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Jacks Sunday Mass At White Oak Chapel 240311
In the serene ambiance of White Oak Chapel, with its ornately carved pews and stained glass windows, the congregation gathers for a mass led by Jack on a cool Sunday morning. The attendees, a mix of students and townsfolk, are immediately highlighted by their individual interactions and preparatory gestures as they settle into the service. Among them, Lilah warmly greets Father Jack and settles next to Viktorin, who hints at possibly needing to leave early. Joel, arriving just in time, and Caelum and Sienna, who slip in slightly late, find their places among familiar faces. The mass, themed around Lent, temptation, and seeking forgiveness, begins with a communal recitation asking for mercy, setting a somber yet reflective tone.
As the service unfolds with readings and Jack's sermon drawing from both biblical teachings and the Bhagavad Gita, the attendees are encouraged to introspect on the concepts of power, love, and self-discipline. Jack’s message focuses on the balance of these elements to avoid corruption and navigate life's challenges, resonating with the congregation in varying degrees. Viktorin, discreet and contemplative, leaves early with a polite nod. Lilah, visibly moved yet hesitant to partake in the Eucharist, opts to stay seated, reflecting on the sermon's message. Sienna, despite her casual behavior, and Caelum, who is more reserved, engage briefly with Jack post-service, showcasing a mix of respect and curiosity about the philosophical discourse. The mass concludes not just as a religious ritual but as a moment of communal reflection, with each character carried by their own thoughts and reactions to the day's sermon, hinting at personal struggles and the search for spiritual solace amidst life's tumults.
(Jack's Sunday Mass at White Oak Chapel)
[Sun Mar 10 2024]
In the pews of the White Oak Chapel
Sturdy wooden benches line the aisle, their polished surfaces reflecting the soft, filtered light that streams through the stained glass windows. The pews themselves are intricately carved and embellished, if not overly comfortable looking.
It is about 50F(10C) degrees.
"Good morning, Father," Lilah greets, dipping her head and offering a little wave at the same time. She smiles, then turns to slip into the pew next to Viktorin, where she offers a quiet, "Hey, Tabitha," and whispers something a bit quieter to the Czech fellow.
Viktorin flicks his finger to his ear-piece, listening in for a moment. Humming, he tells Jack, "I may have to leave early Father. I hope you don't mind." His eyes flicker over towards Tabitha as she sits nearby, squinting inquisitively at the look she gives him. Turning his eyes towards Lilah, the demigod smiles fondly at her, leaning his head in to listen to her. And simply, he answers her with the shake of his head.
Joel slips into the chapel right in time with a faint sigh of relief. He moves to sit in a pew of his own, shoulders hunched a little as he watches Jack.
"Well then," Jack says, as the bells begin to ring. He goes to step up behind the altar, greeting those present. The choir begins to sing, some hymn of greeting, and for a moment everyone is on their feet. When the hymn ceases, the former priest crosses himself. "Welcome, all, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost." It's some easy greeting with a nod to Viktorin. "We are gathered today for another mass in the time of Lent -- a time of fasting for all of us," he says, "to remind us of how temptation leads us away from virtue, and how through God we can find our path."
Greeting leads to prayer -- "Now, as we ask every week," Jack tells those gathered for Mass. "Stand, and silently think of those things you need forgiveness for." He pauses. "God does not ask us to be perfect," he tells the students and others here. "He asks us to strive to be perfect, but he does not ask us to be that way. Perfection is God's alone." He reaches up, touching his collar. "He knows we sin, and he will forgive. Each of you form in your minds some prayer for your trespasses this last week." It seems that mass begun a moment ago when Caelum and Sienna slip in -- it's now towards the end of its opening part, with the homily to come shortly.
Late by a small margin, Caelum huffs under his breath - relieved more that they're not too late, it seems. All the sinners sitting in the back pews gets a narrow-eyed stare, and he one-ups to slither on and slide into a seat in the middle pews.
Tabitha crosses her legs, resting her hands, the nails still revealing the recent turn of dirt and soil beneath them. Her focus is left up onto the altar to not notice that Caelum and Sienna have arrived. She does look down at those nails, and gently pick beneath them. Salt and soil flake to the floor.
Joel bite his lip faintly, his shoulders hunching ever os fiantly. He quietly rises to his feet with the rest of the congregation, staring silently at the floor.
Lilah slides to her feet at the request to stand. Though she doesn't look terribly thrilled to think back over the past week, eventually she seems to settle. Her eyes close, but whatever's on her mind no longer registers on her face.
