(aka Bike) Part 888 by Angharad Copyright © 2010 Angharad
All Rights Reserved. |
 |
“Ah, Lady Cameron, could I have a word?” Sister Maria caught me as soon as I took the girls into school the next morning.
“Sure,” I kissed them all and they happily went off to their respective classes. I then followed the headmistress down to her office.
“I heard some stories yesterday of some miraculous healing in the playground”–I felt my tummy flip as I listened–“they seemed to centre round young Trish.”
“Oh yes,” I acknowledged.
“So I spoke with her yesterday.”
“She didn’t mention that.”
“I did try to keep it low key.”
I nodded, unsure of what was coming next–but it didn’t sound as if good news was going to be likely.
“She told me that you were a healer as well and saved lots of people’s lives an’ things–her words not mine. She is genuinely proud of you, as I’m sure are all those whom you’ve helped. I’ve seen stories in the press–exaggerated, I expect, but I’m aware of some of the things you’ve done.”
“This is leading up to some point, I take it?” I decided to cut out the beating about bushes and ask her to be more direct.
She blushed, “Yes, I’m sorry, I try to keep these things as amicable as possible.”
“That sounds ominous.”
“Not really–I have to protect this school from any scandal or unhealthy interest by the outside world.”
“So?”
“I need you to make sure Trish doesn’t repeat any of her miraculous cures and that we aren’t linked to the stories in the press. The Governors wouldn’t like it.”
“I shall speak with her–I have already told her she was unwise to do it. She suggested it just happened without her consciously trying to make it. I believe her.”
“I’m sure she is telling the truth but conscious or unconscious, I can’t afford to have rumours of some miracle child in this school.”
The irony of what she had just said didn’t seem to dawn on her–that she and loads more people actively worshipped one such miracle child. I wasn’t about to point it out to her, it would only have made matters worse.
“Exactly what do you want me to do? Ask her not to help any fellow pupil she sees in distress?”
“Um–I know this is difficult.”
“Sister Maria, you possibly don’t know what difficult is–remember we’re dealing with a very good hearted child, who is already different, but copes remarkably well with it–to be told she can’t help anyone in need is going to break her heart. If this is Christianity in action, then I’m rather glad I’m agnostic.”
“Lady Cameron, please, I don’t wish to upset you, but I have to protect the pupils of this school.”
“So you do this by victimising one of the more Christian spirited of its pupils.”
“I like to think they are all good Christian girls.”
More delusions, I thought, but said nothing. “Okay, you want me to withdraw the girls from your school?”
“No, just stop her using her powers–we don’t know where they come from–do we?”
“You might not–personally, I know they come from a source of love; so they possibly aren’t Christian.”
“I beg your pardon–Jesus preached love throughout his ministry.”
“I wasn’t complaining about your founder–it’s the followers who are the problem, the same with all religions.”
“Please don’t generalise about my faith.”
“Sister Maria, when I first met you and explained Trish’s little problem, I thought you were a lovely lady, and although I have reservations about church schools based upon my own experiences, I began to believe you were a sincere and good hearted woman and I was pleased to be leaving my daughter in your care. Now, sadly, I’m no longer sure of that.”
“My responsibility is the good name of this school and its pupils.”
“That sounds like pride to me–one of the seven deadly sins. You’re also not admitting it’s part of your job to please the governors.”
“I don’t work to please them, I have a contract with them.”
“It’s been a pleasure knowing you, Sister Maria, I shall collect my three wains and take them home. I shall of course expect a refund for the rest of the term. Goodbye.”
I stood up and walked out before the startled woman could react. I knew the money bit was a bit below the belt, but she wasn’t being honest with me, so they can bloody well pay.
I found Meems and was walking with her towards Trish and Livvie’s classroom when we heard a bit of a rumpus going on. The girls were all standing around in a semi-circle crying and making funny noises. I couldn’t see my two, until I pushed my way in, they were both kneeling over the inert form of their teacher.
