Steven Kas: Profan Resurrection

8/14/2019 Steven Kas: Profan Resurrection

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Steven Kas5892 Crimson drive

Niagara Falls, On.L2G 7T7

905 [email protected]

PROFANE RESURRECTION

A film story.(TREATMENT)By: Steven Kas

In the year 2000, it's Easter Sunday morning somewhere in God'scountry, an unusually warm day for the holiday. On a winding road abeaten up old pickup truck speeds along with an incredible speed of 35kilometre an hour. The driver, an old man of uncertain age, is having agood time. He's picked up a passenger, a travelling bible salesman, ayoungish man of thirty something. He must have been on the road for

quite some time since he appears to be as unkept as the old man himself.He's got long blondish hair, with a couple of weeks worth of facial hairgrowth. He's in the middle of an aggressive sales pitch, trying to sell a"Good Book" to the old man, who is not buying. He, - his name is Jedu,sounds very knowledgable of his wares. He quotes verses as he goesalong, - making them up mostly, to support his argument. They soundauthentic all right even the customary i.d is attached to it, like; Matthew24.6.3.

By the time the old man stops at a crossroads, Jedu manages to

sell him a dangling air freshener in the shape of the Virgin Mary andsays a frustrated farewell to the good samaritan.

As the ancient truck puffs away, Jedu takes off his jacket, the toppart of a "business formal" essential for good impressions. He starts offtoward a distant village with a certain sign of meekness. - But "a man'sgot to do, what a man's got to do": make a buck somehow. He loudlyargues with the Lord, bitterly complaining about peoples' indifference toHis messages. Nobody seems to want to invest in the ultimate wisdom,one or two sales to a village is hardly enough for a half decent existence.

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Suddenly, dark clouds gather above and a sudden, ferociousstorm unleashes all of it's menacing power on the lonely traveller.Thunder and lightening, wind and driving rain and no shelter in sight.He just pushes ahead. When he comes to a crossroad, to his relief, a little

fenced in garden offers some protection. In the middle of it stands an oldcrucifix, at the base is a tiny open shrine for the faithfuls' candles, - ifany. Nothing's in there now, so Jedu invites himself in and crawls underthe cross to save himself from further punishment. All this time he triesto assure the Almighty that he had not meant to be disrespectful, but hehas really reached the end of his rope. The storm really comes downhard. The wind forces the trees and shrubs almost flat on the ground andthere seems to be no end in sight. Jedu even starts to pray, when almost

like an answer a fierce lightening bolt strikes the cross, ripping off theweather beaten tin Christ, twisting and bending it. Finally the windblows it away into the shrubs across the road. Jedu lies under the crossshowing no sign of life. The wind dies down, but the rain still poursdown on his tormented face.

As suddenly as it started, the storm comes to an end. The suncomes out with full force, patchy little clouds rise above the fields. Birdsare singing again, a reassuring sign that the world didn't come to the endafter all. Jedu slowly comes to life. He still lies motionless, merely

observing his surroundings like somebody trying to find hiswhereabouts. He moves his arms and legs, then finally gets up on hisfeet. He is a total mess, covered with mud. He finds his leather case, outof which water pours as he lifts it up. He notices the absence of theChrist from the crucifix, wants to say something but nothing comes outof his throat, just shapeless jumbles. The apparent loss of his ability tospeak and hear angers him. Helplessly he tries to object, or cuss. Not faroff, a small river is visible on the other side of the pasture. He headstoward the water to wash up, to regain his former self.

***From a distance, a flatback truck approaches carrying a load of

about a dozen or so men apparently farm workers. They are loud, someare singing, but mostly they're talking. In the cab of the truck, fourpeople are squished in the seat, talking and laughing. The truck comes toa screeching halt as it passes the roadside shrine. The driver has noticedthe absence of the Christ. The vehicle backs up and the passengers one

by one jump off. Quietly they line up in the front of the cross, hats off,

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crossing themselves. Some of them kneel and pray. Then one of the men,still standing on the truck yells out...

"Look! Down at the river. Holy Mother..."He falls on his knees and vehemently crosses himself over and

over again. Down at the water, framed by willows and tall bamboo grassa naked man is standing in the water up to his waist, splashing the waterover his head. One of the men screams hysterically.

"Praise the Lord, His son Jesus Christ is back. Dear Jesus save ussinners!"

And he starts out toward the river, followed by the others, slowlyat first, stopping, frequently crossing themselves even crawling on theirknees.

In the meantime Jedu is ignorant of the happenings behind hisback as he savours the cool fresh water. Occasionally he tries to dislodgethe plug left in his ear as a result of the heavenly strike.

On the shore the people go on with lots of praying and chanting.Tear filled eyes are fixed on the naked back of the stranger, who after alittle while slowly turns around and walks toward his audience. Underthe circumstance he inevitably exposes more than what's consideredproper. He's rather puzzled, seeing the kneeling, gesticulating peasantsand tries to get away from them, just as they try to catch him. Finally he

is cornered, they practically wrestle him to the ground. Some of themkiss his hands, others strip off their shirts, forcing him to cover his nakedbody. He desperately tries to say something but his vocal cords areobviously out of order. Fear starts to show on his face.

"Kidnapped by some deranged earthlings?", the inevitableconclusion seems to be in order, as they carry him up to the roadsidepassing the storm battered shrine. Jedu looks at the bare cross andsuddenly realises what the whole commotion is all about. His objectionsare getting less and less vigorous and finally he gives in to his fate and

lets things unfold as they will.The jubilant peasants celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

the beginning of a new age of miracles. Singing and chanting, they escorttheir saviour along the dusty road toward the village.

At the bend of the road, they meet head on with an old manriding on a donkey. In no time they make him give up his mount, - he ismore than willing after he learns that the Lord himself needs a ride, butJedu's rather reluctant to get on the ass, it takes quite the effort to make

him, not only to get on, but to stay on with a tiny trace of dignity. But he

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is a good student and by the time they reach the village, he manages toput on quite a show.

As the procession inches along the main street people emergefrom their houses. The pointsmen running ahead give the news to the

curious onlookers with feverish excitement:"The Lord Jesus Christ has arrived.""Jesus got off the cross at the shrine.""It's a miracle. We are saved! Praise the Lord."...and Jedu, the frustrated bible salesman just an hour ago, for

some mysterious reasons unknown to him, suddenly he is theresurrected Jesus riding towards the church. Strangely, he finds himselfquite comfortable in the role and he generously discharge an endless

barrage of blessings on the population of the lucky village.

****In the vestry room of the church about a dozen of the peasants are

in heated argument with the parson, a paltry middle aged priest, FatherFabio. Everybody talks at the same time creating a sacrilegious racket inthe sacristy.

"Silentio!!!"Yells Father Fabio and he carefully opens the door leading into

the church, just a crack so he can peek in. In front of the altar kneels"Jesus" and the church is half full with praying faithful.

"I don't like it. Not a bit. He is an impostor.""Father I saw him with my own eyes, stepping off the cross and

walking on the river."Laments one of the peasants who gets vocal support from the rest."It is a miracle, a real miracle Father Fabio.""Don't be stupid. No miracle. You understand? The age of

miracles is gone. Get it into your stupid peasant heads and take him out

of my church. NOW!!!"At this instant, the church organ cuts in with an awesome

crescendo and the crowd of people explode in a joyful hymn. FatherFabio stops in his loud objection and slowly opens the door. The churchis jam packed with people, a crowd he has never seen before. The air issupercharged with excitement as "Jesus" turns to the congregation andlifts his hands to bless the crowd. Father Fabio stands dumbfounded andmesmerised for a long minute, listening to the never heard celebration

and slowly starts to walk toward the altar, falls on his knees front of"Jesus" and kisses his foot.

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The congregation goes wild.

****

A large lavishly decorated hall in the palace of the Cardinal. Thewalls are covered with life sized portraits of past residents of the palace,so many serious looking elderly clergymen. Four monks stand betweenthe two huge windows, dressed in plain brown cassocks singing oldGregorian chants, harmonizing like a medieval barber shop quartet. At aoversized easel a tall bearded monk is working on a painting,painstakingly scrutinizing his subject, who is the current tenant of thepalace. A short, balding man in his fifties wearing a snow white frock

with a purple sash. He is saddled on a chair, on top of the longconference table, holding a sabre, pointing it straight ahead. It must bevery heavy, as he is struggling to keep it up... The painter monk speakswith trembling voice:

"I beg your patience... your Eminence. You must stay in the posefor a little longer..."

The Cardinal explodes:"That's it... I've had enough." He angrily dismount from the chair.