Sienna moves quickly down the aisle, green eyes flickering over the pews before she moves to slip into the middle-most pews. She wiggles her fingers in quiet regard to the familiar faces, but she remains silent, eyes cast forward toward Jack at the altar.
Once there has been some moment for parishioners to pause, Jack turns his eyes skyward. "Kyrie eleison," he says. "Lord, have mercy." It's a plea, perhaps, for forgiveness -- for the defrocked priest's sins and for those present, too, who have made some silent entreaties. "Christ, have mercy." A pause, again.
Now, for those who have been to Mass before, it is time for the whole congregation to repeat: "Lord, have mercy." It's everyone's plea to be forgiven their sins.
Lilah murmurs the words, "Lord, have mercy," but her cheeks have flushed a bright red and she's very quick to sit back down again, wiggling herself back into her seat until her back is ramrod straight against the back of the pew. She crosses her legs, folds her hands, and just takes a deep breath.
Caelum echoes with the rest, "Lord, have mercy." before he has a chance to sit down. His hand is at his neck, briefly holding onto the cross pendant while his head is low for the moment. Presumably for the prayer for forgiveness he just nearly missed. It doesn't last very long, whatever he prayed for, and he finally takes his seat with a low, quiet sigh.
"Lord, have mercy," Sienna murmurs softly under her breath along with the gathered pentinent, her head bowed slightly with her hands laced within her lap.
Viktorin rises and intones, quietly, unintrusively, "Lord have mercy." And then he seats himself, distractedly listening to Jack as they speak.
Tabitha stands with the others, folding her hands before her. Sitting, only after she has repeated, for Jack, "Lord have mercy." Seating herself again, she crosses her ankles, rather than legs.
Joel quietly mumbles along with the "Lord have mercy" before sitting back down.
The Mass proceeds. It is not merely Jack who gives it -- White Oak is a non-denominational school, so in addition to Jack's rather heretical pseudo-Catholicism the school staff has religious staff from a variety of Christian faiths, as well as a few staff-members from other traditions. With the Lenten season, the Christ story rules today's service, but there is a guest reading from a Hindu biology professor who discusses how Krishna instructs Arjuna on duty in the Gita.
Traditional services reassert themselves, though, after the reading is over, as Jack retakes the pulpit:
"From the Second Book of Timothy," Jack reads. "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands -- for the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." A beat. "The word of the Lord." He looks up, beginning his homily. "Why do I talk about the spirit God gave us in this time of Lent?" he wonders to the crowd.
"Lent is Christ's time in the wilderness," Jack reminds those gathered in the chapel. He looks around -- eyes finding Sienna, Caelum, Lilah, Viktorin, Tabitha and Joel, among others. "He was sent out by the spirit of God, and there he was tempted by Satan," he says. "And despite those temptations he stayed true to his faith -- to virtue," he explains. There's some emphasis on virtue. "He was given a spirit by God that allowed him to overcome those troubles, but he is not alone. Is there anyone here who does not feel the spirit of God in them?" he asks. "For some of you you may call it willpower. For others, dharma." Some reference to the Hindu professor's reading of the Gita. "Aristotle said that men -- though we should say women, too -- possess 'arete', excellence. But whatever you call it, look within yourself, right now, and find that spirit."
Lilah swallows hard, her eyes fixed on that altar as she listens to Jack, though from time to time her attention flits off of the priest and over to the people around her. The question he asks seems to make her squirm again, but she manages to nod, a firm gesture.
Jack continues. "Timothy is a message from the Apostle Paul. This is a letter, an epistle, to Timothy, who is also a missionary. Paul was imprisoned when he wrote this letter," he says. "He was in his wilderness -- and so was Timothy, who wondered what he should do. Christ was gone, and Paul now soon to be executed. Timothy was alone in a dark place," he says. "And who amongst us here -- in this school, in this town -- has not been alone in a dark place? Who has not heard some awful growl in the night, or seen some figure of shadows emerge from the mists?" he asks. "We are in the wilderness. You can see it -- look out the window, for the Forest and its awful mists press close."
Now, the former priest's voice gains some strength. "Paul reminded Timothy and I remind you the quality of your spirit. Those of you who are my students -- I know it." He looks for them. "I know the steel you have. When Paul tells Timothy that God did not make him timid, I remind you -- God did not make you timid. He gave you power," he said. "Most of you have known the touch of power, but it is not all that God gave you, is it?"
