I DON’T KNOW
Mike Cunningham
March 1, 2015

I concluded last week’s sermon by asking the question: “who is this man?” I was referring to a mysterious man who suddenly arrived in a small town located three-hours west of New York City. How did you answer that question? Do you have any ideas? Personally, all I can say is that “I don’t know.”

As usual, today’s sermon will also include selected excerpts from the outstanding classic novel that was written 32-years ago. I’ll begin with the following letter that was addressed to the man that people either love or hate. It begins by saying,

“…. Dear Mr. Joshua:

We have been informed by your bishop of certain religious matters you have been discussing and disseminating among the Christian people in your community and in other places. The bishop is quite concerned. Because of the serious nature of these matters and the doctrines involved, as well as our continued concern for the faith of the Christian people, we are requesting that you that you appear before this Congregation for a hearing. We hereby set the date for this proceeding as August thirteenth of this year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and eighty-three, at 9:30 in the morning in the Palazzo del Sant’ Ufficio in the Vatican. We hope these matters can be happily resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.

Sincerely yours in Christ
Cardinal Giovanni Riccardo,
Sacred Congregation for the
Doctrines of Faith”

Joshua thought over the content and tone of the letter and its meaning. The bishop had told him he was impressed with him, and that there should be more Christians like him. Then why report him to Rome and demand an investigation. The memories of long flowing and broad phylacteries again crossed his mind and brought back a train of images, of men trying to hold on to power.

Joshua looked around for a pen and paper. There was some good stationary left by the previous tenants, which Joshua found in an old desk. He sat down at the kitchen table and wrote a brief response.

“…. Joshua sealed the envelope and walked down to the post office to mail it himself.”

From then on things happened rapidly. It was only ten days later that a messenger arrived from the chancery summoning Joshua to meet with the chancellor. He wasn’t going to go through that routine again. He asked Father Pat to drive him. On the way Joshua told him about the Vatican, which had surprised him since the bishop had given no indication that he was displeased with him but even seemed to approve. Pat just laughed.

He told Joshua what he had learned. “The bishop was ordered to pay your fare to Europe so he made arrangements with a friend of his, who is a captain of a tramp streamer to take you on his ship and make you wait on tables to earn your fare. The ship was supposed to depart in just three days.”

Joshua laughed. “That’s going to be fun,” he said. When they arrived at the chancery Pat waited in the car while Joshua went inside. As Joshua entered the vestibule the bishop was walking across the hall. When they saw each other the bishop was caught unawares and looked sheepish, making believe he hadn’t really noticed him. The chancellor called Joshua in immediately. He was short, rather stocky, and balding none too gracefully.

When Joshua entered the room the chancellor was sitting behind his over sized desk. Joshua wanted to laugh at the sight. The chancellor almost disappeared behind the huge desk, and as the chair he was sitting in was extra large, to compensate for his short stature, Joshua could see his feet dangling a clear two inches above the floor.

Joshua walked to the desk and stood there, looking straight at the priest sitting in his high chair. The chancellor slid off the chair as he introduced himself and shook Joshua’s hand. He told Joshua to be seated, then proceeded to tell him why he had been called.

“The bishop asked me to inform you that he had been requested to make arrangements for you to go to Rome and meet with officials of the Holy Office. Accordingly, he has very generously arranged for your trip with the captain of a very fine ocean liner. The captain will provide you with passage, and you in turn will pay part of your way by working in the dining room on board ship.”

“I thought the bishop was impressed with me?” Joshua told the chancellor. “How come he praised me when I was with him, then a short time later I am summoned to Rome for an investigation. That doesn’t make sense.”

The chancellor could not look at Joshua. He told him he didn’t know anything about that.

“When does the ship leave, and from where?” Joshua asked.

“This Friday morning. The name of the ship is “Morning Star.” The captain’s name is Captain Ennio Ponzelli. The ship will be leaving from Pier Forty in New York at nine in the morning.”

The priest then gave Joshua an envelope with all the papers he needed. The bishop had had to use his influence to get the passport, as there were so many unknowns in Joshua’s life. They had used a picture taken of Joshua at the synagogue by a man who was a friend of one of the chancery staff. When the chancellor finished he wished Joshua a good trip and saw him to the door.

Pat was sleeping when Joshua came out. When Joshua opened the door he woke up and rubbed his eyes. “This is always a good place to sleep,” he said caustically.