The singing monks are jumping to help him off the table...

"What kind of artist are you anyway. I've told you what Iwanted... all you have to do is take a good look at me and do it... Damn itdo it! Six months now you are fiddling with it... you my friend... not aMichelangelo... that's for sure. Out of my way!"

He yells at the monks, swinging the sabre and they jump aside."Let me see."He walks around the easel. The life size portrait is almost finished

depicting the Cardinal on a white horse dressed in papal attire andshining armour. Floating gold embroidered cape drapes the romp of the

mount. The rider resembles the Cardinal, but is much taller and muchmore impressive man, looking ahead into the distance towards the hillsof the Holy Land, with his sabre he points to the city of Jerusalem. It is atrue work of art, but the Cardinal is not pleased.

He screams on the top of his voice, to give weight to his wordswith one swift slash with his sabre, clears the side table of all the paintsand turpentine...

"No,No, No, Brother... you don't get it! Are you..?. I want a hard,

determined look on my face... I'll be the Warrior Pope... The SupremeGeneral of the new crusade... not a wimp. Julius the IV the first in

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centuries willing to pick up the sword and reclaim the Holy Land for theChurch... I'll come with a vengeance... I'll cry Holy War... no peace onearth till the land is free... No, No, No. I DON'T LIKE IT. It looks like aspilled laundry basket... to much white... much, to much... Change the

horse... make it black. Jet black... Damn it, Brother I told you I want astallion... what is this..."

"It is a horse Your Eminence... I don't have to much experience inanimal anatomy..."

"Go and get some experience... look and learn... I want a stallionwith a visible sign of supremacy... You understand? Brother go andlearn..."

"Where, I beg you indulgence... This is a country of donkeys and

oxen... I haven't see a horse in my life.. how I will know a stallion from amare?""Oh, for haven's sake... use your imagination or look in a mirror...

I want a stallion with a bulge..."The door swings open and Brother Thomas walks in, a tall midle

aged monk. He carries himself with a unmistakenable discipline of ahardened soldier and his voice as he speaks commands attention.

"Your Eminence, the troops are ready for inspection.""Good, just what I need, a bit of a cheering up... Let's go."

He throws the sabre on the table and walks toward a door whichswings open. This leads to an elavator and in it stands a golf cart.Brother Thomas takes the driver seat, the Cardinal stands beside him.The door closes and the elevator drops down with a hiss. It is quite along ride and when it is finally finished the door opens into a tunnel.Brother Thomas drives the veichle through the winding tunnel that leadsto another elevator raising the passengers up.

The door opens, daylight hits the Cardinal's exited face and at thesame instance a tremendous roar of hurrahs explodes.

In the vast yard of the Monastery stands, in disciplined militaryformation eight hundred monks. The Knights of Jerusalem. Theiruniform are stylized brown cassocks with a big white cross on the chest.They are bare headed with a very short cropped hair, and each carries anAK47 rifle. A number of armoured troop carriers are visible as well, anda half a dozen attack helicopters. The troop commander steps forwardand reports..

"The first battallion of the Knights of Jerusalem is ready for

inspection. Sir!"

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Brother Thomas slowly drives the golf cart to the front of thetroops, the Cardinal watching with stern face, salutes the still screamingsoldier-monks. At the gate Bishop Prakasz tries desperately to catch theCardinal's attention. When finally the cart turns back toward the

elevator, the Cardinal yells at him impatiently:"What is it Prakasz, can't you see I'm busy...""Your Eminence... a call... extremely important... you need to

know... a village priest is on the line..." - he runs alongside the speedinggolf cart.

"The Lord Jesus is resurrected and holds court in Britoscy... IT ISA MIRACLE... Your Eminence."

"What did you say?" Who, When. What?"

"The Lord Jesus Christ walked into the village...""Lets cut the crap... Every time a village idiot's got a hallucinatoryvision, you stupid peasants call it a miracle... No miracle. Youunderstand... No miracle! I won't allow it..."

"Your Eminence... this is different, This time it's not just a vision.He arrived in the village riding on a back of an ass... Real, flesh andblood... You better talk to the priest yourself..."

"I will be with you... you just run along..."Back in the great hall, Bishop Prakasz pleads with the Cardinal.

"Your Eminence, please be patient with him... he is a decent oldman, he is very upset by the situation..."

"He is upset?" Yells the Cardinal. "I'm upset with all of you...""Please, Your Eminence...""Okay, okay...lets get this over with."On of the Brothers switches on the speaker phone. The Cardinal

in a controlled, sweet manner asks the caller."Speak my son. What is your name?""Father Fabio, Your Eminence..." comes the faint reply.

"Speak up, I can't hear you. What is this Jesus business of yours. Ihope for your sake it's not your stupid idea?"

"I swear, Your Eminence, I'm as puzzled as anybody else... it isgetting a bit out of hand and I'm afraid I can't do anything to stop it... itis like a miracle..."

"No miracles. Do you hear me? The church doesn't sanction anybrain-dead idea of the resurrection. It is absurd, even to think of it. Canyou imagine the disaster that would be caused by the return of the

Christ? You people out there, can't even come close to understand the

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incredible damage such an occurrence might cause the church. Stop it,stop it before it's to late."

"But what can I do?""You will come up with something, you peasants are very

resourceful. Pay him off, run him out of town... kill him if you have to, inthe name of the Church. And do it before the whole scandal explodesinto our faces.. Stop it before the word goes around, before... before.." Hewhispers with veiled terror in his voice.

"Before the Vatican hears about it..."The priest on the other end of the wire gasping for air."Your Eminence! The village is full of strangers..."The Cardinal in uncontrollable rage smashes the speaker phone

with his sabre."Damn you stupid moron..."The Brothers and the Bishop run for cover, the Cardinal trashes

the room."Out of my way... all of you."The door swings open and a Monk rushes in... trying to catch up

with the Cardinal."Your Eminence, Your Eminence, please come to the

Communications Room."

"What do you want?'"The news... Your Eminence. The CNN Braking News is on...""What?"And he runs through the door, crossing a number of rooms till he

reaches his Communication Room. It is a hi-tech set-up, the wall iscovered with twenty or more TV monitors simultaneously transmittingthe programs of all the important channels. He stops at the console andpunches up on of the stations and the picture explodes to all themonitors, creating one huge screen. A reporter speaks straight to the

camera. In the background a large crowd is visible in front of the villagechurch. A festive atmosphere is detectable as the young man files hisreport:

"Here we are in the main street of a village called Brituscy. It is soobscure you have probably never heard of it. It is located in the easternupper lands, pretty well isolated from the rest of the country. This has allchanged today, the name Brituscy will be known all over the Christianworld as a result of an alleged miracle. According to eye witnesses

during a sudden thunderstorm a lightening bolt struck the crucifix in aroadside shrine and the crucified Jesus Christ stepped off the cross and

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rode into the village, - get this, I'm not making this up...(He strikes adramatic pose and emphasises.) on a donkey."

The Cardinal punches up an other channel and an other reporterspeaks:

"Jesus, as everybody I have talked so far believes, is in very goodcondition, - considering the two millennium absence, although hedoesn't seem to be able to speak our language, or any language for thatmatter."

The Cardinal almost in tears switches to yet another station."Here we are at the famous shrine, where all this started this

afternoon. As you see... Gert, show the cross." (The camera swings up onthe cross.)" As you see the cross is empty. According to the locals the tin

Jesus has been on it as long as anyone can remember. It was originallydonated by the great- grandmother of the landowner who used to ownthe parcel of land behind it. Here is Mr. Thorkit one of the people whoexperienced this incredible miracle first hand." (One of the farm workersfrom the truck.) Tell us my friend as it happened."

"Well, it was a big storm, lightening and all and a beautiful beamof light come down from the heaven, music... and angel were singing...and there he was, Lord Jesus standing on the river.. Naked,.. I gave myshirt to him and Jose a pair of pants..."

"What did he say?""Nothing. He can't speak. Just blessing. He is blessing

everybody... He is very good at it. It proves one thing... He is the Lord allright..."

Another reporter on another channel:"He is resting in the village tavern's guest room after a hearty

dinner of roast ham, sauerkraut, mashed potato and cheesecake,courtesy of, let me see... Brotos Brothers Taverna on the Main street ofbeautiful Brituscy. Mention this broadcast to Brotos Brothers when you

come to see the miracle and receive complimentary cheesecake creationof Maria Brotos. Back to you Arthur."