A low pause. "God gave you love, and he gave you self-discipline. For those who he truly gives power to, you need all three to survive the wilderness."
Viktorin blinks at Jack, listening to his words. He glances at his own hands in wonder, and then, his attention is returned towards the priest, contemplating their words.
Caelum is silent in the midst of his inner soul-searching, as instructed by Jack. He keeps his legs cross, his hand over them - the other still holding onto his pendant. Along the way, while Jack continues to speak, he removes it to hold in his palm instead, idly run his thumb over the cross. His expression is somewhat distant at the mention of dark places, and remains that way while his eyes are drawn low to stare at the ground.
Tabitha purses her lips together, a thin little line, now showing the creases of where frowns have been forming far more than smiles in recent times. The redhead looses a sigh from those lips, parting and relaxing to allow the sound.
"Why does God ask for love?" Jack asks those gathered. "Without others, we fail. Christ had angels to comfort him in the wilderness," he says. "I have been alone -- I have felt doubt creep into my heart, and when there is no one there next to you, it consumes you. Without love, you will fall to temptation." He pauses. "But love alone is not enough -- for too much love becomes indulgence," he says. "It blinds you to danger, and it becomes its own road to temptation and to -corruption-." That word has emphasis. "And you must have self-discipline, too: power, love, self-discipline. Unless you have all three, corruption will win."
"Because God is a jealous entity who demands complete supplication from his flock. He has entire chapters of what happens to those who dare worship anyone or anything before him," Sienna pipes up from the middle pews, her head still tucked down while she scrolls through something on her phone, distracted.
Viktorin rises slowly, bowing his head respectfully towards Jack as he leaves, as unintrusively as the Czech can possibly manage. He offers a smile towards Lilah, Joel, and Tabitha as he goes.
Caelum gives Sienna a sideway, silent stare.
"Power, love, self-discipline," Jack repeats at last, and then he is stepping back. His sermon is done, perhaps -- though not without a long, low look at Sienna as a deacon comes up now to give a reading.
Mass continues: the Eucharist is consecrated today by an Episcopalian priest who teaches supernatural history, but Jack is one of the priests standing to offer the wafer to those who want to come forward for the end of mass.
Sienna raises her head, meeting Caelum's stare with a panicked knit of her brows. "What? I thought he was asking us like in a homily," she whisper-yells over.
Tabitha begins to rise to her feet as well, politely turning to make her way out without begin too noisy or disruptive.
left alone in the back pew when her two companions leave, Lilah swallows hard, but seems to sort of relax at the same time. She squirms a little where she sits, perhaps just trying to get a bit more comfortable, as things go on. But the Eucharist? No, it doesn't seem she has it in her to approach the altar for that, today.
"It's nothing.. Don't worry about it." Caelum shakes his his head, voice kept somewhat low, but he does bring his hand up to rub his eyes. It barely hides the faint smile, one that disappears very quickly when he stands up from his seat. Circling around, he makes his way ahead to get his taste of Christ's blood and flesh, and gives Jack, alongside the other priests, a dip of his head in a nod. Then he's leaving too, briefly paused by Sienna to wait for her.
After those who have wanted the Eucharist get it, Mass is over -- Jack gives some final benediction before he steps down from the altar to linger and talk to any who want some fellowship after the service.
Joel sits in hsi pew a little while longer before seeming to coem to terms with hatever he was turning over in his mind. He gets to his feet, apparently not intending to take communion, but he does give Jack a quiet smile and a nod as he starts to head for the exit.
Sienna slips out of the pew, quickly shrugging her bag over a shoulder before she moves down the aisle to catch up with Caelum. "Shoot, don't leave me," she pleads, her hand going up to wave softly at Lilah. "Hey, you. We've been meaning to catch you," she calls over.
Lilah looks surprised by Sienna's claim. "Me?" she asks, but there's a smile that comes with it, all the same. "Hey. Hi," she follows up with, giving the girl a wave too.
Sienna flashes a smile of pearly whites toward Lilah, nodding once in affirmation. "Yep," she chirps softly. "Hi. We don't have to do it now, but I'll definitely be looking out for you this week?"
"I'm not leaving, you wouldn't let me hear the end of it if I did." Caelum chimes over at Sienna, with an amused smile at that -- for now, he's not moving, waiting on Sienna. His attention flits between Lilah and the Swann, and taking advantage of the brief interlude, puts his cross where it belongs around his neck.
