Today’s performance of the Messiah Show at Eden Adventure Park is almost finished. As it has become the tradition, Jesus humbly lingers by the podium for a bit longer to help the fans who have come from all over the city just for a chance to see Him in person. And the beneficent and benevolent leader that Jesus is, He would not deny them His help in whatever need they might have. Some ask clarifying questions about the notion of forgiveness, and some—more lately than before—ask for forgiveness itself. And of course, Jesus will not disappoint.
With a gracious smile, Jesus blesses an older woman who is walking with the aid of a walker. Although He is smiling, deep inside, He cannot stop worrying. Earlier, when the park speakers broadcasted that angry voice cursing at somebody named Charlie, some old visions came back to Jesus: He will be crucified on the cross, with blood dripping from the nails that are driven through His palms. He has had that vision many times in the past but never as vivid as it was today. It was as if the vision was one minute away from becoming reality. A frightening reality made of horror.
In contrast with Jesus, Paul doesn’t seem concerned at all. He is even more excited and enthusiastic than ever. God bless Paul; he is a source of inspiration for Jesus. Right now, Paul is passionately helping out two of Jesus’ young followers, one in a black sports bra and yoga stretch pants, and the other wearing a light blue culotte dress. What would Jesus do without Paul? Paul is so engrossed in fulfilling his divine duty, that he doesn’t even notice Mr. Morgan sauntering over.
With his sleeves rolled up and his shirt partly untucked, revealing his belly button, Mr. Morgan looks like he just went through a rough street fight. Like a lion that has just torn apart a herd of buffalo, he has the look of an unrivaled king on his face, challenging any beast that dares come his way. The unsettled savagery that still ripples on his face prevents the triumphant smile from fully forming.
Jesus excuses himself, and leaving behind the surrounding fans, He dashes toward ambling Mr. Morgan.
“There is my favorite star,” Mr. Morgan says, his smile widening. His eyes brighten like blind Jacob getting his vision back solely by being exposed to the sight of Joseph.
“Hey, Mr. Morgan,” Jesus says. “What was that all about?”
“You heard it over the walkie-talkie, huh?”
“Walkie-talkie? No, Paul takes care of the walkie-talkie. I mean the speakers and…all the profanity.”
“They were coming after you, son.”
“They?” Jesus gulps in nervousness, remembering the vision of Him being crucified. “Who?… Why?”
“Because you talk, my boy. And because people listen.”
Jesus turns His gaze down on the grass. Feeling weak in his knees, He decides to join His gaze and sits on the grass before He would fall and make a scene.
Mr. Morgan stands above Jesus and hovers over Him. Holding Jesus’s bearded face in his hands, he gently lifts it, bringing their eyes together. “There’s nothing to worry about.” With a protective fatherly look in his eyes, he further leans in and says, “Listen to me, son. If they want to stop you, they’d have to go over my dead body first.”
“But they are—”
“And I’d tear their eyes out; I’d chew their bones; and I’d devour their guts before their dirty fingers dare touch my beloved star.”
Jesus takes a hard swallow. “Aren’t they powerful people?” He asks, His voice trembling.
“Yeah. So am I,” Mr. Morgan sneers with an unwavering certainty in his voice.