Yes, I’m back, even though as yet Santiago is not. I missed you too. Don’t blink, because just as suddenly I’ll be gone again, only it won’t be a year and half this time before I return. My, how time flies! Anyway–as I’ve guaranteed everyone, everywhere–I’m always around, but I’ve resurrected this site and restored parts of the archives, comments and all, because I intend to post again—occasionally, that is.
So what’s the occasion?
Feast of St. James the Moor Slayer
This year July 25th falls on a Sunday, making this a Holy Year of St. James. It’s a big deal across Spain, where July 25th is a national holiday, and especially at Compostela. It’s also a big deal to me, admittedly. I’ve already told you the story of Santiago and his appearance at the battle of Clavijo in 844, and I’ve explained his central role not only in the Spanish Reconquista, but also in our ongoing re-conquest of Christian civilization today. Now as then, the frightful moros are gathering for the decisive attack, and they have us falling back, scrambling to defend. We are vastly and hopelessly outnumbered, and by all sane reckoning, we are about to suffer the agony of inglorious defeat. Are our children therefore doomed, and can nothing save the day?
For a little perspective, Mohammed beheaded around six hundred unarmed Jews of the tribe of Banu Quraiza in a single day, which sounds like a Guinness Book massacre, but legend has it that St. James miraculously slew sixty thousand Moor soldiers at Clavijo! David Petraeus could really use him in Afghanistan, but I’m guessing Santiago wouldn’t be willing to go out on foot patrol armed with paint balls and rubber bullets. A terrible sword and a white steed from on high are more befitting an epic hero and worthier of a saint.
I have much to tell you about Santiago as prototype for a saintly but battle-hardened hero to come, one who will lead the besieged people of the one, true God in a crushing defeat of the seemingly invincible Mohammedan hordes, but not today. I’m only carving my signature “Z” into the castle door just now—only issuing, that is, an announcement, a statement, a promise, and a warning.
But I also have a question, the same one Jesus posed to John and his brother James–whom we remember and honor today alongside faithful pilgrims across Spain and around the world–when the apostles requested He grant them the high honor of flanking Him on alternate sides in His eternal glory.
Can you drink of the cup?
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