"Sure," Lilah offers with another of her quick smiles. "That sounds nice. I'll be around when I'm not in class." She looks over to Caelum, then back to Sienna and says, "Sounds fun," with a nod.
"I wouldn't say anything at all. I'd just ignore you and withhold all my cool tech stuff from you," Sienna shoots back to Caelum with a light roll of her eyes, offering Lilah a sweet smile. "You look really pretty, by the way. Is that a bodysuit? I feel like nobody wears them but me."
"It is," Lilah admits, with a quick look down at her attire, then another smile to Sienna, a hint of pleased color in her cheeks. "I love them," she confesses and then adds, in compliment for compliment style, "Every time I see you, you're wearing the -best- outfits." A pause and then, perhaps admitting what she's not quite willing to ask, she offers, "I'm Lilah," and pauses in clear hopes that the other young woman will introduce herself as well. Should she know? Probably.
"What cool tech stuff?" Caelum asks almost cluelessly. Or, almost does. He doesn't seem willing to intrude on their meeting at all - though, and as soon as the fashion talk starts, the notably less than fashionable young man tips two digits over his temple in passing, to continue on and shuffle himself away. "I'll be outside, gotta text. Catch you around Lilah."
Sienna links her arm casually through someone' arm, teeth momentarily gritted in a flare up of pain. She adjusts her blazer, concealing a nasty cut and bruise peeking out beneath the v-neck of her t-shirt. "I really appreciate that," she gushes lightly at Lilah, cheeks dimpling with her broadening smile. "And I know you, yeah. It's nice to finally actually speak to you, instead of catching your back. I'm Sienna."
Sienna adjusts her clothes, teeth momentarily gritted in a flare up of pain. She adjusts her blazer, concealing a nasty cut and bruise peeking out beneath the v-neck of her t-shirt. "I really appreciate that," she gushes lightly at Lilah, cheeks dimpling with her broadening smile. "And I know you, yeah. It's nice to finally actually speak to you, instead of catching your back. I'm Sienna."
"Oh crap," Lilah says when the young man leaves. She looks apologetically at Sienna and says, "I really didn't mean to interrupt that badly!" There's a hint of laughter, as she adds, "You know it's bad when he chooses the sun over girl talk, right?" A pause. "Sienna. Got it. I won't forget," she promises. "And... I'll look forward to seeing you soon?" If she's noticed the injuries, she makes no comment on them, for now.
Jack stands at the front of the chapel, talking to students.
"No worries. He knows better than to leave without me. I'll start hacking his phone and making it unusable for him, and then he'll crying," Sienna promises to Lilah in light-hearted jest, head bobbing once in quick affirmation before she drifts onward to catch her vanishing companion. "Have a good day!"
"Miss Swann," Jack tells Sienna. "Mr. Cross." He has his alb and stole over his arm. "Did you enjoy the sermon?"
"Fine, no self-loathing." Caelum pauses - narrows his eyes, then offers like a snake. "I'm sorry you're as fragile as glass. Let's call it a draw." The hand within his own is tugged closer, Sienna along with it so they can take off -- but before he can depart or say anything else, either about that or the departing redhead, he's distracted by Jack, which he regards with a slight, slow dip of his head. "We did, Father Jack. Thank you. The Hindu stuff was distracting, but your sermon saved it."
"What, no I am not! You're just a comple--" Sienna's sass and vitriol is cut short by Jack's slithering out from the chutch and behind them, her expression one of pure innocence as she casts a subdued and gracious smile toward him. "Of course, Father. You've given me much to meditate on when I read my bible this evening."
Jack shrugs to Caelum. "I'll be honest, Mr. Cross. You should give the Gita a good read. Krishna is instructing on 'warrior virtue', kshatriya," he tells the man. "And I know your life is one spent in war. But what does it mean to be righteous as a warrior?" he asks. There's a look at Sienna. "I read the Bible nightly. I wish it was a comforting as when I didn't know the truth, Miss Swann."
"I'll-" Caelum stops, knits his brows to give Jack a look-over. It looks like he's caught off-guard with that comment of his life, but he fails to reply to it with anything other than a quiet nod in acceptance. "..I'll give it a read." As for what Jack says to Sienna, he has no clue. Oblivious, to whatever this truth is - and happy to be.
"As they say, Father, ignorance is most assuredly bliss," Sienna quietly retorts toward Jack with a sympathetic smile, leaning her cheek against Caelum's shoulder. The slight movement is enough to spark a quiet noise of discomfort as her wounded shoulder is strained, but she smiles placately through it, adjusting her blazer afterward.