“Tell Sister Maria to get an ambulance,” I instructed one girl who was standing near the door crying. Then I bent down to assess the situation–the woman had had a heart attack. Trish was pouring energy into the woman which was probably stopping her from meeting her maker, or wherever ex-nuns go after life.
“She just fell over holding her tummy, Mummy,” said Trish, seeing me arrive.
“Out the way, kiddo–this needs an adult.” I knelt down and began chest compressions–sixty to two breaths. It wasn’t magic just basic first aid training. I was on my second lot of compressions when Sister Maria came in.
“MI,” I said puffing at the effort–CPR is bloody hard work.
“I’ve sent for an ambulance,” she said and stood watching as I performed and Trish sat rubbing the unfortunate woman’s leg.
I could feel something happening and our patient opened her eyes–she had this beatific smile on her face. I stopped compressions but kept touching her, I knew the energy was flowing, I could feel it–someone behind me was also taking some for an asthma condition.
“Oh, where am I?” said the fallen nun.
I stood up and let the headmistress take over. “Sister Clare, you collapsed and Lady Cameron has saved you.”
“No, the good Lord saved me, Headmistress, he was here instructing this good lady and her child what to do. He told me it wasn’t yet my time and that I had work to do here, still.”
“I’m sure that was due to your condition, Sister Clare, but maybe the good Lord did visit you as well.”
“I saw him as clear as I see you, He was here with these two, saying they were His children.”
“Which two do you mean?” the headmistress was now walking on very thin ice.
“These two lovely people who came to my rescue. They are true children of God, Headmistress.”
“Aye, I’m sure they are, now just sit still until the ambulance arrives.”
“I don’t need an ambulance–I’m teaching this class about the miracles of Jesus–and I’ve just received one myself.”
“Sister Clare, you’ll need to be checked out by the ambulance,” the sirens sounding the approach of the said vehicle.
“I feel absolutely fine–I don’t need an ambulance. I feel better than I have for years, even my hiatus hernia feels better. I’ve been truly touched by God, through these ladies. Thank you, my children.”
I nodded an acknowledgement, then the paramedics arrived and I made a discreet withdrawal with the three children.
A couple of hours later I received a phone call from a very embarrassed headmistress. “Lady Cameron, please accept my apologies for my seeming judgemental attitude this morning.”
“You have your job to do, I have mine.”
“Yes, I know–thank you for saving Sister Clare, they took her to the hospital and could find nothing wrong with her–she’s had an hiatus hernia for years–it seems to have spontaneously healed. She had a heart attack–didn’t she?”
“I think so, but I’m not a doctor.”
“Of course–she’s had a bit of angina for years too, but that seems to have cleared.”
“I’m glad.”
“She is adamant that she saw the Lord administering to her through you and Trish.”
“Endorphins I expect, they do strange things to your mind.”
“She will go to her grave believing what she saw is real.”
“Fine–I don’t think I shall agree with her, but if that’s what she wants to believe, I won’t argue with her either.”
“I need to apologise, I was looking at things from the wrong perspective–you were quite right–I should have seen the love with which Trish does things and also yourself.”
“Me? I can be signally devoid of it on occasion.”
“I saw what I saw, the blue energy flowing from your heart into Sister Clare.”
“Oh dear, let’s hope none of the kids saw it.”
“I don’t give a damn if they did, in fact I hope they did–it might be the only time they ever get to see a real live miracle–and maybe they’ll understand the concept of love better than from some old fart spouting from a pulpit or a school teacher’s desk.”
I wasn’t quite sure what to say–so said nothing.
“Could I ask you to reconsider removing your girls from the school.”
“What about the governors?”
“I’ll deal with them–or leave as well.”
“Okay, I’ll bring them in tomorrow as usual.”
“Thank you, Lady Cameron, for my own personal epiphany.”
“No, thank you, Sister Maria, I withdraw some of the comments I made to you earlier.”
“Please don’t, Lady Cameron–it helped me reflect on what I was becoming–and I think you were right–and I didn’t like it.”
“Don’t risk your career for this, Sister Maria.”
