Lucian

After a month, the Pope’s representative arrived in Antioch. He went to see Lucian at his church. “The followers of Dominus aren’t happy with you,” he said. “You continued your association with Paul after the synod determined he was not fit to be a bishop.” “That was proven to be powerless synod,” Lucian said. “I have done nothing wrong, and I don’t have to use anyone as an excuse.” “We don’t think you committed fraud,” he said. “You aren’t being charged as a thief.” “Then what am I charged with?” he asked. “What did I do?” “It isn’t so much what you did,” he said. “It is what you didn’t do.” “You expected me to tell the Pope that his friend Paul was extorting money?” he asked. “I didn’t think I was in any position to tell the Pope what was happening. Paul always told me the Pope approved everything.” He looked at the visitor. The visitor didn’t change his expression. He was well programmed. “You aren’t the only one we are concerned about,” he said. “Aurelian’s group isn’t powerless. It is backed by the Roman Army. I am here to enforce his suggestion to Felix.” “What do you want of me?” Lucian asked. “You can make Matthias the senior priest and I will work for him.” “I have been authorized to excommunicate both of you,” he said. “Give me your robe. Both of your replacements are here with me.” Lucian was dumbfounded and sank to his knees. After a short prayer he regained his composure. “When is this going to happen?” he asked. “Can I talk with my church?” “It just happened; you are no longer a priest,” he said. “You don’t have a church. I expect you to leave town as soon as possible. You can collect your pay.” The reality of his situation lay heavy on his heart. “I will need a place to live until I can make arrangements,” Lucian said. “Can I stay in the house?” “Yes, but not indefinitely,” he said. “I am going to see Mark next. I want you to go with me.” “What are you going to do to Mark?” he asked. “He has done a wonderful job. Everyone likes his work.” “You are correct,” he said. “The Pope respects him as a financial advisor. I want you to convince him to come to Rome with me.” “I will go with you,” he said. “When are we going to see Mark?” “The first thing in the morning,” he said. “You can go to the house. I want you to know that Dominus is going to ask James to step down as lay leader.” “I don’t think that will be a problem,” Lucian said. “I will see you tomorrow.” Lucian was in a state of shock. He went to the house to speak with Seth. Seth was speechless. He served Lucian a cup of tea. Lucian sent a message to David to come to Antioch and bring him back to the farm. He didn’t provide any details. One hour later, Matthias came to the house. He spoke to Lucian. “He told me that you and I have been excommunicated,” he said. “I don’t understand what he is doing or what he thinks he is going to gain.” “The Pope sees us as resistant to his authority,” Lucian said. “I don’t like it, but I understand.” Matthias stood and looked at Lucian. “What are you going to do?” Matthias asked. “I don’t know what I will do.” He paced the floor. “I am going to the family farm,” he said. “Would you like to come with me until you decide what you are going to do?” Matthias thought for a moment. “Certainly,” he said. “Thank you, I can work on a farm.” They talked most of the night.