joy of submission to God? And do you seek to pass on the faith and to help the young grow in wisdom and maturity?

The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of the Savior of the world What is the significance of Simeon's encounter with the baby Jesus and his mother in the temple? Simeon was a just and devout man who was very much in tune with the Holy Spirit. He believed that the Lord would return to his temple and renew his chosen people. The Holy Spirit also revealed to him that the Messiah and King of Israel would also bring salvation to the Gentile nations. When Joseph and Mary presented the baby Jesus in the temple, Simeon immediately recognized this humble child of Bethlehem as the fulfillment of all the messianic prophecies, hopes, and prayers. Inspired by the Holy Spirit he prophesied that Jesus was to be "a revealing light to the Gentiles". The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of the Lord to those who are receptive and eager to receive him. Do you recognize the indwelling presence of the Lord with you?

The 'new temple' of God's presence in the world Jesus is the new temple (John 1:14; 2:19-22). In the Old Testament God manifested his presence in the "pillar of cloud" by day and the "pillar of fire" by night as he led them through the wilderness. God's glory visibly came to dwell over the ark and the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38). When the first temple was built in Jerusalem God's glory came to rest there (1 Kings 8). After the first temple was destroyed, Ezekiel saw God's glory leave it (Ezekiel 10). But God promised one day to fill it with even greater glory (Haggai 2:1-9; Zechariah 8-9). That promise is fulfilled when the "King of Glory" himself comes to his temple (Psalm 24:7-10; Malachi 3:1). Through Jesus' coming in the flesh and through his saving death, resurrection, and ascension we are made living temples of his Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). Ask the Lord to renew your faith in the indwelling presence of his Spirit within you. And give him thanks and praise for coming to make his home with you.

Mary receives both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph and he prophesied to Mary about the destiny of this child and the suffering she would undergo for his sake. There is a certain paradox for those blessed by the Lord. Mary was given the blessedness of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. She received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. But her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises. Jesus promised his disciples that "no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22). The Lord gives us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain and which neither life nor death can take way. Do you know the peace and joy of a life surrendered to God with faith and trust?

The Holy Spirit renews our hope in the promise of God Simeon was not alone in recognizing the Lord's presence in the temple. Anna, too, was filled with the Holy Spirit. She was found daily in the temple, attending to the Lord in prayer and speaking prophetically to others about God's promise to send a redeemer. Supernatural hope grows with prayer and age! Anna was pre-eminently a woman of great hope and expectation that God would fulfill all his promises. She is a model of godliness to all believers as we advance in age.

Advancing age and the disappointments of life can easily make us cynical and hopeless if we do not have our hope rightly placed. Anna's hope in God and his promises grew with age. She never ceased to worship God in faith and to pray with hope. Her hope and faith in God's promises fueled her indomitable zeal and fervor in prayer and service of God's people.

Our hope is anchored in God's everlasting kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy What do you hope for? The hope which God places in our heart is the desire for the kingdom of heaven and everlasting life and happiness with our heavenly Father. The Lord Jesus has won for us a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). The Holy Spirit gives hope to all who place their trust in the promises of God. God never fails because his promises are true and he is faithful. The hope which God places within us through the gift of the Spirit enables us to persevere with confident trust in God even in the face of trails, setbacks, and challenges that may come our way.

Is there anything holding you back from giving God your unqualified trust and submission to his will for your life? Allow the Lord Jesus to flood your heart with his peace, joy, and love. And offer to God everything you have and desire - your life, family, friends, health, honor, wealth, and future. If you seek his kingdom first he will give you everything you need to know, love, and serve him now and enjoy him forever.

"Lord Jesus, you are my hope and my life. May I never cease to place all my trust in you. Fill me with the joy and strength of the Holy Spirit that I may boldly point others to your saving presence and words of eternal life."

Psalm 128:1-5

Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! 2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. 4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord. 5 The Lord bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!

