The Map of the Carpenter

Chapter 1

A feeble heavy set and perspiring old man shuffled into Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. Not a particularly interesting visit by any means, except that this individual carried a lot of excess baggage. He was gasping for breath and clutching his hands to his chest. I can’t breathe! Please help me! Somebody! Anybody!

Mark Thompson and Matthew Jacoby, both interns on duty, reacted exactly on cue, rushing to the aid of the elderly man.

Quick nurse we need a gurney and oxygen stat Mark ordered.

Help me the old man gasped, I haven’t much time. I will be leaving soon. I have to go home.

That’s okay said Matthew, We’ll take good care of you.

You don’t understand. I am dying. I have something that needs to be found out about before I die. I am the last one to come. No one will follow me. the old man told him.

What do you mean? asked Matthew puzzled.

He sounds delusional. Perhaps the heat of the day has taken a toll on him. Where the hell is that gurney? Nurse! What’s the delay? demanded Mark.

I’m right here. said Nurse Gibbons Should I give him a shot to quiet his nerves?

Mark nodded in agreement and turned to the old man, We will sedate you and monitor you so that you won’t have any discomfort.

The gurney finally arrived with two orderlies. Gently they placed the old man on his back lying him on the gurney.

Nurse place the patient in room 696. Get his vitals and his background info. Sir for the record I need to know your name please. said Matthew.

The old man stared glassy eyed at them. My name is insignificant because it was given to me before man was created. the old man replied.

Make a note on the chart, patient is unresponsive and list his name as ‘John Doe’. ordered Mark. Orderly wheel the patient away.

Wait please. You are doctors. You help cure people—a worldly task. Me on the other hand see people in a different light. Therefore if you can sustain me for a while, you know, keep me alive a couple of days, I will enlighten your eyes and your souls. I have but one request of you. Do you have a chaplain associated with the hospital? the old man asked.

I’ll have to check to see who is on call. answered Mark.

I think Father Luke has the rounds today. said Nurse Gibbons. Is a priest satisfactory to your wishes or would you prefer a rabbi?

A priest is fine. Have him visit me in my room. I have a lot to tell and I need to confess before I depart. the old man requested.

Nurse Gibbons, please page Father Luke. Mark said.

Father Luke O’Malley’s beeper went off waking him from his catnap he was taking in the chapel on the hospital grounds. He yawned and then stretched his arms, got up and stretched his legs. A regular habit he had since he was a boy. He was slender of build. He kept in shape with daily calisthenics and jogging. At 30, he was seven years out of the seminary and not assigned to any particular parish. A kind of freelance priest attending rounds at hospitals and nursing homes and visiting the elderly who couldn’t come to Mass.

He was dressed in a sweatshirt, pants and sneakers. He went to the door and then hesitated, I’d better change into my collar if I am to visit a patient . On the side of the chapel is a room that is used for church services. He found his clothes in the closet and quickly changed.

He checked his suit pockets for a bottle of holy water, a missal, and a crucifix. Satisfied he had everything in place, he went back into the chapel, walked to the altar, knelt down, and said a simple prayer, Lord let me do my best. Help me to console those in despair and to the poor souls who have strayed, give me the courage to help them find their way back home. Amen. He blessed himself and left.

Father Luke entered the double doors to the emergency room at Lenox Hill. Who needs my services? he asked Mark. Mark directs him to room 696. There is an elderly man who requested to see you Father. Mark said to him.

Father Luke entered room 696 and saw the patient connected to tubes and monitors. The old man appeared to be sleeping, so Father Luke sat down in the chair next to the window. I will wait and let him rest for now. he says to himself.

A slight breeze moved the patient’s chart at the foot of the bed. That’s weird Father Luke said aloud, No window or door is open yet I feel a draft.

The man’s eyes opened like slats on a blind, Father, so nice that you could come to me. Tell me, what order are you and where is your church? the old man asked.

My name is Father Luke O’Malley and I am a Jesuit. I have no church. I am what they call a ‘Wandering John’. Father Luke told him.

Oh, like the Baptist? the old man asked.

That’s correct. Father Luke answered. What religion are you? Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist?

Religion is a concept of man trying to pay homage to God. I have no religion. You see I am the darkness, the shadows, the plagues and the war all rolled into themselves. You see Father I am the ‘Anti-Religion’, the ‘Hater of Goodness’. he said.

Excuse me. Father Luke interrupted, Are you saying what I think you are saying? You are the devil?

Father I am going to tell you about history that I have been through for a very, very long time. I am telling you this because my time is soon to end. I am to go home having completed my work on Earth. When you leave this room, you will have the knowledge of knowing first hand why I have survived for so long. So pull up the chair and be prepared to hear astonishing words and facts. the old man told him.