“Why not? Sometimes I have to take risks for my faith–to show to myself who and what I am, and what I believe in. Today, gave me that opportunity, I’ve taken it with both hands.”
“I applaud and support your courage as well as your convictions.”
“Thank you, Lady Cameron, coming from a true child of God, that is very encouraging.”
While I was still choking on her epithet she rang off.
Comments
Petard, Hoist
Funny how some people won't accept goodness unless it comes with the right brand name.
Loved the way you handled this! Spot on.
Too true...
And today's lesson is the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Apparently, 2,000 years ago in Palestine, the Samaritans were considered the scum of the earth, to be avoided at all costs by devout Jews. People would often travel on very lengthy diversions to avoid entering the territory and meeting the inhabitants. IIRC, the chap was ignored by the two priests because he was considered "unclean", so by helping him the priests would have considered themselves "contaminated" and would probably have had to subject themselves to lengthy rituals to "cleanse" themselves.
Of course, one of the ironies of the Christian faith is that the gospel writers usually portrayed Jesus as a chap who was very inclusive in who he accepted as friends / colleagues - often going out of his way to bring society's outcasts into his band. He even tried a spot of moralistic storytelling to try and impress upon people that you should judge people on how they behave rather than the labels they wear.
2,000 years later, and what's changed? The conservative flavours of the faith he helped establish are flourishing, the current Bishop of Rome is trying to undo many of the positive changes of Vatican II, and the hotheads of all religions (who love judging people by labels - and if you're not wearing the same label as them, woe betide you!) get far more media attention than the moderates/liberals.
Maybe we (humanity in general) need a few miracles to remind ourselves that it doesn't have to be like this, that there is another way.
--Ben
As the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, then only left-handers are in their right mind!
Jesus Took Many Priests To Task
Jesus took many Priests to task because they were exerting their own influence and power over the masses. He called them out and told them that they were not following God's commands, but using their position of power for their own selfish gain. That is why they conspired to have him crucified. They were afraid that if he stayed around long enough, that they would lose the influence they had. Power is an addiction to some people. That is why the Catholic Church ruled with an iron fist during the Middle Ages. They actually violated several commandments such as "Thou Shalt Not Kill" by burning Joan Of Arc at the stake for Heresy as well as all of them they killed during The Spanish Inquisition. A lot organized religions are responsible for the deaths of millions all over the world.
Let the sister interpret Cathy's power her way
and Cathy interpret as she sees it. That's what "faith" is about isn't it? Bravo Cathy for standing your ground.
I simply loved
the fallen angel umm... nun. Keeps me in high spirits, thank you :))
Jo-Anne
Oh 'eck!
As my local vicar says; "church would be fine if it weren't for some of the Christians."
Cathy professes no faith, but has love in abundance. I have neighbours like that; they would move mountains to support anyone, but don't adhere to any faith. Their lives are an example to us all.
I'm glad that the headmistress was stopped in her tracks; the correct path isn't always the easiest.
Susie
Here's what I would have said.
“I’m sure she is telling the truth but conscious or unconscious, I can’t afford to have rumours of some miracle child in this school.â€
You're right sister.... "Look at all the trouble the world got into with the first miracle worker that showed up" I laughed.
Glad that Cathy
has sorted out her difference with Sister Maria....I have a feeling she might be glad of that sometime in the future..Especially now a few more people have seen the blue light!!!
Speaking of old farts spouting from the pulpit reminded me of a few of my old teachers, who used to bore the living daylights out of us...I still wonder how i ever learnt anything!!
Kirri
Bike pt 888.
I can't help but think about how God uses the foolish to humble the mighty. Cathy has never veerd away from her belief, and to haave her and Trish to have done what they've done is is brill.
May Your Light Forever Shine
May Your Light Forever Shine
It comes in so many...
colors/flavors/descriptions. There are so many paths, why can people not accept this, and accept their neighbors. *sighs*
Thank you for this episode. That said, I fear for what will happen, when the children get home (Not Cathy's three, the others) and tell their parents that they saw a miracle at school today...