Daily Quote from the early church fathers: Christ who was rich became poor, by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD)

"For this reason it seems wonderful that the sacrifice of Mary was not the first offering, that is, 'a lamb a year old,' but the second, since 'she could not afford' (Leviticus 5:7) the first. For as it was written about her, Jesus' parents came 'to offer a sacrifice' for him,'according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."' But this also shows the truth of what was written, that Jesus Christ 'although he was rich, became a poor man' (2 Corinthians 8:9). Therefore, for this reason, he chose both a poor mother, from whom he was born, and a poor homeland, about which it is said, 'But you, O Bethlehem Ephratha, who are little to be among the clans of Judah' (Micah 5:2), and the rest. (excerpt from HOMILIES ON LEVITICUS 8.4.3)

Saturday (December 30): "Anna recognized the coming of Christ and gave thanks to God"

Scripture: Luke 2:36-40

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Meditation: Where do you place your trust and hope for a life of peace, freedom and happiness? Scripture tells us that those who place their trust in God will not be disappointed (Isaiah 49:23, Psalm 62:8, Proverbs 3:5-6). In every age, God has placed in the hearts of his people, from the descendants of Adam, Noah, Abraham, the prophets, and King David, a longing and a hope for a Redeemer who will bring us God's kingdom of peace, joy, and righteousness. We see the great unfolding of God's plan of redemption in the birth of Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God before all ages, who became a man to redeem his people from sin and oppression.

The long expected newborn Messiah is presented in the Temple at Jerusalem Luke the Evangelist records the coming of the Christ child (God's Anointed Messiah) to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth in Bethlehem (Luke 2:22-24). Joseph and Mary brought the child Jesus with them to the temple to fulfill the Jewish ceremony, recorded in the law of Moses, for the "redemption of the firstborn child" (Exodus 3:2) and the ritual purification of the mother after childbirth (Leviticus 12:2-8). As Joseph and Mary presented their offering and dedicated the child Jesus in the temple, Anna, a godly woman of great age (84 years) who was filled with the Holy Spirit immediately recognized that this child was the promised Messiah and heir to the throne of David. She publicly "gave thanks to God and spoke of him [who is the Christ - the Anointed Messiah] to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem" (Luke 2:38).

Anna's persevering hope and reward of seeing Christ face to face What is the significance of Anna's witness and prophetic proclamation of the Messiah's coming to his temple? Luke calls Anna a prophetess because she had dedicated her life to the service of God's word through prayer and fasting. Like Simeon (Luke 2:25-35) and all the prophets of the Old Testament, she was attentive to God's word and she spoke prophetically - under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit - to others of God's plan of salvation for his people. She spent her days in the house of the Lord (the Temple) where she offered up daily prayers and intercession for her people.

Anna did not grow weary of placing her trust in God and his promises. Here hope and trust in God did not waver but grew with age.What enabled Anna to persevere for so many years and through difficult times, such as the loss of her husband, and through the trials of advancing old age? She never ceased to give thanks to God each and every day. She worshiped God in daily prayer, and with fasting and intercession on behalf of her people. And she never ceased to cling to God's word and to speak of his word to others to bring them encouragement and hope. She believed with hopeful expectation that she would one day see her Lord and Redeemer face to face. Anna is a model of persevering faith and hope to all who hunger for God and for his saving word.

The Holy Spirit renews our hope in the promise of God

Where do you place your hope? We can easily grow discouraged when trials and setbacks come our way, and we can grow cynical or give in to despair when failing health and advancing age rob us of our natural strength. Life's shortcomings and disappointments can either weigh us down or press us closer to God. The choice is ours - to rely on ourselves and our own strength or to put our trust wholly in God alone and in the grace and strength which he provides. Scripture reminds us that God gives us a (supernatural) hope beyond hope, a (divine) love stronger than death, and a (spiritual and unceasing) joy that no earthly sorrow or suffering can take away.