Caelum's expression grows a little more severe when Sienna shows her discomfort. She may try to hide it, but Caelum doesn't buy it - and he gives Jack another bow of his head. "Sorry, Father. We have somewhere to be but I hope I can find you for the confessional at a later time." Then, with Sienna under an arm, Caelum leads her away, towards the reception.
As the service unfolds with readings and Jack's sermon drawing from both biblical teachings and the Bhagavad Gita, the attendees are encouraged to introspect on the concepts of power, love, and self-discipline. Jack’s message focuses on the balance of these elements to avoid corruption and navigate life's challenges, resonating with the congregation in varying degrees. Viktorin, discreet and contemplative, leaves early with a polite nod. Lilah, visibly moved yet hesitant to partake in the Eucharist, opts to stay seated, reflecting on the sermon's message. Sienna, despite her casual behavior, and Caelum, who is more reserved, engage briefly with Jack post-service, showcasing a mix of respect and curiosity about the philosophical discourse. The mass concludes not just as a religious ritual but as a moment of communal reflection, with each character carried by their own thoughts and reactions to the day's sermon, hinting at personal struggles and the search for spiritual solace amidst life's tumults.
(Jack's Sunday Mass at White Oak Chapel)
[Sun Mar 10 2024]
In the pews of the White Oak Chapel
Sturdy wooden benches line the aisle, their polished surfaces reflecting the soft, filtered light that streams through the stained glass windows. The pews themselves are intricately carved and embellished, if not overly comfortable looking.
It is about 50F(10C) degrees.
"Good morning, Father," Lilah greets, dipping her head and offering a little wave at the same time. She smiles, then turns to slip into the pew next to Viktorin, where she offers a quiet, "Hey, Tabitha," and whispers something a bit quieter to the Czech fellow.
Viktorin flicks his finger to his ear-piece, listening in for a moment. Humming, he tells Jack, "I may have to leave early Father. I hope you don't mind." His eyes flicker over towards Tabitha as she sits nearby, squinting inquisitively at the look she gives him. Turning his eyes towards Lilah, the demigod smiles fondly at her, leaning his head in to listen to her. And simply, he answers her with the shake of his head.
Joel slips into the chapel right in time with a faint sigh of relief. He moves to sit in a pew of his own, shoulders hunched a little as he watches Jack.
"Well then," Jack says, as the bells begin to ring. He goes to step up behind the altar, greeting those present. The choir begins to sing, some hymn of greeting, and for a moment everyone is on their feet. When the hymn ceases, the former priest crosses himself. "Welcome, all, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost." It's some easy greeting with a nod to Viktorin. "We are gathered today for another mass in the time of Lent -- a time of fasting for all of us," he says, "to remind us of how temptation leads us away from virtue, and how through God we can find our path."
Greeting leads to prayer -- "Now, as we ask every week," Jack tells those gathered for Mass. "Stand, and silently think of those things you need forgiveness for." He pauses. "God does not ask us to be perfect," he tells the students and others here. "He asks us to strive to be perfect, but he does not ask us to be that way. Perfection is God's alone." He reaches up, touching his collar. "He knows we sin, and he will forgive. Each of you form in your minds some prayer for your trespasses this last week." It seems that mass begun a moment ago when Caelum and Sienna slip in -- it's now towards the end of its opening part, with the homily to come shortly.
Late by a small margin, Caelum huffs under his breath - relieved more that they're not too late, it seems. All the sinners sitting in the back pews gets a narrow-eyed stare, and he one-ups to slither on and slide into a seat in the middle pews.
Tabitha crosses her legs, resting her hands, the nails still revealing the recent turn of dirt and soil beneath them. Her focus is left up onto the altar to not notice that Caelum and Sienna have arrived. She does look down at those nails, and gently pick beneath them. Salt and soil flake to the floor.
Joel bite his lip faintly, his shoulders hunching ever os fiantly. He quietly rises to his feet with the rest of the congregation, staring silently at the floor.
Lilah slides to her feet at the request to stand. Though she doesn't look terribly thrilled to think back over the past week, eventually she seems to settle. Her eyes close, but whatever's on her mind no longer registers on her face.
Sienna moves quickly down the aisle, green eyes flickering over the pews before she moves to slip into the middle-most pews. She wiggles her fingers in quiet regard to the familiar faces, but she remains silent, eyes cast forward toward Jack at the altar.