Thanks,
Annette
Too much of organized
Too much of organized Christian religion is manmade, rather than Christ made. I believe He would not like what the religion he founded has become, because it matches way too closely to the priests, rabbis, pharisees, and scribes of His day. When man allows himself (and by the word man I also include woman) to determine who will do such and such, and takes that decision making away from what Jesus prescribed, then the problems begin and compound. Until the 2nd century, Women were considered equals within the early church. Then rapidly demoted in status and stature, all of which was based on a male determination to be in charge and run everything.
Cathy has inate awareness of this and voiced quite nicely to the good Sister. Thankfully, the Sister got the message, and found it implanted into her even more so when she saw Cathy and Trish working on the ill Teaching-Sister. Jan
I like your treatment of this subject!
The energy of life is there for anyone to tap into. Whether it is good or bad is determined by the motive or spirit behind it's use, not the doctrines you believe. I can't see Cathy or Trish ever using it from other than love. The interchange between the Sister and Cathy pointed out the glaring hypocrisy of religious beliefs. Are you, the Pope or anyone else going to reprimand God (Life as I prefer to call it) because S/He did not follow your doctrines? Sounds like the Pharisees of old and the religious right of today. That is why Jesus was condemned and crucified by the Religious conservatives and the High Priests (church) of his day.
Just goes to show that the quest for religious power and dominance is alive and well. It has nothing to do with getting closer to a divine deity. I appreciate Angharad's intelligent treatment of this subject. Her approach should make readers think. Thank you.
Hugs,
Trish-Ann
~There is no reality, only perception~
Hugs,
Trish Ann
~There is no reality, only perception~
Delightful
The whole situation reminds me of some of C. S. Lewis's writing. He has a knack for showing Christ by different names. The most famous is Aslan (of the Narnia novels,) but I'm actually more fond of the trilogy where a guy named Ransom went to Mars, then Venus. In the end, an agnostic had a 'religious experience,' and ended up accepting a relationship with a supernatural being that he didn't know or believe was really God.
It is a good lesson for those who are more enamored with the culture of religion than with the actual relationship and practice.
Epiphenies.
Beverly Taff
Hi angharad.
Once again you write a delightful story and like many others I follow it avidly.
Your remarks about religious intolerance are just so true and like others before me on this page I agree with you.
The best observations I have ever read about the issue of religious bigotry are as follws.
It's a poem written by Kipling and it sums up the issue you describbed just so succinctly.
I could bore for Earth in the Galactic Olympics for the number of times I have quoted these lines and my dear, beloved wife rolls her eyes heavenwards every time I trot them out when religion (or faith) surfaces as a topic in company and fellowship. However I'v never heard the issues put better than this for they sum up the topic just so perfectly. I may have got it slightly wrong but the message is as true as it always has been.
Here goes.-
He that hath a gospel whereby Heaven is won,
Cameleer or Carpenter or Magyar's dreaming son,
Many swords shall wound him, mingling blood with gall,
But his own disciples will wound him worst of all.
Rudyard Kipling. -
As a tranny who, like thousands of other transgendered individuals, has suffered one way or another at the hands of 'bigoted disciples, priests and chirch elders, if only from their narrow bigoted misinterpretations; I find these lines very comforting and a powerful weapon.
I think they are even better lines than the poem titled, 'If'.,that of course everybody knows is also written by Kipling.
Thanks again for your splendid read.
D'you know, I think you are creating a bunch of addicts on this site. God only knows if and when you choose or have to give it up. (I hope you don't.)
Love and hugs,
Beverly.
Beverly Taff.
This is wierd. I haven't changed my password but the site wont dispayl all my thingies at the side like 'Submit Story'!
Liked your post and have to agree with
much of what you said about religious biggots. I'm living in the southern US and the stories of the "bible belt" are unfortunately too true.
On the issue of Angharad choosing or having to give up the story... I can only chuckle and think about "The dread pirate Roberts" from "The Princess Bride."
Irony
I was enjoying the irony immensely, though the sister did not see the irony at first. She did see the light in the end. Groans are appropriate.