A long time ago as it states in the bible, Jesus is baptized in the River Jordan by John. Jesus is then directed by the Holy Spirit to go into the desert. Jesus is to spend 40 days and 40 nights by himself. the old man began.

Yes. That’s true. said Father Luke. The apostles, Matthew, Mark and Luke chronicled the events so concise.

Not so fast. the old man replied. You see they weren’t there, but I was!

Wait a minute. Who are you kidding. You are old, but 2000 years old? Father Luke asked.

Let me continue if I may Father. the old man replied.

Yes. Yes. Go on. Father Luke told him.

It was said that Jesus was tempted 3 times by the devil. First for stones to be turned into food. Second for Jesus to save himself from falling off the hills by calling on his angels. Third by showing Jesus that all of the riches of the world would be his if only he would adore and follow me. the old man told him.

That’s correct, Father Luke interjected, and then the devil left Jesus.

That is what is written in the bible, but I come back you see. The temptations were in the early days of his journey, perhaps the second or third week, but I returned later. Here is my conversation I had with Jesus as best as I can remember. The old man began.

******

Who do you call yourself? I asked of him. I am Jesus of Nazareth he answered.

You are a carpenter. Am I correct? I asked.

I worked at the trade when I was younger, but now my Father has chosen for me a different path. he answered.

Your Father I know of very well. You see I was there at the beginning. I said.

Jesus answered, You are the reason why I came to save the souls. You who corrupted people’s minds with sin and wickedness.

You don’t get it Jesus. The Father did not create a perfect world. He wanted a place with good vs. evil. There is Heaven, there is Hell, and there also is Earth. Your Father is using you as well as me. This is His plan. To develop a script, a play. To run until He is tired. Why do you think He sent you here at this particular time to these beggars of men who call themselves Jews? I asked.

I have struggled with this very question you ask every day since I was a boy. Can you explain why you are here at this moment? Jesus asked of me.

I am the proprietor of the law. I am the benefactor of all of these souls. I am the curator of the art of deception. Why, I continue the process of war, plague, and death. I was bestowed by your Father when I was cast out of Heaven. Hell was created for me! You have a chance Jesus. I see great promise in you. You have magnetism. Why, you can hold a crowd captivated with your presence. Now me on the other hand, I am despicable. You were born to a virgin in a stable surrounded by love. I was an afterthought. God in all His glory never acknowledged me. I did all of His bidding, but I was always in His shadow. I asked God, ‘Why don’t you exalt me, make me head of the angels?’ But He had other plans for me. When I objected I was cast down from Heaven. I swore I would get even. Now I meet you Jesus in the flesh, on my land. I said.

Jesus studied me for a moment and then he said, I am the Son of the Father. I am the way of the light. I am the door to Heaven. In you I see no soul. You can never be saved. You have an eternal punishment, for you to spend time on earth which the Father has created is repulsive. You belong in Hell as I belong in Heaven alongside my Father.

Jesus, let me try to figure this out. God sent you to Earth to get rid of me, save all of the lost souls, and convert others to your way of life. Is that correct? I asked.

"Yes. That is correct. I only have a limited time to do my Father’s work and then I

will be gone." Jesus replied.

All who have preceded you are dead Jesus. Do you think you can make an impact on these lowly creatures who are known as humanity? I asked.

One thousand, no two thousand years from now people perhaps around the world in new countries, lands, cities, will be paying homage to me in Heaven. They will say, ‘Please Jesus help me.’ You on the other hand will still be here, damned to walk the Earth until I return to take you out of here. You will have a lengthy reign, but don’t get too comfortable. When I return, there will be hell to pay! Jesus warned.

Chapter 2

Old man, that is one hell of a narrative! But come on, you are truly the devil?, asked Father Luke in disbelief.

You want me to prove it to you? Have you got the stomach Father? Have you got, shall I say, faith in your God? You have two brothers, one sister, all older than you. Your father died of a heart attack. Your mother killed by a car as she crossed Queens Blvd. Your brother Pete had a recent heart attack, your brother Tom a bout with colon cancer. Your sister Marilyn is going strong after losing her daughter Linda to cancer. Do you want me to continue? the old man asked.

Father Luke’s face was white as a blizzard in Minnesota. Shock was pumping through his veins.

Let me continue my conversation with Jesus. Now where was I? Oh yes. Meanwhile back at the desert, I posed a series of questions to him. ‘Jesus do you think that you will alleviate people’s suffering because you came to Earth? Also how many followers do you have at present? the old man continued.

******

Jesus responded, No. People will still suffer as well as be consoled by me, because my love from the Father will always be eternal. As of right now, I have twelve apostles who are faithful followers.

