Tales of the Big Bamboo

I was just to record the sights and sounds of what had taken place (or what would take place in my future). The usually hearty handshakes and good lucks were given, along with the partly jesting, partly irreverent "god bless".

My arrival was fortunately a week too early. I set about brushing up on my Aramaic and getting a room at the inn (ha-ha). A couple of pieces of gold got me invited to the wedding. On the morning of the wedding I was amused as the family of the bride was out and about trying to secure additional wine as some had spoiled. Not enough wine, I said to myself. The plot thickens.

As the party began, I stationed myself at the main door, with a view of everything. As the guests began to arrive, I noticed a group of men enter. At their center was a man whose appearance was like most of those in attendance, but he had a presence about him to which people were attracted. I felt myself almost drawn out of my spot to go over and greet him, but I resisted. My job was to record this event for posterity. Finally I asked someone who had broken away from the crowd for the name of the man who everyone flocked to, and he told me, "That’s Jesus of Nazareth". Again, I had that feeling of a hand clutching my heart.

I heard the discussion of the lack of wine and documented the evidence of the miracle of wine flowing. The proof wasn’t conclusive in the sense of scientific proof, but it was a confirmation of a 2000-year-old bible story. I was personally impressed.

After dinner, I was by a group of women who were talking with Mary, who I’d been told was Jesus’ mother, when I felt a someone behind me. I turned to face Jesus of Nazareth. He took my hand and it was like he stared straight into my soul. A peacefulness came over me as he spoke, "Return from where you came and tend my flock. Spread the word of the Lord to all people. You are now my disciple." With that he grasped my shoulders and gave his final words to me. "Go now and do as I say". He turned and walked back to the gathering. I stood there dazed, but not confused. I had a new mission in life.

The debriefings after I returned caused quiet a bit of discussion. Everyone was excited about the recordings I’d brought back. Questions were raised about what Jesus meant in his words to me. I half-heartedly tried to remain the same hard-nosed jerk that I used to be, but I just couldn’t do it anymore. Finally, as I was about to tender my resignation it occurred to me that I had one more trip back in time to complete. My proposal was initially viewed with some skepticism until I convinced people that if I didn’t go back the Center might cease to exist.

Off I went on one final mission. Family lore had it that back in 1933; my grandparents were farmers in Wisconsin. The times were hard and the family farm was on the block to be sold at auction for taxes when one night there appeared on their front doorstep, a paper sack full of cash, $4,250 to be exact, with a note that said, "Here’s enough money to pay your taxes and help out through the hard times. May the Lord bless you and your family." My parents had told me that they had named me at my grandparents’ insistence to honor their unknown patron.

The anonymous benefactor who had left the money had signed the note simply, "Reverend Jim".

Email me at: dfallan98@yahoo.com

More Stories of the Big Bamboo available at: www.sffworld.com