Once there has been some moment for parishioners to pause, Jack turns his eyes skyward. "Kyrie eleison," he says. "Lord, have mercy." It's a plea, perhaps, for forgiveness -- for the defrocked priest's sins and for those present, too, who have made some silent entreaties. "Christ, have mercy." A pause, again.
Now, for those who have been to Mass before, it is time for the whole congregation to repeat: "Lord, have mercy." It's everyone's plea to be forgiven their sins.
Lilah murmurs the words, "Lord, have mercy," but her cheeks have flushed a bright red and she's very quick to sit back down again, wiggling herself back into her seat until her back is ramrod straight against the back of the pew. She crosses her legs, folds her hands, and just takes a deep breath.
Caelum echoes with the rest, "Lord, have mercy." before he has a chance to sit down. His hand is at his neck, briefly holding onto the cross pendant while his head is low for the moment. Presumably for the prayer for forgiveness he just nearly missed. It doesn't last very long, whatever he prayed for, and he finally takes his seat with a low, quiet sigh.
"Lord, have mercy," Sienna murmurs softly under her breath along with the gathered pentinent, her head bowed slightly with her hands laced within her lap.
Viktorin rises and intones, quietly, unintrusively, "Lord have mercy." And then he seats himself, distractedly listening to Jack as they speak.
Tabitha stands with the others, folding her hands before her. Sitting, only after she has repeated, for Jack, "Lord have mercy." Seating herself again, she crosses her ankles, rather than legs.
Joel quietly mumbles along with the "Lord have mercy" before sitting back down.
The Mass proceeds. It is not merely Jack who gives it -- White Oak is a non-denominational school, so in addition to Jack's rather heretical pseudo-Catholicism the school staff has religious staff from a variety of Christian faiths, as well as a few staff-members from other traditions. With the Lenten season, the Christ story rules today's service, but there is a guest reading from a Hindu biology professor who discusses how Krishna instructs Arjuna on duty in the Gita.
Traditional services reassert themselves, though, after the reading is over, as Jack retakes the pulpit:
"From the Second Book of Timothy," Jack reads. "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands -- for the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." A beat. "The word of the Lord." He looks up, beginning his homily. "Why do I talk about the spirit God gave us in this time of Lent?" he wonders to the crowd.
"Lent is Christ's time in the wilderness," Jack reminds those gathered in the chapel. He looks around -- eyes finding Sienna, Caelum, Lilah, Viktorin, Tabitha and Joel, among others. "He was sent out by the spirit of God, and there he was tempted by Satan," he says. "And despite those temptations he stayed true to his faith -- to virtue," he explains. There's some emphasis on virtue. "He was given a spirit by God that allowed him to overcome those troubles, but he is not alone. Is there anyone here who does not feel the spirit of God in them?" he asks. "For some of you you may call it willpower. For others, dharma." Some reference to the Hindu professor's reading of the Gita. "Aristotle said that men -- though we should say women, too -- possess 'arete', excellence. But whatever you call it, look within yourself, right now, and find that spirit."
Lilah swallows hard, her eyes fixed on that altar as she listens to Jack, though from time to time her attention flits off of the priest and over to the people around her. The question he asks seems to make her squirm again, but she manages to nod, a firm gesture.
Jack continues. "Timothy is a message from the Apostle Paul. This is a letter, an epistle, to Timothy, who is also a missionary. Paul was imprisoned when he wrote this letter," he says. "He was in his wilderness -- and so was Timothy, who wondered what he should do. Christ was gone, and Paul now soon to be executed. Timothy was alone in a dark place," he says. "And who amongst us here -- in this school, in this town -- has not been alone in a dark place? Who has not heard some awful growl in the night, or seen some figure of shadows emerge from the mists?" he asks. "We are in the wilderness. You can see it -- look out the window, for the Forest and its awful mists press close."
Now, the former priest's voice gains some strength. "Paul reminded Timothy and I remind you the quality of your spirit. Those of you who are my students -- I know it." He looks for them. "I know the steel you have. When Paul tells Timothy that God did not make him timid, I remind you -- God did not make you timid. He gave you power," he said. "Most of you have known the touch of power, but it is not all that God gave you, is it?"
A low pause. "God gave you love, and he gave you self-discipline. For those who he truly gives power to, you need all three to survive the wilderness."
Viktorin blinks at Jack, listening to his words. He glances at his own hands in wonder, and then, his attention is returned towards the priest, contemplating their words.