Is your hope in this present life only? The hope which God places in our heart is the desire and longing for a home and a kingdom of unceasing joy and happiness with God our Creator and Father. The Lord Jesus has won for us an enduring kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). The Holy Spirit who dwells in us renews and strengthens our hope day by day as we listen to God's word and believe in his promises. God never fails because his promises are true and he is faithful. The hope which God places within us through the gift of the Holy Spirit enables us to persevere with confident trust in God even in the face of daily trails, setbacks, and challenges that come our way.

The reward of seeking God's kingdom first Is there anything holding you back from giving God your unqualified yes to his will and plan for your life? Allow the Lord Jesus to flood your heart with his peace, joy, and love. And offer to God everything you have and desire - your life, family, friends, health, and provision for the future. If you seek his kingdom first (Matthew 6:33), he will give you everything you need to know, love, and serve him now and to enjoy him forever in his everlasting kingdom of joy and peace.

"Lord Jesus, you alone are my hope and life. May I never cease to place all my trust in your unfailing love and mercy. Fill me with the joy and strength of the Holy Spirit that I may boldly point others to your saving presence and word of eternal life."

Psalm 96:7-10

7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts. 9 Worship the LORD in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth. 10 Say among the nations, "The LORD is king! The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity."

Daily Quote from the early church fathers

Jesus, though rich, became poor for us

, by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"Anna, who, by reason of her years of widowhood and her virtues, is set before us as wholly worthy of belief, announces that the Redeemer of all people has come... Not without purpose, however, does he make mention of the eighty-four years of her widowhood, because both the seven twelves and the two forties seemed to imply a number that is sacred." (excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 2.62)

Friday (December 29): "The favor of God was upon him"

Scripture: Luke 2:22-35

Meditation: Do you know the favor of the Lord? After Jesus' birth, Mary fulfills the Jewish rite of purification after childbirth. Since she could not afford the customary offering of a lamb, she gives instead two pigeons as an offering of the poor. This rite, along with circumcision and the redemption of the first-born point to the fact that children are gifts from God. Jesus was born in an ordinary home where there were no luxuries. Like all godly parents, Mary and Joseph raised their son in the fear and wisdom of God. He, in turn, was obedient to them and grew in wisdom and grace. The Lord's favor is with those who listen to his word with trust and obedience. Do you know the joy of submission to God? And do you seek to pass on the faith and to help the young grow in wisdom and maturity?

Mary receives both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph and he prophesied to Mary about the destiny of this child and the suffering she would undergo for his sake. There is a certain paradox for those blessed by the Lord. Mary was given the blessedness of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. She received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. But her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises. Jesus promised his disciples that "no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22). The Lord gives us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain and which neither life nor death can take away. Do you know the peace and joy of a life surrendered to God with faith and trust?

Our hope is anchored in God's everlasting kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy

What do you hope for? The hope which God places in our heart is the desire for the kingdom of heaven and everlasting life and happiness with our heavenly Father. The Lord Jesus has won for us a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). The Holy Spirit gives hope to all who place their trust in the promises of God. God never fails because his promises are true and he is faithful. The hope which God places within us through the gift of the Spirit enables us to persevere with confident trust in God even in the face of trails, setbacks, and challenges that may come our way.

Psalm 96:1-6

1 O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! 2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! 4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols; but the LORD made the heavens. 6 Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

Daily Quote from the early church fathers: Simeon and Anna represent both sexes awaiting their Redeemer, by Bede the Venerable, 672-735 A.D.

"Simeon and Anna, a man and a woman of advanced age, greeted the Lord with the devoted services of their professions of faith. As they saw him, he was small in body, but they understood him to be great in his divinity. Figuratively speaking, this denotes the synagogue, the Jewish people, who, wearied by the long awaiting of his incarnation, were ready with both their arms (their pious actions) and their voices (their unfeigned faith) to exalt and magnify him as soon as he came. They were ready to acclaim him and say, 'Direct me in your truth and teach me, for you are my saving God, and for you I have waited all the day' (Psalm 25:5). What needs to be mentioned, too, is that deservedly both sexes hurried to meet him, offering congratulations, since he appeared as the Redeemer of both." (excerpt from HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 1.18)

Thursday (December 28):"Rachel weeping for her children"

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt have I called my son." 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 18 "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more."