Joshua smiled and commented, “The Church would function better if it were closed. Like Judaism, once Jerusalem disappeared, the spiritually of the Jewish people began to thrive.”

“Well, what’s the verdict, Josh?” Pat asked as they drove.

“I leave Friday morning.”
“Did they tell you or ask you?”
“Told me, but I don’t object. I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. I can handle myself, and there’s nothing they can do without my permitting it, so don’t worry, Pat.”

Pat dropped Joshua off, and then went back to the rectory. The pastor was furious. “Where have you been all day,” he demanded.

“In the city at the chancery,” he answered.

“What were you doing there? Never mind, it’s none of my business. I want you to help the janitor in the cellar. He needs a hand bringing wood up for the bazaar.”

“I’m sorry Father. I have some important things to do that can’t wait,” Pat replied. It was the first time Pat had the courage to refuse the pastor’s orders.

Father Kavanaugh was enraged at the insubordination. “Do you know who you are talking to?” he demanded.

“Yes, unfortunately. To a man obsessed with a sense of his own importance who hides behind his priesthood to dominate other people. I’m sick of it. So leave me alone or I’ll walk the hell out of here, and, with your reputation, you won’t get a replacement.”

Pat was angry because it was the pastor who caused all Joshua’s troubles. Rather than get in deeper, he went up to his room. The pastor was speechless. Like all bullies, he didn’t know how to react when someone crossed him and showed he wasn’t afraid of him.”

“…. It was around five when he returned and he was surprised to see cars parked along the street and people standing on his front lawn. He was surprised to see all of his friends, some of whom were carrying dishes of food or bottles of one sort or another.

When he appeared around the corner they all turned toward him and together cried out, “Surprise!” It was a surprise, and a strange sight, all these people, so many of them not having met each other before. Joshua was baffled by the spontaneous show of enthusiastic affection from such a large group of people who just three months before had been total strangers. They gathered around him. Some embraced him, some kissed him, some shook his hand warmly. There must have been a hundred people in all, and more were coming. Joshua spotted Aaron and Lester, and Marcia and Rabi Szeneth, Father Darby and his chauffeur, the Reverend Rowland and the Reverend Joe Engman all standing and talking together. Then he saw Father Pat inn the middle of the group, beaming from ear to ear. It finally dawned on Joshua just what was going on. Pat had organized the whole affair. He just hoped he didn’t tell everyone the whole truth of what had happened. Joshua was concerned for people’s already fragile faith.

Walking over to the group, Joshua asked Lester what this was all about.

“I guess you wouldn’t have the slightest idea, would you, Josh?” Lester said playfully.

Joshua looked Pat straight in the eye, and the priest broke down and confessed what he had done. “Well I didn’t want you to just disappear without saying good-by to all these people who love you so much. So enjoy it and let them show you their love. It’s good for everybody.”

Joshua realized they were right. He had never experienced anything like this, except on one occasion at Bethany so long ago. But that was only a family affair. This was a grand testimonial.”

“…. Moe told Joshua there was a television truck in front and a reporter was looking for him. Joshua went out front and they were all ready for him. The reporter had his pad in his hand and started firing questions at Joshua. What happened? How come this sudden turn of events? Is it true the bishop reported you to Rome and you are being investigated?

Joshua had to be shrewd this time. To be honest and truthful was one thing, to damage the Church or its people’s faith was another. Out of a sense of loyalty to the shepherds of the flock, Joshua tried to put events in a light that would be more understandable. But the reporter saw that he was evading him so he zeroed in and asked him if officials objected to what he taught. Joshua told him that it was always difficult to agree on matters of belief”

“Church officials are concerned about order among the people’s, prophets are concerned about people’s relationship with God. There will always be tension between the two. Only when officials try to suppress the voice of prophets is real damage done to people is real damage done to people and to God’s message. This tension would be lessened if spiritual leaders were as knowledgeable about spiritual things as they are about the worldly business of the church. The real key to progress in the kingdom of God is not in legal structures but in allowing people to enjoy their freedom as God’s children and to grow as individuals, not constrained by rigid laws that prevent growth. The church has to get away from the role of universal moral policeman and judge of human behavior. She must learn to guide by inspiring people to noble ideals and not by legislating human behavior. The sheep will always flee when shepherds try to bully them. Human behavior must be free if it is to be pleasing to God.”