The Cardinal pulls the main switch and the wall of monitors turnblack. He slumps into the chair burying his face into his hands. All thepeople around stand motionless, not a word is spoken. Finally theCardinal leans back in his chair and calls his assistant:

"Give me some brandy, Brother Silvio, my heart is about to giveup." ( He is very quiet now, shaking in his whole holy body.)

"We are in big trouble, Brothers. This easily can kill our plan.Everything is in jeopardy now. We are suddenly very visable to the

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world and for the people in the Vatican... It is very bad for our future...Why me? "

Suddenly he slams his fist on the console."Couldn't he descend somewhere else in this damned world... on

South America, or in the United States? If he has to come back at all.Why? Aren't we taking care of things for Him... If, and that's the big if. Ifhe is actually, what he claims to be? What do you think Brothers? He isan impostor.(His voice hushed, whispers.)Tell me he is a FAKE...."

*****

"He is a FAKE, I'm telling you, and that's the end of it..."

The highly respected rabbi declares to the gathering of the eldersof his tiny congregation. And small is small. In fact, only three of themsit around the table.

"But, Rabbi..." objects somebody."What if he is what they say he is... He is a Jew, isn't he? In that

case, we have to claim him and get in on the action.""Yes." Cuts in old Majshi the grocer..."We could use a little bustle in our business... Invite him, and talk.

See what he knows... He's supposed to be a learned scholar..."

"I am with Majshi." Declares another wise man. "If he is, whatthey say he is...

Lets have him... We can use a little miracle ourselves..."

*****

"Miracle is one thing, but to know what to expect from it, is another..."

Father Fabio mutters to himself under the blanket of the night,

with the help of a flashlight he is searching the river bank for clues. Itdoesn't take too long before he comes across the leather case and thebundle of soiled clothing of the bible salesman. He collects the evidenceand heads back to the village. As he passes the shrine he is greeted bythe campers around the "Miracle site". There must have hundreds ofthem. A sea of burning candles illuminates the faces of the people. Someare praying quietly. Others are sleeping bundled together, wholefamilies as close as, perhaps never before. Men cuddling their mates,

mothers nursing little babies. Peace and tranquility. An incredibly serenelandscape of people, love and hope, under the star filled deep blue sky.

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The flickering of the candlelight elucidates the whole picture of the pastturbulent days for the Parson. No matter what or who triggered it, it is amiracle nevertheless, he concludes.

"Good night, God bless you..." he walks slowly among the

pilgrims, carrying the telling tale of the miracle..."Father.- someone calls him. - "Is he all right. Has he spoken yet?""Not yet. but I'm sure he will..."

****

It is a bright sunny morning. The clock in the church tower showsnine thirty and the square is already full of people. In front of the church

a semicircle is roped off and crude stakes are driven into the ground. Inthe middle of the cordoned off area stands a small platform with anarmchair covered with a piece of red velvet. Next to it a large sign standswith a handwritten message;

THE LORD WILL APPEAR EVERY DAY10 AM, 2 PM. AND 6 PM. SHARP

FOR A HALF HOURKEEP BEHIND THE ROPE.

DONATIONS ACCEPTEDNO PICTURES.

Father Fabio is working himself through the growing crowdcarrying a potato sack and he enters the side door leading to the tavern.In the back, around the pool tables a group of peasants quietly sitting atthe bare tables. Some of them are eating breakfast, others just drinkingcoffe. All seems to be part of the "discovery" team of villagers, strangely,twelve of them. When Father Fabio walks in they take their hats off and

greet him with a humble good morning."What are you people doing here?""We are guarding Him."The leader of the group motions toward the door in the back of

the billiard room."Just making sure nobody bothers the Lord.""Is he up yet?""I guess so, He is praying, I gather."

"You people go now, wait outside. I want to talk to him alone."

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"We understand, Father. Official, church business I trust, but I'mafraid he can't hear you or speak either."

"It is so sad, the Lord is with us but he can't hear our prayer, hecan't tell us anything."

Said the leader of the "twelf" and quietly they gather theirbelongings and they walk out through the door.

Father Fabio places the sack on the billiard table and knocks onthe door first, than slowly opens it.

"Good morning, this is Father Fabio, I would like to have a wordwith you."

In the sharp back-light of bright sun the Lord appears. Silent andmajestic in his white linen shirt and pants, he lifts his hand with a

blessing gesture... but Father Fabio stops him."Cut it out. It is not necessary..."He walks to the billiard table and with a swift motion empties the

contents of the sack on the floor. The black suit, the soiledundergarments and the leather case.

"I know who you are."He shouts, like talking to a deaf person trying to make him hear."Do you, really? And you don't have to shout""So, your voice is back? Jedu Cristos, the bible salesman."

Empties the leather case, picks out a book and throws it downwith disgust.

"And to make things worse, New Age bibles too.""I sell them, not write them, although now that I know who I am, I

probably could do a better job." Snaps the Lord back."Are you trying to tell me that you really believe in your

ridiculous story, the tin Jesus turning into a living person?""Father. Don't tell me you doubt the competence of your God?

You doubt all those miracles recorded in the Book?"

"Don't put words in my mouth. I doubt this profane resurrection.""Profane Resurrection? What makes one profane and the other

sacred? Who decides? Father Fabio, for three days I lived in total silence,forced upon me. Couldn't hear nor talk, only see. I had ample time toreflect, to see the world around me. But I listened to the voices onlywithin, the voices of the soul, the heart, and the deep buried memories. Icame to the conclusion that regardless what happened to me orwhatever I appear to be, I always was, what I am today, I just didn't

know it. Providence, or I like to believe, a divine intervention forced meunder that cross, to be struck by a bolt of lightening... to finalise, to

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complete the incarnation of the Saviour into the person you are lookingat now."

"All I see is a bible salesman in a peasant getup.""Listen to me and you might see behind the obvious. Look at the

faces of the people in the village square, and on those faces, in those eyesyou see the reflection of a real miracle. I didn't choose my fate, I didn'tplan to deceive... those people on the river bank have seen what theywanted to see through the ages, an embodiment of their hopes. You, thechurch, all the churches, merchants of unfulfilled dreams, promissalvation, salvation in another world. And, when in desperation thepeople create their own right here on this earth, do you want to take itaway from them?"

"I can't be part of a fraud""What ever it is, you are already part of it. Your collection platesoverflow with money, your church is full beyond it's capacity. Thevillage is on the map to reap the benefit of the miracle or as you call it,fraud, for time infinity. No matter what will happen to me, the peoplewill believe what they want to believe. You can try to destroy mycredibility, you can crucify me again, but for all the desperately hopefulpeople, I will be the Lord."

"Bull shit. You are Jedu the salesman."

Father Fabio kicks the pile of things on the floor with anger, tripsand hits his head at the edge of the pool table... and faints. When hecomes to, he rubs his head and bursts out;

"Jesus Christ...""Yes Father. I am here."The Lord bends over him with comforting attention."You just have to control your emotions. Don't forget we have a

lot to do. It is time for me to bless the pilgrims. Make sure the collectionplates are in place."

There is a bit of a sarcasm detectable in his words. A little whileafter the priest leaves, the peasants walk into the room, quietly, one byone wishing a good morning.

"And a very good morning to you, Friends."Speaks the Lord, touching the men, shaking the hands they

timidly extend toward him."Your voice is back, praise the Lord, you can talk to us.""Yes I can, But there are questions I have to ask. Why you are

here? Who hired you to guard me?"

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"Nobody my Lord." Answers one of the men willingly. "Wedecided to stick around, to make sure no harm come to you. People arestrange, they can kill with their love. They'll crush you to dead beforeyou know it."

"Don't you have work to do? What about your families?""Nothing is really happening around here since your resurrection

my Lord, except the "Miracle". So many pilgrims are coming the peoplehave no time for the fields anymore. Feeding the people is the big thingnow. A hungry pilgrim pays a lot for a slice of bread and a mug of milk.My wife sells shirts for a man from the city. He pays good money."

"How about you? Why don't you go and make a fortune?""We don't need anything, We're better off than the rest. We are the

lucky ones, to be around you."And the rest whole heartedly agree. After a long pause, the Lordasks the men.

"Please put these thing into the room."Points to the pile of his possession on the floor."And I would like to ask you to mail a letter for me that I'm going

to write, but I've no money for the stamps""Don't worry, we'll take some from the collection plate. It's for a

good cause, it's no crime."

"Your reasoning is quite logical, and the cause is most crucial, youwill see. But nobody's supposed to know about it."

He walks into his room, sits at the table and starts to write. Hissoft affectionate voice is heard over the close-up of his gentle face.