Meditation: Who can explain suffering, especially the suffering of innocent children? Herod's massacre of children who gave their lives for a person and a truth they did not know seemed so useless and unjust. What a scandal and stumbling block for those who can't recognize God's redeeming love. Why couldn't God prevent this slaughter? Suffering is indeed a mystery. No explanation seems to satisfy our human craving to understand.

First martyrs for Christ These innocent children who died on Christ's behalf are the first martyrs who shed their blood for Jesus Christ. Suffering, persecution, and martyrdom are the lot of all who chose to follow Jesus Christ. There is no crown without the cross. It was through Jesus' suffering, humiliation, and death on a cross, that our salvation was won. His death won life - eternal life for us. And his blood which was shed for our sake obtained pardon and reconciliation with our heavenly Father.

Suffering can take many forms - illness, disease, handicap, physical pain and emotional trauma, slander, abuse, poverty, and injustice. Paul the Apostle states: We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called to his purpose (Romans 8:28)? Jesus exclaimed that those who weep, who are reviled and persecuted for righteousness sake are blessed (Matthew 5:10-12). The word blessed [makarios in the Greek] literally means happiness or beatitude. It describes a kind of joy which is serene and untouchable, self-contained and independent from chance and changing circumstances of life.

Supernatural joy in the face of suffering There is a certain paradox for those blessed by the Lord. Mary was given the blessedness of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. She received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. But her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises. Jesus promised his disciples that "no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22).

The Lord gives each of us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain and which neither life nor death can take way. Do you know the joy of a life fully given over to God with faith and trust?

"Lord Jesus, you gave your life for my sake, to redeem me from slavery to sin and death. Help me to carry my cross with joy that I may willingly do your will and not shrink back out of fear or cowardice when trouble besets me."

Psalm 124

1 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, let Israel now say- 2 if it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us, 3 then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; 4 then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; 5 then over us would have gone the raging waters. 6 Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! 7 We have escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! 8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Daily Quote from the early church fathers: The first martyrs of Christ, by Chromatius (died 406 AD)

"In Bethlehem therefore all the babies were slain. These innocents who died then on Christ's behalf became the first martyrs of Christ. David refers to them when he says, 'From the mouths of nursing babies you have perfected praise because of your enemies, that you might bring ruin to the enemy' (Psalm 8:2). ... For in this persecution even tiny infants and nursing babies were killed on Christ's behalf and attained to the consummate praise of martyrs. Meanwhile the wicked king Herod was destroyed, he who had usurped the realm to defend himself against the king of the heavens. Thus it is that those blessed babes have deservedly lasted beyond others. They were the first who were worthy to die on Christ’s behalf." (excerpt from TRACTATE ON MATTHEW 6.2)

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leominster1941 · 8 years ago

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Leominster History – Victorian crime and punishment – public execution – Hereford Gaol – murdered woman – cider houses

Continued…..

William Hope murderer executed in 1863

A really interesting story written in the Hereford Times about an execution. It is extremely detailed and an excellent piece of social commentary of the time. One assumes it must have been a leading story for the whole of Herefordshire for several months. Hundreds of people attended the Execution from Leominster. Many of them walked to Hereford.

In addition to the constant visits of the chaplain he had been -visited frequently by the Rey. John Von, who continued his kind attendance on Monday and Tuesday. The chaplain was also assisted in his painful and anxious duties on Tuesday evening by the Rev. j. S. Partridge. The attention paid by the convict to their instructions was most satisfactory, and his humble and subdued deportment gave them ground to hope that he was at length truly penitent. He joined heartily and earnestly in the prayers which were continually offered up with him and for him, and confessing himself to be the chief of sinner's, declared his sole trust and confidence to be in Christ Jesus. Early on Wednesday morning he was again visited. by the chaplain, who was joined an hour later by the Rev. J. S. Partridge, who remained with him till half-past seven. From that time he continued reading and praying with the chaplain, till he was summoned by the governor to prepare for the last sad scene.