Jesus I have not met them, but I know all about them. Peter, whom you rely on to follow in your footsteps, is very hesitant. Thomas is very doubtful, and the worst of the bunch is Judas. Can he be trusted to protect you? For every chicken who lays a dozen eggs, there is always one that is, dare I say, rotten? I asked.

I cannot tell which of my disciples will follow. That is up to them. My road also is uncertain. My Father guides me, the Holy Spirit leads me. Jesus replied.

Jesus, I can give you a road with no detours. Every step smooth as the finest silk from the East, shade throughout the hottest part of the day, wines to quench your thirst, and shelter at the richest houses along the way. All you have to do is follow me. How about it? What do you say? I asked of him.

It would be foolish to tempt me with pleasures pertaining to human needs! I am here more of the spirit even though I possess a body. It would be easier if you would cease being who you are Satan, especially since you have experienced Heaven! Jesus said.

I have to leave you now Jesus. My time is important. I have matters to attend to. I will keep in touch. Bye, for now. I said and then left.

******

In the Bible it says that Jesus was done with you, but what you are implying is that you returned to Jesus before he was crucified upon the cross? Father Luke asked the old man.

That is correct. I met with Jesus in the garden, but I am ahead of my story. I am weary for now. Let me get some rest. Can you visit tomorrow? Is that OK? the old man asked.

Fine, said Father Luke, sleep tight old man.

Chapter 3

Did you sleep well last night? Father Luke asked.

Yes I did. replied the old man. Doctors Mark and Matthew checked my heart and lungs and said that everything appears to be normal, but they are scheduling a series of tests to rule out any abnormalities, just to be safe.

To continue my story of my times with Jesus…… he began again.

******

I visited the apostles who were gathered together before Jesus returned from the desert. Since I didn’t reveal who I was to the twelve, I inquired as to where Jesus was. Peter on guard for the group said, ‘Who are you and why do you ask?’ I told him that I had heard of his sermons and how he could heal the sick, and I wanted to be able to see him and perhaps believe that this was true and not lies.

Judas spoke that Jesus was not far from where we were and that he would return shortly once he had finished fasting. I thanked Judas and responded rather slyly, You hold a secret in regards to Jesus that all of the rest desire to know.

Judas responded startled, That’s not true! I would never do anything to injure my Lord!

******

How prophetic that those words would shortly become his undoing. I had found my rotten egg from the dozen! Ha! the old man exclaimed.

So you knew Judas had a weakness and you capitalized upon it. Is that how you work to grab men’s souls? I can’t believe I am sitting here conversing with the Devil himself! You seem so charming. Is that your ploy? To work your charm upon me, a Catholic priest? Is that why you asked for me? Father Luke couldn’t get the words out fast enough.

Believe me. This is not the case. I told you my time is almost up. I have to tell my story because you are of the faith. Believe in Jesus the Salvation of Souls. Let me please continue. Could you please fluff up my pillows and fill my water glass? I have to take my medication. the old man said.

******

Jesus returned to the city and the apostles met him just inside the city gates. They were overjoyed. Andrew raced to the town’s stable returning with a donkey. They placed Jesus upon the donkey knowing that he surely was tired after having fasted in the desert.

We have prepared a table for you. Are you hungry from your journey? James asked.

I could eat a horse! Jesus replied.

Along the way on either side of the street, Roman centurions were stationed. One smiled, Here he comes! Make way! The King of the Jews is here! Everyone look he will perform a miracle!

Peter walked over to the soldier,stood eye to eye to him and said, Yes my Lord will perform a miracle. He will let you live another day. Thank your lucky stars.

Jesus pulled the reigns on the donkey and dismounted. Peter, let me talk to the soldier. Jesus placed his hand upon his shoulder. You have lived the life of a Roman. You believe in false idols. Believe instead of the Father, as I am speaking to you right now. He cares for you and your family. May you find me if ever you are in need.

The soldier replied, Thank you, but my duty is with Caesar and Pontius Pilate. However, there is something about you that puzzles me. Perhaps we will meet again when paths merge.

Jesus continued on his way. That night Jesus went into the garden to pray. I entered from behind a grove of olive trees. Who is there? Jesus asked into the night.

It is I Jesus. I told you I would come back. I replied.

Devil, what do you want? Jesus asked.

Listen. I have news that I am afraid you do not want to hear. It is of grave proportions. You have many enemies that want to do you harm. Come with me now and escape this insanity! I said to him.

I cannot do that! I still have my mission to accomplish. I am still a young man at 33. Jesus replied.

Please listen to me. As we speak, one of the twelve will betray you with a kiss upon the cheek and then turn you over to your captors. I told him.

You are crazy Devil! My Father directed me to choose only the best quality of men, a select group of twelve. No power in heaven can unshake them. Jesus said.

"Yes no power in heaven, however this is earth and I rule! You will see for yourself and before your agony is through, you will want me to come to you. Remember my words!