"Dearest Maggi, My love.I am lost and confused. Something has happened to me, something

extraordinary. No, I'm not in jail, I was not beaten by Jehovah witnesses,nothing of such a trivial nature. I am the reincarnated Jesus Christ you might

have seen on television. I wish I could explain how this happened, but I can't. Ineed you desperately, please come to this village as soon as you can. Use themoney we put aside for the winter coat, I'll try to make up for it somehow. Cometo the village tavern, you will find me in the back room, where I spend my timetrying to find out who am I. To separate fantasy from reality and, in between Idream about you. Please forgive me for being away so much, Love you, Jedu."

In the city a young woman with small suitcase runs to catch a bus.

****

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Out in the village square the anticipation creates an incredibletension. The crowd pushes forward and occasionally a lone screamtriggers a loud murmur. Through the loud speakers the church organexplodes into fanfare and at the side of the church, out of the shade of

the majestic cedars the Lord emerges, surrounded by his guards, alltwelve of them. He slowly mounts the stage and holds up his arms inblessing. The crowd goes absolutely wild, women scream at the top oftheir lungs. Father Fabio silently stands in the shade of the trees.

****

Further down the street, a couple of hundred meters away from

the square stands a little church with a needle slim steeple, the modesthouse of the God of the Protestant faith. In front of it stands the toweringfigure of the Reverend Reg Brotik and he is furious. He is talking with agroup from his congregation, punctuating every word he say with anangry gesture.

"Get me a bullhorn... I've got to take action. I will not, I repeat, Iwill not let this drunken papist hijack the Lord for himself. I, ReverendBrotik will stand up for the truth, the fundamental truth of Christianity.For the gospel in it's undistorted, uncompromised clarity."

He swings the church door open, and raises his voice."Christians, Brothers and Sisters, listen to me. Here is the only real

house of God, the unblemished church of the Lord"They hand him a bullhorn and he continue."Brothers and Sisters, Jesus Christ is an impostor. Don't believe

the devious manipulation of the Vatican, they're trying to sell youanother fake miracle, to rob you of your money and sanity. Beware, thefat little pig in the black frock, he is behind the rip-off of the century...."

The celebrating crowd turns toward the raging reverend,

dumbfounded and silent for awhile. The Lord's blessing hand falls to hisside and he calls a conference with his guards. Father Fabio bursts into aloud cry of disbelieve.

"That son of a bitch heretic doesn't know shame? I'm going tomake him choke on his words!"

...and he pushes his way through the crowd to silence thescreaming cleric. By the time he reaches the little church, the angrycrowd has attacked the reverend, smashed his bullhorn and he is hastily

retreating into the sanctuary of his church, followed by the members of

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the presbyterate. The irate pilgrims are calmed by Father Fabio as thetelevision cameras look on.

****

A T.V.correspondent is filing his report:"... you have seen the ugly confrontation just a minute ago, well it

vividly demonstrates that not everything is tranquil in the holy land ofthe latest miracle. This morning somebody chopped off a considerablepiece of the cross at the shrine, the village officials are suspecting themushrooming profiteers of stealing the aged piece of timber. Accordingto some calculations, the woodchips from that piece of cross represent a

street value of over a hundred thousand Us dollars. Rumours arecirculating in the village regarding the financial windfall generated bythe resurrection. Some money circuits estimate the total in the firstcouple weeks in the neighbourhood of two million. Oh, by the way, thename of the village which was known for at least two centuries asBritusky, was officially changed today to Jesuville. So, this is SandyBrown saying auf widersen from Jesuville. Back to you Bill."

"Well, thank you Sandy, we will be back after these commercialmessages."

A flashy commercial follows the report, a travel agency offersgroup flights to Bregonia, including bus transportation to and back fromJesuville.

"Meet the Lord, get blessed and back into the comfort of your home inforty-eight hours." Offer expires at June 15. ONLY $1,455.00 US.

****In the Cardinal's palace the Communication Room is now the

centre of the daily routine, The Cardinal with his Bishop and the Monksconstantly are watching the television broadcasts. The last commercial isvisible now on a number of screens. The phone rings, one of the Brothersanswer it... turns to the cardinal in panic:

"It is Cardinal Brisciani again from the Vatican""Tell him I'm not in.""I can't lie.""Since when? Brother."

"Please, take the call... this is the third time this morning, you gotto talk to them sooner or later."

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"I have nothing to tell them...""Tell him, that we will get the report from our people in a couple

days...""Has Brother Tobias called yet?"

"I'm afraid, not.""Okay... put him on."The Monk switches on the speaker phone the Cardinal greets the

caller:"Good morning Your Eminence... it is very nice to hear from you.""I'll come to the point Krupak. His Holiness is very upset about

the turn of the events in your country... You, true to your arrogant style...refuse to inform us about the happenings in Britusky... Your silence

makes me suspect that you are behind this miracle business... CardinalKrupak... your insubordination is well known to us, your opposition tothe Holy High took you very close to the brink of disaster before. Youridiosincrasy about being the crusading pope, your delusion as a saviourof the holy land and your militant order of the Knights of Jerusalem arethe talk of the town. Krupak the glass is about to run over... The churchis looking at this latest problem in your domain as a very serious matter.It is unacceptable that all the information regarding this occurrence iscoming from CNN rather than from the relevant authority of the church.

In the history of the papacy, I'm certain to assume - you know, Cardinalslost favour of the Vatican for lesser transgressions."

All this time the Cardinal is mimicking the caller to theamusement of the others in the room.

"Are you threatening me?""Yes! The most definite way. Go out there and stop this madness.

The Lord Jesus Christ is dead, ascended to the heavens... and as far asthe church concerned he stays there. You understand?"

"I certanly do, Your Eminence, I'll go myself and see... believe me

I'm the last person who needs this kind of disruption... I'll go, and letyou know..."

****

Tour buses are lining up at the crossroads. A uniformedconstabulary directing the traffic. The bus stops, passengers quicklydisembark, among them is the confused Maggi, helplessly carried by thefrantic crowd, they look, pray, snap pictures and just as quickly are back

on the bus and it's waved away. Next. At the end of the village a hugeparking lot has been carved out of the meadows. At one end a paving

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machine is still laying the black top, cars and buses are moving in andout. The same village constabulary is feverously at work trying to makesome sense of order. At the pedestrian exit a group of Hara Krisnadevotees are chanting, numerous stands sell T-shirts, balloons and all

kind of "Make-money" religious souvenirs. Loudspeakers bombard thenewcomers with spirited religious music.

Maggi walks along the street, trying to fend off the aggressivevendors. On the main street, in front of one of the houses a long lineup iswaiting to see the donkey, the one the Lord rode into the village, for amere five dollars.

****

There is a meeting going on at the rectory. The participants, someof the village officials, the tour operators, Father Fabio, Reverend Brotikand the supporting cast of the opposing churches are engaged in aheated argument.

"Look Brotik!" - Father Fabio yells at the Reverend. - "If one morebomb scare interrupts the daily blessings, my people might take actionI've got no control over and then what are you going to do? Eh?"

"You don't scare me Fabio"

"Father Fabio to you Mister.""You're not a goddam father of mine, and don't you point your

finger at me...""Gentlemen, please,"A city-type man tries to calm the parties down. Father Fabio

introduces him to the rest." This is Mr. Vargus from the Ministry of Tourism.""We don't have a Ministry of Tourism, What are you talking

about?" Objects Reverend Brotik.

"We have one now, since we suddenly have tourism, the PrimeMinister established one just yesterday and I as a sole official at thispoint, appeal to you for calm and co-operation. We've got a problemhere, and we've got to find a solution. Otherwise, we all lose a goldenopportunity to make an honest buck. I have the authorisation from theworld leading auto maker, to suggest the following. Don't interrupt me,let me finish, and then you think it over. The problem, as I see it, is thestage. Only a limited number of people can actually see the Lord up

front. We have to move him around. The above mentioned company iswilling to supply a "pope-mobile". A nice glass enclosed pickup. Every

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day, with the same schedule that we have now, we drive the Lord upand down the main street. Five miles an hour. No faster. On the left sideof the street the Catholic pilgrims line up, on the other side theProtestants. As the pope-mobile drives along the Lord will bless three

times to the right and three times to the left. You Father will take upcollections on your side, the Reverend on his. No argument, no bombscare, no interrupting the proceeding with screaming through the soundsystem. Kapish? And if the Lord wants to visit the Protestant church it'sup to him. As I've heard, he is scheduled to meet the Rabbi and theelders at the Jewish prayer hall tomorrow. If he is willing to play along Idon't see why you can't."