He submitted with the utmost calmness and composure, and the mournful procession took its way from the hall to the scaffold, the chaplain walking before the prisoner and reading the sentences, " Man that is born of a woman." Arrived at the foot of the drop, on the roof over the gate of the prison, he knelt down and joined in with the chaplain for about two minutes, who then shook hands with him and took his final leave. With a firm step, and unbroken composure, the unhappy man then ascended the few steps leading to the drop praying audibly to the last with great earnestness, " Lord Jesus have pity upon me," " He' died in the full comfort of the Lord, receive my spirit." many sins were forgiven. Hope indeed, though at the eleventh hour, a penitent and pardoned sinner. We understand that he has left behind him several letters to his friends and to the clergyman of his parish, strongly expressing his penitence and most earnest warnings against which had led to his own untimely end, particularly the public-house and beer shop.

On Tuesday evening the roadway a spot was visited by a large number of the inhabitants of the town anxious to see the erection of the gallows, from 9 to 12 o'clock at night some three hundred people remained on the spot, and a row of them even remained there all night in order to get a place from which a good view could be obtained.

Early this (Wednesday) morning large numbers of pedestrians from Leominster, Kington, Bromyard, Ledbury, ., came into town. About seven o'clock the sun rose forth brightly and by eight o'clock the number of people in front of the gaol and along the street amounted to 9000. Thy were composed principally of country labourers and mechanics, while we noticed several of the tradesmen of the town. We should think that one-fifth of the crowd were women and girls—from the old woman of threescore years to the child of eleven and twelve—and we noticed females, with children at their breasts, among the most anxious of the crowd.

Some minor amendments to the numbers watching to those given earlier in the report. Note many had walked from Leominster to Hereford to see the hanging. The crowd, on the whole, behaved well, still there were one or two fights, which were quickly stopped by the police ; and at interval the rough portion of the crowd amused themselves with the unfortunate culprit, and heartless . Jokes respecting by groaning and hissing. People were busy among the multitude distributing tracts and papers, and Mr. Chandler, city missionary, and another gentleman, Mr. Kirkman, secretary to the London Mission, held religion services close outside the gaol, and their exhortations were listened to with much interest by large numbers.

Many were drawn to executions other than to witness the event. Some would have produced pamphlets or leaflets describing the William Hope and his evil deed, often with sketches. These were sold to the onlookers. Religious groups in the hope they could gather a few more members from those looking on. Others of course as with football matches simply turn up to cause trouble. The local inhabitants were had the blinds down of all the houses opposite and in close proximity to the gaol, and the front gardens of the houses immediately facing the gaol were barred with boards which prevented the mob going into St. Peters burial emend by the presence of members of the city police force, and the grounds in front of the governor's house were protected by the presence of police.

Our mother continued the tradition of closing your curtains when the dead departed their homes to the hearse. It was a sign of respect. While awaiting the appearance of the unhappy culprit to the drop two or three females fainted and they had to be carried away. Precisely at eight o'clock the tolling of the bell notified to the crowd the starting of the prisoner from the cell, and its mournful notes fell heavily upon the ear, causing many present to shed tears, whilst a general silence pervaded the thousands congregated together. All eyes were anxiously directed to the scaffold, and a short time P.C. Mallard and P.C. Price, with Hope since his made their appearance and took up their position in front of the gallows. Shortly afterward one of the turnkeys followed on to the scaffold, but in a moment he again descended, for the purpose of assisting the unfortunate man to the drop. He looked sick and wan, and it was apparent. On being placed under the drop he took a look at the crowd beneath him, and then holding up his head he looked for a moment towards the town. The hangman asked him if he ball anything to say to the crowd. He immediately replied ".No, thank you." Smith then put the noose round Hope's neck and firmly fixed the knot beneath the ear. He next put on the white cap and with shaken hands with the prisoner, descended. Hope seemed to say something to one of the turnkeys, and on the second turnkey asking him a question. In a few momenta the bolt was drawn and the soul of Hope wait launched to eternity. The drop was it long one and directly the body fell Smith, the hangman, secured the legs (which were not tied) and held on, soto prevent any struggling on the part of the unfortunate man.