Caelum is silent in the midst of his inner soul-searching, as instructed by Jack. He keeps his legs cross, his hand over them - the other still holding onto his pendant. Along the way, while Jack continues to speak, he removes it to hold in his palm instead, idly run his thumb over the cross. His expression is somewhat distant at the mention of dark places, and remains that way while his eyes are drawn low to stare at the ground.
Tabitha purses her lips together, a thin little line, now showing the creases of where frowns have been forming far more than smiles in recent times. The redhead looses a sigh from those lips, parting and relaxing to allow the sound.
"Why does God ask for love?" Jack asks those gathered. "Without others, we fail. Christ had angels to comfort him in the wilderness," he says. "I have been alone -- I have felt doubt creep into my heart, and when there is no one there next to you, it consumes you. Without love, you will fall to temptation." He pauses. "But love alone is not enough -- for too much love becomes indulgence," he says. "It blinds you to danger, and it becomes its own road to temptation and to -corruption-." That word has emphasis. "And you must have self-discipline, too: power, love, self-discipline. Unless you have all three, corruption will win."
"Because God is a jealous entity who demands complete supplication from his flock. He has entire chapters of what happens to those who dare worship anyone or anything before him," Sienna pipes up from the middle pews, her head still tucked down while she scrolls through something on her phone, distracted.
Viktorin rises slowly, bowing his head respectfully towards Jack as he leaves, as unintrusively as the Czech can possibly manage. He offers a smile towards Lilah, Joel, and Tabitha as he goes.
Caelum gives Sienna a sideway, silent stare.
"Power, love, self-discipline," Jack repeats at last, and then he is stepping back. His sermon is done, perhaps -- though not without a long, low look at Sienna as a deacon comes up now to give a reading.
Mass continues: the Eucharist is consecrated today by an Episcopalian priest who teaches supernatural history, but Jack is one of the priests standing to offer the wafer to those who want to come forward for the end of mass.
Sienna raises her head, meeting Caelum's stare with a panicked knit of her brows. "What? I thought he was asking us like in a homily," she whisper-yells over.
Tabitha begins to rise to her feet as well, politely turning to make her way out without begin too noisy or disruptive.
left alone in the back pew when her two companions leave, Lilah swallows hard, but seems to sort of relax at the same time. She squirms a little where she sits, perhaps just trying to get a bit more comfortable, as things go on. But the Eucharist? No, it doesn't seem she has it in her to approach the altar for that, today.
"It's nothing.. Don't worry about it." Caelum shakes his his head, voice kept somewhat low, but he does bring his hand up to rub his eyes. It barely hides the faint smile, one that disappears very quickly when he stands up from his seat. Circling around, he makes his way ahead to get his taste of Christ's blood and flesh, and gives Jack, alongside the other priests, a dip of his head in a nod. Then he's leaving too, briefly paused by Sienna to wait for her.
After those who have wanted the Eucharist get it, Mass is over -- Jack gives some final benediction before he steps down from the altar to linger and talk to any who want some fellowship after the service.
Joel sits in hsi pew a little while longer before seeming to coem to terms with hatever he was turning over in his mind. He gets to his feet, apparently not intending to take communion, but he does give Jack a quiet smile and a nod as he starts to head for the exit.
Sienna slips out of the pew, quickly shrugging her bag over a shoulder before she moves down the aisle to catch up with Caelum. "Shoot, don't leave me," she pleads, her hand going up to wave softly at Lilah. "Hey, you. We've been meaning to catch you," she calls over.
Lilah looks surprised by Sienna's claim. "Me?" she asks, but there's a smile that comes with it, all the same. "Hey. Hi," she follows up with, giving the girl a wave too.
Sienna flashes a smile of pearly whites toward Lilah, nodding once in affirmation. "Yep," she chirps softly. "Hi. We don't have to do it now, but I'll definitely be looking out for you this week?"
"I'm not leaving, you wouldn't let me hear the end of it if I did." Caelum chimes over at Sienna, with an amused smile at that -- for now, he's not moving, waiting on Sienna. His attention flits between Lilah and the Swann, and taking advantage of the brief interlude, puts his cross where it belongs around his neck.
"Sure," Lilah offers with another of her quick smiles. "That sounds nice. I'll be around when I'm not in class." She looks over to Caelum, then back to Sienna and says, "Sounds fun," with a nod.
"I wouldn't say anything at all. I'd just ignore you and withhold all my cool tech stuff from you," Sienna shoots back to Caelum with a light roll of her eyes, offering Lilah a sweet smile. "You look really pretty, by the way. Is that a bodysuit? I feel like nobody wears them but me."