"Nice to have a government official who actually makes sense for

a change. It is not a bad idea" admits the reverend.

****

In the pool room, the Lord and his following are having "quality"time, they're playing billiards, The Lord and one of the men, everybodyelse just stands around watching.

"Faith won't help you."Says the Lord and pockets a ball.

"Unless it is a faith in your own ability and skill. Learn and win.Knowledge is power. Whow. Listen to me, am I wise or what?"

And another ball is in the pocket."I can do this with a closed eye."He misses and everybody laughs. Now it is the turn of the

"Apostle". He lines up the shot, concentrate and stops. Turns to the Lord."Please, don't do that.""Do what?" The Lord asks."I know you push the balls with your eyes, so I'll miss. You

always do that, it's not fair, play honest, - I beg your forgiveness forbeing so forward."

The Lord and the others laugh."You see? Your belief in my wickedness actually makes you miss

the ball, not of what I might do. Concentrate, believe in your competenceand you will do it."

Bang. He did it, the ball is in the pocket to the delight of all in theroom.

The door slowly opens and one of the disciples blocks the entry ofan intruder.

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"I'm sorry lady you can't come in here.""Who is it?"Asks the Lord, and the "intruder" outside recognize the voice, she

cries out.

"Jedu, are you there?""Please, let her in, she is my friend."The men step aside and with a bit of embarrassment they witness

an emotional reunion of Maggi and Jedu. After a long embrace Jedu orthe Lord quickly whisks her into the room.

"Am I glad to see you.""Are you crazy? What is going on. Is this one of your big ideas to

sell more bibles? Aren't you going a little bit too far? Jesus? What's next?

God?" "Please Maggi, stop pestering me. This time I'm innocent. I'vebeen struck by lightening, lost my voice and hearing and everybodythinks I'm the Lord. To tell you the truth I am not sure if I am, or I amnot."

"This whole bible business went too far. You can't deal with it forso many years without getting a bit carried away. I've told you manytimes, sell used cars. More money in it and I'm not so sure if it's lesshonest."

"You're being unfair, Maggi.""Jedu, I'm fed up being alone all the time. What kind of a

relationship is this.I see you a couple days a month? Come home.""I can't, not yet. I'm totally confused I don't know who I am

anymore. Maybe you're right, I got too involved with the bible, but notthe way you think. I'll tell you something, I never told you before, oranybody else for that matter. For quite a long time I began to doubt thewhole thing. This religion business, the faith, even God the way we

learned to believe.""Jedu, you're talking perilous thoughts now. You know the world

we live in? The rule of conformity, to fit in?""Of course I know, but the rules are suffocating. You remember

the first thing about the creation? God created man to his own image?No, it's all wrong. Man created God to fit his own image. A cruel,bloodthirsty, vengeful and sadistic God. Not only the christians areguilty, all the religions that I know of, are the same. Can you imagine a

divine being eradicating all living creatures on earth with a flood, tosuits it's own fancy? To demand proof of a man's love to him by killing

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his own son? To decimate his own people with terrible death to prove apoint? Do I want to believe in a God of brutality and mad revenge?"

"Jedu, Dear Jedu you are tormenting yourself, let me take youaway, let me make you forget all these thoughts..."

And she is covering his face with her loving and gentle kisses.

*****A strange motorcade approches the village leaving a huge cloud

of dust behind. Up front two monks riding motorcycles, followed by anopen jeep with four monks sitting. Next is a sparkling white limousine,then another jeep with four menecing looking monks. Finally twomotorcyclists close the convoy.

The pilgrims at the shrine run off the road like frightenedchickens at the sound of the multiple-tone car horn, covering their faceswith their hands and coughing from the choking dust. The convoyapproaches the main street where the uniformed constables halt themotorcade.

"Get out of the way man?" Shouts the monk on the motorcycle."Sorry, no motorized vehicles allowed in the village. Order of the

city council. We have to keep the road free, in a half an hour the Lordwill bless the pilgrims, you better park your vehicle and walk just like

the ordinary folks. Catholics on the right side, protestants on the left.And that's an order"

"This is the Cardinal His Eminence.""No big deal. Maybe you don't know, The Lord Jesus Christ

himself lives in this village and he outranks the Cardinal any time.Hahh." He loughs.

The rear window opens just for a couple inches and the Cardinalyells out impatiently.

"Get out of the way, you ignorant peasant. Step on it driver."

...and the convoy speeds away, as the policemen jumps clear. In thebackground workers are erecting a big sign.

Please.Catholics on the right side of the street Protestants on the left

side of thestreet

By the order of the Jesuville city council.DONATIONS ARE APPRECIATED.

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****

In the rectory's kitchen Father Fabio is making his breakfast. Twoeggs are frying in the pan and a big portion of bacon is piled up on aplate, when the bellringer runs in and declares an emergency.

"Father Fabio, Father Fabio a big car is coming..."Father Fabio pulls the pan aside and runs to the window, just in

time to see the chauffeur opening the door of the limo and the Cardinalstepping out. Father Fabio in a panic tries to hide, in desperation he runsup to the attic.

The Cardinal, followed by six brown-frocked monks invades therectory. In the background the chauffeur is seen unloading an

assortment of computer equipment.The bellringer, hat in hand stands at the door, when the Cardinal

yells at him."Don't just stand there man, get me your priest.""Your Excellency, I don't know... I haven't see him.""You are lying, I can tell... All you servants are liars, covering for

your masters. You'll end up in hell, burning ineternal fire. Where is he?""Up in the attic, your Excellency, begging for absolution....""All right, say six Hail Marys, and you are forgiven... Get him."

The bellringer climbs up the stairs, Father Fabio's siting on thefloor behind the chimney.

"What do you want?" He whispers."He knows that you are here""You told him? Didn't you.""He tricked me.""You will burn in hell, for this.""Oh, man. You can't win."

"Get me a rope. Not a piece rope in this attic.""Father Fabio, don't be a fool, come down...""No.""They're gonna get you, no matter what.""My life is over." Crosses himself and starts to pray.

****

In the rectory the Cardinal sits in the middle of the room in an

armchair, the six monks are setting up the computers, telephones, fax

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machines... The Cardinal smells something in the air, waves one of themen over and whispers something in his ear. The man leaves the room,to return a few seconds later with the plate of bacon and the Cardinal,with visible delight one by one sinks the crisp slices into his holy mouth.

The joy of food calms him down and by the timeFather Fabio sneaks into the office he is all forgiving.Father Fabio kisses his ring and murmurs some apology..."How's the miracle business Padre? My people report that you got

cosy with this impostor and you are raking in a bundle of money. Whatdid you do with it. I hear big bucks. Where it is?""It is all here, Your Excellency, our share I mean."

"What do you mean, our share?"

"The village, Reverend Bri...""Aha, so they are into this whole affair too... I should haveknown... You are not smart enough to pull it off yourself."

"I don't know what are you implying, Your Eminence...""Come on Padre, I've seen some "miracles" in my time, you

know... But this is causing some embarassment... big problems. Butnever mind, I will take care of it... First come first, what did you do withthe money? Lets have it!"

The Padre opens the top of the rolltop desk and money gushes

out of it as well as from the bookcase. The Cardinal loses his voice, aftera few seconds as the shock weares off he speaks.

"Father Fabio, I want to see that man. Bring him to me."The organ music through the loud speakers signal the scheduled

blessing parade."Sorry, Your Eminence the ten o'clock blessing's just getting

started, we'll have to wait."They all go to the window to catch some of the excitement.The

Cardinal can't hide his surprise as he's watching the event with ever

growing interest.On the main street the Pope-mobile rolls along at five miles per

hour and the Lord is blessing the crowd, three times to the left, threetimes to the right.

****

From the amused face of the Cardinal, the camera slowly pulls

back, and the Cardinal is seen in full papal regalia riding the pope-mobilon rolling clouds. The organ music gets louder and louder joined by a

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chorus of angels... and like a heavenly ticker-tape shower, money isfalling from the heavens, covering everything in sight.

****

The Rectory office humms from activities. The three brown-frocked wizards have turned the place into a banking centre. Bank notecounting machines are busy flipping money as the operator ties theminto manageable bundles. The Cardinal is sitting in the same chair asbefore and is looking at folded computer printouts, occasionally sippingsome wine from a goblet. Father Fabio walks into the room and standsclose to the door.

"Where is he?" Asks the Cardinal."He is not coming, he said if Your Eminence wants to see him,you should go to him."

"This is preposterous, who the hell he thinks he is, anyway?""The Lord Jesus Christ, with your permission Your Eminence."The Padre seems to enjoy the situation.After careful consideration the frustrated Cardinal gives in."Lead the way Padre."