There were convulsions of the limbs and twitching’s of the hands, which were tightly clasped. In about three minutes Smith let the legs go and the body hung inanimate in the air.

Most a the crowd remained still a few minutes on the spot and then dispersed. The police arrangements were admirable. The city force was under the command of Supt. Davies and Inspector Griffiths, while the county force was under the command of Supt. Wagon and Sergeant Cope. Directly the bolt was drawn a lot of sellers produced from their pockets a profusion of bills containing “the last dying speech and confession of Hope.The unfortunate man, at the 'tensest of his executioner, yielded up his arms to be pinioned, but first of all feelingly shook hands with the chaplain, the governor of the prison, and the officials, who had been in attendance upon him, and thanked them for their ministrations.

It was a painful and touching sight as the culprit cast his last imploring look upon those around him, while Smith, who had produced a sort of cord from his pocket, bound the culprit's arms just as a butcher would hobble a pig. The bell tolled, the chaplain commenced reading the portion of the, burial alluded to below, and the procession, mournful and slow, moved out of the prison into the yard, and thence up the flight of wooden steps towards the first platform, the prisoner walking, with a firm step, but audibly praying. On reaching the first platform the procession halted for a minute, and the chaplain and the prisoner (who knelt) prayed most fervently to God to have mercy upon his soul. Here the chaplain and the Under-Sheriff (who was much affected), linked with the unhappy man, who was then accompanied to the scaffold by the Governor of the prison, the executioner, and two of the turnkeys of the gaol.

For those non English speaking readers the turnkeys were the gaolers, which I am sure was obvious.

The unfortunate man never ceased praying loudly for mercy. Immediately on reaching the drop Smith quickly hurried the maid round the prisoner’s neck, and then proceeding to place the cap over his face, but paused, and said. In a gruff voice, would you like to say anything to this multitude I" he prisoner -answered firmly,” No ' but let them take warning by my case. Oh, God have mercy upon my soul!" His last words were, "Lord Jesus, receive my soul. The executioner motioned the turnkeys from the side of the culprit, and as soon we they had stepped from the platform he suddenly pulled the bolt with a sharp click, and the platform fell with it tremendous crash that shook the nerves of the most courageous, while at the same Moment a deep groan of horror and execration swelled throughout the vast assemblage, like the moan of some distant sea!

Despite everyone knowing what was going to happen we know it would not make the shock of the drop any less. We are told that several women fainted. Thus perished the unfortunate William Hope. The body was allowed to hang for three-quarters of an hour, and was then taken down and brought into one of the offices of the gaol, where a shell awaited it. Here the body was divested of its clothing, and Dr. Bull being in attendance, examined the neck and found the vertebra had not been dislocated. Deathbed resulted from strangulation. The eyes had scarcely become fixed, the body was still warm, and as it was moved; to be placed in the shell a hollow sound came up the throat from the breast, and made us for a moment start at what seemed to us at the moment as the knell of a passing soul.

Dr Bull after hanging summations tells us that William Hope probably took several minutes to die by strangulation and not the instant death resulting from a snapping of the vertebrae. As we came out of the gaol the crowd had nearly cleared off, the gallows had been removed, And the executioner was seated in his gig at the side entrance to the Governor's house, unobserved and unrecognized, except by a few who had scrutinized him closely in the gaol. Smith had driven over from Dudley in his own vehicle.