"It is," Lilah admits, with a quick look down at her attire, then another smile to Sienna, a hint of pleased color in her cheeks. "I love them," she confesses and then adds, in compliment for compliment style, "Every time I see you, you're wearing the -best- outfits." A pause and then, perhaps admitting what she's not quite willing to ask, she offers, "I'm Lilah," and pauses in clear hopes that the other young woman will introduce herself as well. Should she know? Probably.
"What cool tech stuff?" Caelum asks almost cluelessly. Or, almost does. He doesn't seem willing to intrude on their meeting at all - though, and as soon as the fashion talk starts, the notably less than fashionable young man tips two digits over his temple in passing, to continue on and shuffle himself away. "I'll be outside, gotta text. Catch you around Lilah."
Sienna links her arm casually through someone' arm, teeth momentarily gritted in a flare up of pain. She adjusts her blazer, concealing a nasty cut and bruise peeking out beneath the v-neck of her t-shirt. "I really appreciate that," she gushes lightly at Lilah, cheeks dimpling with her broadening smile. "And I know you, yeah. It's nice to finally actually speak to you, instead of catching your back. I'm Sienna."
Sienna adjusts her clothes, teeth momentarily gritted in a flare up of pain. She adjusts her blazer, concealing a nasty cut and bruise peeking out beneath the v-neck of her t-shirt. "I really appreciate that," she gushes lightly at Lilah, cheeks dimpling with her broadening smile. "And I know you, yeah. It's nice to finally actually speak to you, instead of catching your back. I'm Sienna."
"Oh crap," Lilah says when the young man leaves. She looks apologetically at Sienna and says, "I really didn't mean to interrupt that badly!" There's a hint of laughter, as she adds, "You know it's bad when he chooses the sun over girl talk, right?" A pause. "Sienna. Got it. I won't forget," she promises. "And... I'll look forward to seeing you soon?" If she's noticed the injuries, she makes no comment on them, for now.
Jack stands at the front of the chapel, talking to students.
"No worries. He knows better than to leave without me. I'll start hacking his phone and making it unusable for him, and then he'll crying," Sienna promises to Lilah in light-hearted jest, head bobbing once in quick affirmation before she drifts onward to catch her vanishing companion. "Have a good day!"
"Miss Swann," Jack tells Sienna. "Mr. Cross." He has his alb and stole over his arm. "Did you enjoy the sermon?"
"Fine, no self-loathing." Caelum pauses - narrows his eyes, then offers like a snake. "I'm sorry you're as fragile as glass. Let's call it a draw." The hand within his own is tugged closer, Sienna along with it so they can take off -- but before he can depart or say anything else, either about that or the departing redhead, he's distracted by Jack, which he regards with a slight, slow dip of his head. "We did, Father Jack. Thank you. The Hindu stuff was distracting, but your sermon saved it."
"What, no I am not! You're just a comple--" Sienna's sass and vitriol is cut short by Jack's slithering out from the chutch and behind them, her expression one of pure innocence as she casts a subdued and gracious smile toward him. "Of course, Father. You've given me much to meditate on when I read my bible this evening."
Jack shrugs to Caelum. "I'll be honest, Mr. Cross. You should give the Gita a good read. Krishna is instructing on 'warrior virtue', kshatriya," he tells the man. "And I know your life is one spent in war. But what does it mean to be righteous as a warrior?" he asks. There's a look at Sienna. "I read the Bible nightly. I wish it was a comforting as when I didn't know the truth, Miss Swann."
"I'll-" Caelum stops, knits his brows to give Jack a look-over. It looks like he's caught off-guard with that comment of his life, but he fails to reply to it with anything other than a quiet nod in acceptance. "..I'll give it a read." As for what Jack says to Sienna, he has no clue. Oblivious, to whatever this truth is - and happy to be.
"As they say, Father, ignorance is most assuredly bliss," Sienna quietly retorts toward Jack with a sympathetic smile, leaning her cheek against Caelum's shoulder. The slight movement is enough to spark a quiet noise of discomfort as her wounded shoulder is strained, but she smiles placately through it, adjusting her blazer afterward.
Caelum's expression grows a little more severe when Sienna shows her discomfort. She may try to hide it, but Caelum doesn't buy it - and he gives Jack another bow of his head. "Sorry, Father. We have somewhere to be but I hope I can find you for the confessional at a later time." Then, with Sienna under an arm, Caelum leads her away, towards the reception.