****

In the billiard room a warm ambiance greets the incomingprocession. Father Fabio opens the door and the Cardinal walks infollowed by the usual bodyguards and finally the bellringer, who closesthe door. The "Lord" is sitting on the pool table in lotus position andaround him, his twelve guards stand in a semi-circle. The "Lord" smilesand with a quiet soft voice greets the guests.

"Welcome. Sorry my friend, that I pulled rank on you, but I feel

more comfortable on home turf. You wanted to see me?""Yes. I want to know what is going on, who are you? And what

do you want.""Well, well, well. We were missing some of the classes, weren't

we, if you want to find out about me now. Isn't it a bit to late for a manof your position?"

"Can we get all these people out of here and talk one on one?"The "Lord" motions silently to his people and they politely walk

out. "Get out. You too. All of you."

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The Cardinal orders his entourage out of the room. An awkwardsilence falls on the place, finally after a long pause the Cardinal speakswith a hushed tone.

"I would rather sit." Turns a chair at one of the tables and sit

down, resting his right arm on the table."I want you to get off there." He motions to the floor."I like it here. Looking down on you gives me an added

advantage. You've changed a lot since I saw you the last time. You'vegotten fat, lost your hair, you dress rather fancy nowadays and thejewellery... Whoa. A walking christmas tree."

"What do you mean last time. Where did you see me?'"Oh. about ten years ago in the seminary, you were only a Bishop

then, you gave a lecture on ethics... it was a very poor performance Ihave to say.""You're an ordained priest?""For God's sake, no. I dropped out after a year. Quit. I couldn't

take it any longer. I'm not fit for the church, too much of a rebel. I havemy own mind you know. And that's a definite disadvantage."

"What do you want now. Why you are here, playing this role. Youwant to embarrass the church? Is this a blackmail attempt? I have towarn you that I can have you arrested any time I want to."

"On what charges. Impersonating Jesus Christ? What judge willconvict me?"

"I need no judge. I will consider it an honour to put you away in alunatic asylum, God himself couldn't find you."

"How fitting, how humane, no crucifixion this time, after all weare in the twentieth century. Thank you are good man, a realhumanitarian, the pride of your church. I'll put in a good word foryou..."

"Enough!"

The Cardinal hits the table and jumps to his feet."You are insane talking to me like this. Mad or just a prankster, or

a criminal, either way you should know who are you dealing with. Youare the prisoner of your own scam and you can't escape, not till I let yougo."

"You are calling it a scam? Well I have a suggestion for you, howabout if we go out there right now, and you tell the world that you'vedecided that I am an impostor, a fake, the resurrection is a delusion of a

sick minded theological dropout. The people will stone you, like theyalmost lynched the Reverend. Do you see Cardinal, what is wrong with

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blind faith? Through the ages you demanded unconditional faith in thechurch's doctrine. Once you have installed the wildest fables into theminds of the "children" - as you like to refer to the flock, and demandedthat they didn't require any proof, but to trust you and to believe, you

can't just turn around and take the crutches away from them. Have youseen them? Have you see their faces? People are ecstatic in their beliefthat what you promised, instant salvation is really happening."

"And how do you fit into this equation? What is your dividend?""I might believe...in some sort of inherited messianic calling. It

might be just a delusion on a grand scale, or perhaps reincarnation? Idon't really know. What I know is that I've been drawn into thisincredible drama, without the slightest control of my own. I'm just a tool,

I have no will""You're right in that respect. You just do what I tell you to do, andthe final conclusion of the drama will unfold to the benefit of allconcerned. I must go now, God bless you... Just a habit don't take itliterary."

"I won't, not from you anyway." ...and the Cardinal, storms out ofthe room.

"Bless you..."The "Lord" raises his hand. As he's left alone he closes his eyes

and sighs with relief. The door slowly opens and the peasants quietlywalk in, standing around in silence for a long while. The "Lord", withoutraising his head speaks softly.

"History will repeat itself once more... be prepared. Brothers, myFriends during the past fortnight I have learned to trust you. You haveproven your loyalty and I'm very grateful to you. No matter what willhappen to me, remember words and faith are never enough. Deeds arethe only validation of goodness. And do it now, while you live the day.When I'm gone tell it as it happened. Don't make up fancy tales like the

other twelve who wrote all those falsified stories of the final days of theLord."

"What really happened?" Asks one of the men."Well, a dead martyr has more value to the cause than a living

rebel prophet, so your ancestors, the other twelve, instead of raising thepeople to save the King of the Jews were hiding as a bunch of frightenedrabbits to wait out the execution. They framed good Judas, the onlyfriend I had, you remember the kiss? It was not a sign of betrayal, but a

sign of affection. They wrote books of records, but are they are nothing

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but false testimony, conspiracy to cover their delusion... to advance theirown selfish cause. Look at the result, the church Peter built."

*****

A conference room in the palace of the Cardinal. At the head ofthe huge table the Cardinal presides. On his right, church dignitaries sit,starting close to him the fancier clothed one, down to the black frockedofficial on the end. On his left a variety of civilian big shots of all races: ared-headed Texan, various bankers, business men and a sheik intraditional Arabic attire.

"Gentlemen, I would like to apologize for the body search, I know

some of you were upset, but We don't want anything recorded duringthese talks. I don't want cellular phones used, to call out or call in. Oncemore I ask for your understanding. Lets get on with the business athand. We had preliminary discussions separately with all of you. This isthe first time we all sit around the same table. Let us introduce ourselves,shall we?"

He points to the first man siting on his left. A heavily decoratedmilitary officer. He jumps on to his feet and introduce himself.

"General Brikk Drepeko Minister of Defence and Minister of

Tourism of the great Republic of Bregonia."Next an elderly gentlemen, briefly lifts his weight off the chair

and announce his name and after him everybody does the same."Sir Wilfred MacIntosh, CEO Merchant Bank of Manchester."The next in line."Bob Fletcher, Jr. Vice President of Savings and Loans Dallas

Texas.""Steve B. Everson, President, Cyclops Mutual Funds.""Pierre Duguay, President of the French-Belgian Industrial Bank."

"Sheik Abu Abbal Shey representing myself.""Joe H. Driessen, Showtime Entertainment Inc. Las Vegas.""David Hicks, Inter-Entertainment, Formerly with Disneyland.""George Timbell, Laser Imaging Ltd. Pyrotechnist."Thank you Gentlemen, on my right; Bishop Joseph Prakasz my

confidante and Financial adviser, Bishop Fergo, undisputed authority ontheological matters, Father Shumach, Chief Accountant of the diocese,Father Even, his assistant, Brother Thomas, Head- master of the Knights

of Jerusalem, Brother Romero is second in command."

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The atmosphere is very businesslike, serious and stiff. TheCardinal continues.

"We all know why we are here, I don't wish to get bogged downin petty details. Against the general policy of the church we find

ourselves in the middle of a "MIRACLE" situation. I don't wish tocomment on the merit of the case, let's just leave the official no comment,no denial, no confirmation posture of the Vatican to be our guide. This"MIRACLE", by its magnitude, on the other hand, offers a once in acentury, - correction - once in a millennium opportunity I just can't passover. Gentlemen, (He gets fired up by his own rhetoric.) we will create anew Jerusalem among the magnificent hills of Easter Bregonia. A newJerusalem for the twenty first century. A new Jerusalem, a pure Christian

holy land, no Jews, no Palestinians killing each other on the streets theLord walked on. This Jesuville, properly named gives herself to us to betaken and transformed into a viable spiritual and financial gold mine.I'm free to divulge Gentlemen, in the first month, with uncontrolled,free-for-all amateurish methods, we have collected five and a quartermillion dollars. With no control what-so-ever, can you imagine? And doyou want to hear something outrageous? The village council and theProtestant church got split from the collection plates. This situationcannot be tolerated any longer. I'm personally taking charge and if we

manage to come to an agreement about the monetary matters and thefinancing of the grand scale development of Jesuville, Gentlemen, we allbenefit immensely for time infinite. Lourdes will fade in comparison."

He motions to the two young servant brothers and they uncoverthe large easel behind the Cardinal. He continues.

"We've decided to preserve the village in its original state. What Imean is, it will look like the village, but with a big difference. Gentlementhat place stinks. We can't expect serious tourist business in a stinkingvillage. Did you know that these people smell? Smell of awful

perspiration. They live with their animals. They pile up the manure atthe back of their houses. The village stinks of people, animals andmanure. We have to sanitize the place. This is the plan."