We omitted to mention in an earlier part of our report that the prisoner told Dr. Bull that his conclusions drawn from an examination of the unfortunate girl all given in evidence, were remarkably correct. We believe also that Baron Channel characterized Dr. Bull's evidence as masterly, and subsequently sent for him and thanked him for his lucid description of the post-mortem examination. The following particulars kindly supplied to us, and may be relied upon as authentic. It is very likely the body had already been sold to those developing medical science. Dissection was a common ending for the body.

Since Sunday last a marked change was observable in the spirit anti demeanour of the convict. The reserve he had hitherto maintained gave way to better feelings: and having made an explicit confession of his guilt to the High Sheriff, Wm. Bridgman, s Esq,, who visited him on Monday, he appeared from that time to be earnestly preparing for his approaching end. THE END.

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tj-van-heerden · 8 years ago

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Prayer in the NT

Matt 5:44, 45 [WEB] 44 But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.

Matt 6:5, 6 5 “When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Matt 6:7, 8 7 In praying, don’t use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. 8 Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him.

Matt 6:9-13 9 Pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. 10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. 13 Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’

Matt 7:7-11 7 “Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. 8 For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or who is there among you, who, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, who will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Matt 9:38 Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.”

Matt 14:23 After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone.

Matt 18:19, 20 19 Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”

Matt 21:22 All things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Matt 23:13 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.

Matt 26:36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go there and pray.”

Matt 26:39 He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire.”

Matt 26:41 Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Mark 1:35 Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there.

Mark 6:46 After he had taken leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray.

Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them.

Mark 11:25 Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.

Mark 12:40 those who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”

Mark 13:32, 33 32 But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Watch, keep alert, and pray; for you don’t know when the time is.

Mark 14:32-34 32 They came to a place which was named Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I pray.” 33 He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be greatly troubled and distressed. 34 He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch.”

Mark 14:35, 36 35 He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him. 36 He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire.”

Mark 14:38 Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Luke 3:21, 22 21 Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also had been baptized, and was praying. The sky was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form like a dove on him; and a voice came out of the sky, saying “You are my beloved Son. In you I am well pleased.”

Luke 5:16 But he withdrew himself into the desert, and prayed.

Luke 6:12, 13 12 In these days, he went out to the mountain to pray, and he continued all night in prayer to God. 13 When it was day, he called his disciples, and from them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles:

Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.

Luke 9:18 As he was praying alone, the disciples were with him, and he asked them, “Who do the multitudes say that I am?”

Luke 9:28, 29 28 About eight days after these sayings, he took with him Peter, John, and James, and went up onto the mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became white and dazzling.

Luke 10:2 Then he said to them, “The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send out laborers into his harvest.

Luke 11:1-4 1 When he finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ ”

Luke 11:9-13 9 “I tell you, keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened. 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he won’t give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, he won’t give him a scorpion, will he? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

Luke 18:1 He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up,...

Luke 18:10-14 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men, extortionists, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 19:46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of robbers’!”

Luke 20:47 who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: these will receive greater condemnation.”

Luke 21:36 Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Luke 22:31, 32 31 The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have all of you, that he might sift you as wheat, 32 but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.”

Luke 22:40 When he was at the place, he said to them, “Pray that you don’t enter into temptation.”

Luke 22:41, 42 41 He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

Luke 22:44 Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.

John 14:13-17 13 Whatever you will ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it. 15 If you love me, keep my commandments. 16 I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever: 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world can’t receive; for it doesn’t see him and doesn’t know him. You know him, for he lives with you, and will be in you.

John 15:7-10 7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you. 8 “In this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples. 9 Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and remain in his love.

John 15:16 You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

John 16:23, 24 23 “In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.

John 16:26, 27 26 In that day you will ask in my name; and I don’t say to you that I will pray to the Father for you, 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came from God.

John 17:9 I pray for them. I don’t pray for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.

John 17:15 I pray not that you would take them from the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one.

John 17:20 Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who will believe in me through their word,

Acts 1:14 All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Acts 1:24 They prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen

Acts 2:42 They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.