“Is it true,” the reporter asked, “that you have been summoned to Rome for official proceedings?”

“Yes.”
“What have you said that is so wrong?” the reporter probed deeper.

“The words of Jesus and what they imply are never too popular. People get angry when they interfere with the way they are used to doing things. No one likes discipline, but, unlike other people, religious leaders see criticism of traditions or suggestions for change as attacks on doctrine. That is not necessarily true. The Church must review its relationship with God and his people honestly if they are to remain faithful to their trust.”

“What are some of the words of Jesus that are not being observed?” the reporter continued.

“Jesus preached poverty and humility. That is never popular so it is ignored. Jesus also preached gentleness and meekness among his apostles. That is also ignored. When it is criticized the criticism is resented.”

“Is that why you are being called to Rome??

“I don’t know. I haven’t been told.”
“Didn’t the bishop tell you when he was talking to you?”
“The bishop told me I was a good man and there should be more Christians like me.”
“So you have no idea what their complaint is?”
“No.”
“Since you are not a priest, can they order you around like this?”
“They presume jurisdiction over all baptized persons. I have no objection to meeting with Peter.”
“Thank you, Joshua,” the reporter said in ending the interview.

Roger Silverman (the owner of the TV station) was standing nearby and told the reporter not to edit the interview but to televise the whole thing. The crew stayed around for a little while talking to people and getting their reactions to Joshua. They then left.

The people were watching Joshua. You could see the affection in their eyes. He had been in their midst only a few months, but he had captured their hearts. His quiet, unassuming ways, his sincere feeling for people, his concern for even the simplest, his gracious manner with rich and poor, the powerful and the lowly, attracted people to him like a magnet. He fascinated them and bewildered them. Who was he really? Was he just a wood-carver? Where had he come from? There were so many mysteries about him that it made people even more curious. But they loved him and now they were showing that love.

Joshua was gratified by the people’s response. It made him realize how people could react to a shepherd who guided them the way Jesus intended. Father Pat was at home with all these different people. In situations like this he really shone. He liked people and he wanted this occasion to be special. All during the evening he didn’t touch a drop of liquor. Pat Zumbar kidded him about it, and he told him that Joshua did so much for him, in helping him to understand himself and his work, that out of friendship he had sworn off the bottle. He no longer needed it. And it didn’t go unnoticed by Joshua either, even though he seemed so occupied with others that it could have easily escaped him.

It had been arranged by Father Pat that no one would bring any gifts. Joshua would want it that way. It would also embarrass the poor. Only Father Jeremy K. Darby violated the agreement. He approached Joshua when he was alone and gave him two one hundred dollar bills, which he said was for the statue of the Apostle Peter. He also admitted it was a masterpiece of psychological insight. While he was talking he pressed into Joshua’s hand a tiny gift-wrapped box, which he told Joshua not to open until he was on board ship. Jeremy was visibly shaken by the prospect of Joshua leaving, but like a true Englishman he was not one to get emotional-no matter how he felt inside.

Joshua thanked him and looked deep into his eyes. Messages passed that needed no words, and Jeremy understood. He smiled and wished Joshua bon voyage.

The party went on until late in the evening. Then, as people had to get to work the next day, they began taking their leave and departed one by one, thanking Joshua for his friendship and wishing him well. Aaron, Marcia, Lester, their wives, as well as Father Pat and Reverend Joe Engman, were the last to go. Aaron mentioned to Joshua that Rabbi Szeneth’s son, Michael, would be working on the same ship that he was taking to Rome. Aaron and Lester thanked Joshua for all he had done for them. Not only their lives but the lives of many people would be affected by what he had taught them by his words and example. They would never forget him. Marcia looked at him sadly, but said nothing. She just smiled and kissed him good-by and left with the others. Joshua had tears in his eyes.

Reverend Joe Engman and Father Pat had earlier offered to take Joshua to New York. It was a good three-hour trip east by turnpike. Joshua was grateful for their offer. They were the last to leave with the Sanders and their buddies. Finally the place was quiet. Joshua went to bed his work was finished.

Now allow me to ask you this question at this point in the story. “Do you have an idea as to the identity of this mystery man? Personally, as I said in my opening remarks, “I don’t know.”

Lord willing, next week….

Joshua, © 1983, 1987 by Joseph F. Girzone and published by Touchstone, Rockefeller Center, 1240 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020