Jewells of Thought

Each book in this series was a challenge in different ways to read. Not to mention, the time I needed to therapeutically air out my emotions and thoughts swirling around from the story. Actually I wrote a feature article in my church newsletter titled ‘Sacrifice’ doing that very thing.

Lynne Gentry made such a substantial gift when she published this series. She is indeed blessed with the gift of the pen and paper to write a grand story of love in general and of God’s love. In this final book several thoughts stood out to me even while sobbing through the words.

Cyprian is of course based on Cyprianus Thascius a real Solicitor and Bishop of Carthage. In this series Ms. Gentry gave him some much needed effort to fleshen him out since not much is known about him besides the obvious. This gives us an idea of what a man at his status would be like as both an Attorney General and as the Head of the Christian Church of Carthage while simply being a simple Roman man.

Lynne’s words are so beautiful and painted quite a picture. “But in this world, the world his God had called him to serve, there was only one way to make a point: unflinching sacrifice.” How do you know if you are one of those great martyrs? And wow he knew of only one way to make a point knowing how serious his position was. He needed to buffer the church from the government. The proconsul wanted to wipe out the church for trying to help the sick. Do you see any correlation to today in this statement?

“Lord, give me the strength. Not just to finish, but to finish well.” How many times do we just try to finish the task and not care about the quality of the job? For the moment of execution Cyprian took a piece of cloth to put over his eyes. He didn’t want to dishonor his Lord in death. I do believe Cyprianus did wear one when he died, the text says he bandaged his eyes with help from a priest and a deacon from New Advent, St Cyprian of Carthage.

Scenes from Troy (2004) come to mind. Before the Spartans and the Trojans lit fires to the scaffolding, holding the body, one more thing was done. They put what looked as coins on the person’s eyes before lifting the fire to begin the burning.

One Last thought involving Cyprian. “Cyprian was so deep in prayer when his host came to deliver the solemn news that the time had come he had to be shaken into awareness.” Have you ever been in such intense prayer time you had to be touched or shoved at in order to get your attention? Only usually if I am singing or playing piano. I don’t know if I should be ashamed by that statement or not?

The next batch of comments are more centered on the family and wife’s duties in such a difficult position. Bishop Cyprianus was a bachelor from all that is known about him, right?