Acts 4:31 When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Acts 6:4 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”

Acts 6:5, 6 5 These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch; 6 whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Acts 8:14, 15 14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit;

Acts 9:11, 12 11 The Lord said to him, “Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judah‡ for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying, 12 and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.”

Acts 9:40 Peter sent them all out, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

Acts 10:2 a devout man, and one who feared God with all his house, who gave gifts for the needy generously to the people, and always prayed to God.

Acts 10:4 He, fastening his eyes on him, and being frightened, said, “What is it, Lord?” He said to him, “Your prayers and your gifts to the needy have gone up for a memorial before God.

Acts 10:9-13 9 Now on the next day as they were on their journey, and got close to the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray at about noon. 10 He became hungry and desired to eat, but while they were preparing, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and a certain container descending to him, like a great sheet let down by four corners on the earth, 12 in which were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the sky. 13 A voice came to him, “Rise, Peter, kill and eat!”

Acts 10:30-32 30 Cornelius said, “Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts to the needy are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and summon Simon, who is also called Peter. He is staying in the house of a tanner named Simon, by the seaside. When he comes, he will speak to you.’

Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the assembly to God for him.

Acts 12:12 Thinking about that, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.

Acts 13:2, 3 2 As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Acts 14:23 When they had appointed elders for them in every assembly, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.

Acts 16:25, 26 25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were loosened.

Acts 20:36 When he had spoken these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.

Acts 21:5 When those days were over, we departed and went on our journey. They all, with wives and children, brought us on our way until we were out of the city. Kneeling down on the beach, we prayed.

Acts 22:17, 18 17 “When I had returned to Jerusalem, and while I prayed in the temple, I fell into a trance, 18 and saw him saying to me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not receive testimony concerning me from you.’

Acts 28:8 The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.

Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the Good News of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers,

Rom 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered.

Rom 12:12 rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer;

Rom 15:30 Now I beg you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,

1Cor 7:5 Don’t deprive one another, unless it is by consent for a season, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and may be together again, that Satan doesn’t tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

1Cor 14:13-15 13 Therefore let him who speaks in another language pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

2Cor 13:9 For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray for this: your becoming perfect.

Eph 1:15, 16 15 For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which you have toward all the saints, 16 don’t cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers,

Eph 6:18, 19 18 with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: 19 on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News,

Phil 1:9-11 9 This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Phil 4:6, 7 6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

Col 1:3 We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

Col 1:9-15 9 For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don’t cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God, 11 strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, 13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love, 14 in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

Col 4:2-4 2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving, 3 praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds, 4 that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.

Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

1Thess 1:2 We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers,

1Thess 3:9, 10 9 For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

1Thess 5:16-19 16 Always rejoice. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. 19 Don’t quench the Spirit.

1Thess 5:25 Brothers, pray for us.

2Thess 1:11, 12 11 To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2Thess 3:1, 2 1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, even as also with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for not all have faith.

1Tim 2:1, 2 1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men: 2 for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence.

1Tim 2:8 I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting.

1Tim 5:5 Now she who is a widow indeed and desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in petitions and prayers night and day.

Phlm 1:4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,

Phlm 1:22 Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.

Heb 5:7 He, in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,

Heb 13:18 Pray for us, for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things.

Jas 5:13 Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praises.

Jas 5:14, 15 14 Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, 15 and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

Jas 5:16 Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective.

Jas 5:17, 18 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it didn’t rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 He prayed again, and the sky gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

1Pet 3:7 You husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as also being joint heirs of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

1Pet 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

1Pet 4:7 But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.

3John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.

Jude 1:20 But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.

Rev 5:8 Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Rev 8:3-5 3 Another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer. Much incense was given to him, that he should add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. 5 The angel took the censer, and he filled it with the fire of the altar, then threw it on the earth. Thunders, sounds, lightnings, and an earthquake followed.

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