He points to the map of the village." We plan to expropriate the village. The shaded area is owned by

the church anyway, cultivated by sharecroppers. No problem there.Village property is shown here in blue, easy. Whatever we offer they'llhave to take, I've been assured by the Prime Minister. The peasants have

to be moved. The plan is as follows. Our teams are locating vacantdwellings in the country side. The families will be moved along with

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their stinking animals quietly, preferably during the night. To make surethey obey, we give them some modest sum of money. They are a stupidand greedy bunch. I see no problem there. Once they've gone, we willpopulate the village with our own, well trained people. Am I right

Brother Thomas?""Yes, Your Eminence.""The peasants are liars, unreliable primitive creatures, all of them

have a different cock-and-bull story about the "Miracle". You can't run acredible myth with all those discrepancies, so Bishop Fergo has writtenan eye witness account which will be the only quotable version of the"Miracle". In the meantime we will continue the present form of thepersonal blessing of the "you-know-who" but his presence is the weakest

link in the whole chain. We have to eliminate him from the equation, thesooner the better. By the time of the harvest festivities we have tocomplete the sanitization of the village, we will replace all the peasantswith our people. With a vigorous ad campaign we have to engrave intothe world's mind the official version of the "Miracle". And then,Gentlemen, the grand finale, or rather, the beginning of the "Miracle" asdesigned by your humble leader, me, Cardinal Krupka, will take place infront of a half a million pilgrims and a billion television viewers courtesyof Mr. George Timbell. Mr. Timbell owns Laser Images, he is a wizard of

rock concerts; our Lord Jesus Christ will ascend to the heavens, on WhitSunday, as we celebrate the Pentecost, not to return, ever. The earthlyshell of the man now masquerading as the Lord will be looked after byBrother Romero in the monastery. I'm convinced he will find peace inthe sanctuary of the old fortress till the end of his life, natural or...watever. The New Jerusalem will flourish to the benefit of the churchand its friends."

All present jump to their feet as the Cardinal finishes his inspiredspeech and they enthusiasticly applaud. He acknowledges the praise

with unabashed arrogance and after a little while ends the celebrationwith a quieting gesture.

"Lets get down to business... who's contributing what, for howmuch? Who is doing what... and how much it is going to cost us. It isneedless to say, Gentlemen, that no matter what, the church remains themajor shareholder and dominant force is this association. You willprovide some of the needed capital and the expertise, but we supply the"miracle" and the manpower. The troops under the command of Brother

Thomas will do the work, you just be there when you are needed."

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****

The battalion is once again assembled on the viewing grounds ofthe monastery. Brother Thomas is standing on the golf cart alone this

time."Brothers of the Order of the Knights of Jerusalem. I'm speaking

to you at this historic time with mixed emotions. I'm looking at you withpride... proud to be the leader of such a fine group of soldiers, dedicatedto the cause of liberating the Holy Land. With sadness in my heart I haveto inform you that as of today we put our cherished weapons to rest.(murmur runs through the ranks) Yes, packed in grease we store themfor future use. Instead of liberating the Holy Land, our leader Cardinal

Krupka, decided that we, the Knights of Jerusalem will create a New Jerusalem right here in Bregonia. It's true, no glory awaits you on thebattle field, ordinary everyday work is going to be your share now on,but on the other hand none of us will be shot dead by the Jews or theArabs either. (a louder, approving murmur.)One more thing, you aregoing to work in close correlation with the Sisters of Good Samaritans...needless to remind you, you are still bound by your vows. (some giglesin the ranks) Lets get to work, Brothers. Long live our great leader,Cardinal Krupka!"

Long, extended "Hurrah" echoes in the mountains as the troops arefalling out.

****

A montage of the transformation of the Village according to theCardinal, the moving of the peasants during the night, replacing themake-shift vendors stands with fancy pre-fabricated kiosks. Theappearance of the trained "our people", the replacement of the "operetta

costumed" constabulary with grey uniformed policemen. New buildingsspring up around the outskirts of the village. Earth moving machinesand tall cranes are the telltale signs of progress. Workmen areassembling a huge stage at the riverbank.

*****

Maggi is walking among the pilgrims. It is a very busy day, more

of them are on the street than ever before. She observes the enthusiasmof the crowd as the "Pope-mobile" is passing by, surrounded by the

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"Twelve". As Jedu's blessing the adoring faithful, he finds Maggi in thethick of the crowd, their eyes meet in a loving, worrying union, holdingeach other for a long time. Among the pilgrims, one can observe moreand more of the "our people" recognizable by their short hair, a bit out of

place in the village. They're manning vendor's kiosks, directing traffic orjust drifting along like any other onlookers, but always alone. The "Pope-mobile" makes a turn on the end of the Main street, where Majshi'sgeneral store stand, now the windows are boarded up, only anabandoned sign reminds the passerby that there, just a few days ago, acentury old grocery store served the villagers.

*****

"Lord, I'm telling the truth." One of the "twelve's" insisting."I wentto my uncle's house this morning and they are gone. The house is empty,no cow in the stable, chickens, the dog, all gone. And a strangermoseying around the yard. I asked him, "where are they?" he said theymoved to the valley, they sold the house. He said. My uncle? It'simpossible."

"My neighbour is gone too." adds another one. "Lot's of peoplesold their houses they say... somebody's buying them. One day they are

here, the next they're gone...""Some of you should go and find out what is going on. Listen and

look, don't ask too many questions, you shouldn't arouse anyones'suspicions."

The Lord gives the order, who is going who is staying. Maggiemerges from the room, when the men have left, she asks Jedu.

"What is the matter?""A strange scenario starts to unfold. I have suspected they will do

something to secure their hold on the situation, I just didn't know how.

We will find out. In the meantime, I ask you to leave this place and gohome. I'll come as soon as possible, I might have to do the only honestthing I can do and tell the world, who I am. Jedu Cresto the travellingsalesman, maybe a trace of reincarnated rebel prophet in me, but anover-all failure. Never mind a decent job, but I can't even hold on to therole of a legend."

"Jedu, I'm not going. I know I'm not much of a help, with myconstant nagging but you have to let me stay with you."

The door opens and Father Fabio rushes in, catching the coupleby surprise.

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"I'm sorry, am I interrupting something?""No, no Father, come in. Let me introduce my very dear friend,

Maggie, Maggie this is Father Fabio. You look surprised, can't I have afriend?"

"I'm not surprised by anything any more. I came to say good bye.""Where are you going Father?""As of today I'm retired. I was told in no uncertain terms, that I no

longer can fulfil my duties. The Cardinal himself delivered the news andsent me to the retreat where all the aged servants of God wither away inobscurity. Me, with my sixty two years. Something is wrong. A bigcelebration is planned for Whit Sunday, and I'm not going to be part ofit."

"Whit Sunday. The Pentecost. That's it Maggie."Shouts the Lord."What a fool am I. Father what's Whitsuntide all about?""What a question. Jesus Christ's ascension to heaven, of course.""Of course, An appropriate time to get rid of me."

*****

The command post in the palace of the Cardinal. Preparation is

underway for "Operation Whitsuntide" Besides the usual entouragequite a few of the short haired "our people" are present, but here theywear their friar's cassocks. The Cardinal himself is in command, he ispacing up and down in the hall the sabre in his hand. George Timbell isexplaining the stage setup and the laser works.

"...the band and the chorus reaches the crescendo of the hymncreated for this special occasion by the rock group "Dead on Arrival", Jesus steps forward to the mark. At this point the laser illuminates hisfigure, the hologram established. Jesus fades to the darkness and the

hologram levitates for a short period above the stage and slowly arisesand then dissolves high above the darkened stage. God willingeverything will be alright..."

The Cardinal hits the desk with his sabre and with his usualbluntness he remarks:

"Cut the crap Mister Timbell. According to my information, - andmy information is usually accurate, you are an atheist. So don't count onthe Almighty for any help. Second. This whole affair's got nothing to do

with God... this is not his business, this is not even the business of thechurch. This is MY BUSINESS. Kapish? And since you are getting paid

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handsomely... it is your business. So make sure it is going to work... nobuts, no hitches. Prayers won't help you. If anything goes wrong, watchout..."

*****

Rehearsal on the huge stage. Church choirs, folk dancers and rockbands. An army of technicians is setting up the main event: "Theascension of Jesus." In a mobile Control Room George Timbell instructsthe technicians, he is very uptight, screaming to everybody. Anelectrician calls him over to the huge generator.

"George, I can't get any farther, it is to close to the ravine, the

ground is unstable.""Move it, I'm getting to much noise" - He turns away from theman and runs back to the Control Room. As he passes quite few "ourpeople" he yells at them.

"Get out of the way... what the hell you are hanging around herefor anyway... Get lost... You hear me?" -

The monks silently acknowledge his rage, but they don't move.George Timbell slams the door and says to the people inside:

"They give me the creeps... I needed this job like a kick in the ass."

*****

Night scene. Tarp covered trucks are moving the last of theoriginal inhabitats out of the village. At one of the houses an old peasantis arguing over the compensation money, he wants to include thedonkey for a hefty price into the package.

"The Lord himself rode on this donkey... it's worth at least athousand..."

"No way." - yells the monk in charge. "You are the fifth in lineclaiming the same thing."

"They are lying... this little mare is the real thing, I swear on theholy rosary... give me five hundred... the pillgrims gonna love her."

"Get your damned animal and get on the truck." The monk closesthe conversation and they shove the peasant and the donkey on thetruck. It is speeds away. The cleaning crew takes over, spraying thehouse in and out with desinfectant.

A crane lowers a new facade in front of the depilated building,givig it a clean, uniformed look.

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****

Night scene. A huge campsite. RVs are parked in an orderlyfashion, more and more arrive. Uniformed attendants (all short haired

"our people") are collecting camping fees and directing traffic.Large parking lot full of tour busses.Workmen put the finishing touches on a glass dome enclosing the

shrine. Others install coin operated turnstiles leading into a maze ofshining crome cordons, designed to handle the anticipated crowd.

*****

Sunday morning. The sanitization of the village is completed.More and more pilgrims arrive, the ten o'clock blessing is on schedule.The "Pope mobile" makes the usual scuttle ride. Maggie observes theproceedings. An older man, dressed like a typical American tourist isstanding behind her, trying to attract her attention.

"Pst, Maggie... Maggie, this is me... Father Fabio.Maggie can't hide her surprise to see the man of the cloth dressed

in Hawaii printed shirt and bermuda shorts."Fater Fabio, what happened to you?"

"My child let's go somewhere where we can talk..." - he leads heraway from the crowd holding her hand. When they get out of the thickof the people, Father Fabio continues:

"I know, your friend..." He hesitates for a moment and finally saysit: "The Lord is in great danger. I've learned that the Cardinal and hiscohorts are planning to get him out of the way. The big celebration theyare prepearing is going to be the end of him... Literally speaking. Idecided, that I must try to help him... In spite of everything, he is a goodman, whatever he claims he is."

*****

(THE REST OF THE STORY OUTLINED IN BRIEF SEGMENTS ONLY.)

TV. reports on the preparation. The reporter quote reliablesources. The church expects a half a million pilgrims. TV Networks arepromising extensive TV coverage of the Concert and the personal

appearance of the Lord in front of the huge audience.**

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Maggi witnesses a bus carrying the "Twelve" out of the village,runs to the billiard room, just to find Jedu in the company of another"twelve". Twelve of the "our people", we recognize Brother Romero asthe leader of the group. She excuses herself as an intruding pilgrim and

with the "blessing" of Jedu, she runs away. She finds Father Fabio in thecrowd and they together try to figure out what to do.

**The Cardinal arrives and orders Jedu to appear in front of him.

He explains to Jedu how he is planing to end the personal involvementof the Lord in the daily business of the "Miracle". He tells him to co-operate, keep his mouth shut all the time and he will be "let go" with agenerous severance settlement.

**On the bus, the "Twelve" take control. They overpower the friarsat a crossroad and head back to the village, to the stage. Not withoutproblems though, since only one of them has any experience in driving...a tractor that is, which turns out to be quite different from a tour bus.

**In the mobile control centre behind the stage, the Cardinal, the laser

experts, Brother Romero and the stage manager are in conference, lastminute co-ordination and pep-talk. Brother Romero returns to a separate

mobile dressing room, where the "Apostles" are keeping the Lord, nowdressed for the "Show" in full length white robe.

**Maggi and Father Fabio sneak around backstage, trying to find

Jedu. The show has just started as the sun goes down. The choirperforms some religious hymns. The pilgrims are lighting a sea ofcandles.

**

The hijacked bus speeds toward the village with the "Twelve" onboard.

**Father Fabio and Maggi find the "Pope mobile" behind the

dressing room, where they're holding Jedu captive. A rock bandperforms on the stage with a wild light show. The "Apostles" escort Jeduup on the stage. The band is playing at it's maximum volume, thehandlers positioning Jedu on his mark, when he brakes away, grabs the

mike from the lead singer and yells:

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"Pilgrims, Friends, Brothers and Sisters, I am Jedu Cristos anordinary man...." The crowd at the word of "Jedu" explodes into anendless chant: "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus....."

The "Apostles" try to subdue Jedu... At this instance at backstage,

the bus arrives and Father Fabio recognizes the "Twelve", directs thedriver toward the mobile generator. The driver smashes the bus into it,pushing it down into a ravine. The heavy cables drag the control boothand part of the stage down. Short circuits erupt in fireworks, setting thestage background on fire. Jedu throws himself into the crowd and thepeople pass him away from the stage above their heads, hystericallychanting: "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus..."

Panic erupts at the stage but further back the chanting crowd sees

the fire as part of the spectacle. In the overturned control booth thecommand team is trapped with the Cardinal in lead. Now the "Twelve"abandon the wrecked bus and run around the stage to find Jedu. He issemiconscious and already hundreds of yards away as he's passed handto hand on the sea of people and candles.

"JEDU... JEDU..." Maggi cries on the top at her lungs.The pilgrims drop Jedu on his feet and as he is on ground level

again, the people open the circle around him. He is desperatelyrepeating,

"I am not Jesus, I am Jedu Cristos, an ordinary man", but thecrowd is deaf from it's own noise which has reached an incrediblecrescendo: "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus..." and the mountains echo the cry..."Jesus."

As his freedom of movement is back, he start to move out of thecrowd graciously blessing the stunned faithful. By sheer chance he meetsFather Fabio, Maggi and the others and he is whisked away into thewoods.

**

The manhunt is on. The police and the sizable force of "ourpeople" are searching the fields, the hills, and the valley on foot, withcars and helicopters. Dogs and search lights don't seem to help, thefugitives have disappeared in the darkness.

**Jedu's party splits into three groups and are taking three different

directions. Jedu, Maggi, Father Fabio and two of the original guardshead toward the mountain.

**

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Morning. The scene of the celebration is like an abandoned battlefield. The remaining of the stage is still smoldering, dazed pilgrims walkaround searching for lost companions. A TV. reporter is interviewing aman.

"... I know he is still alive, he is out there, he must be. We havewaited for the Messiah so long, now that he's finally arrived, he can't justabandon us."

The reporter comments:"Nobody really knows what happened last night. What caused

the black-out and the fire. The "Lord" disappeared but the "MIRACLE"lives on."

**

Checkpoint on the highway, police search a car. A long line up ofcars and buses wait to be inspected. Helicopters fly around the country-side. On a side road a black van is travelling, "ISAC"S Farm fresh eggs,wholesale and retail" Painted on the side of the vehicle. From the bushesthe leader of the "Twelve" steps out and waves the van to a halt. Hewalks over to the driver, a middle-age man dressed in traditional Jewishblack garb. He willingly agrees to give the group a lift. Jedu, Maggi,Father Fabio and the fifth man emerges from the bush and they quicklyboard the van.

"Just watch out for my eggs, Jesus." Says Isac and speeds away.**

In the palace the Cardinal bandaged and furious, instructs thespin doctors. They are devising a plan to save the "Miracle". "Spread therumours of "Jesus sightings", but catch the bastard! The New Jerusalemmust live on."

**Isac's van is passing a foot patrol of the "our people" who suspect

the Lord might be in the van. The call the command post with news of

the sighting. A helicopter is taking directions. Meanwhile, the van stopsat the road side, the fugitives transfer to a hay wagon pulled by a tractoracross the fields. The helicopter spots the van, and takes it out with arocket. Isac's lands on a hay stack amid his load of eggs, unscratched.

"Thanks. Who knows, maybe he is what they say he is... Let's faceit, miracle is a miracle."

**A railway station is swarming with policemen. The leader of the

"Twelve" talks to a railroad man. He walks away, and later we see himtalking to the engineer of an old steam locomotive.

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**The same steam engine is puffing, pulling a train of a few cars on thewinding track. At a small grove the train slows down and from thewoods, Jedu, with his party steps out and boards the train. The engineer

gives a long whistle and the little train disappears around a bend.

The end.

Documents

Steven Kas: Profan Resurrection