The Ancient Witnesses

148 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

The firstborn son, I knew, was specially privileged in ancient societies, “their most valued possession” as Bishop Augustine had described in his sermon. But Melito’s sermon raised haunting questions: What was it like to experience the plagues? What had Pharaoh’s people suffered on account of his hard heart? I pictured the death angel coming alongside, taking hold of my hand and whispering in my ear, Firstborn, you are mine! I, the silence of death, am your fate. Near the conclusion of his sermon the preacher finally mentioned the leaven. The feast of unleavened bread has become bitter to you just as it was written: You will eat unleavened bread with bitter herbs. With a historical fast-forward, Melito turned the Egyptian judgment full-force on the Jews. 47 Bitter to you are the nails which you made pointed. Bitter to you is the tongue which you sharpened. Bitter to you are the false witnesses whom you brought forward. Bitter to you are the fetters which you prepared. Bitter to you are the scourges which you wove. Bitter to you is Judas whom you furnished with pay.

Bitter to you is Herod whom you followed. Bitter to you is Caiaphas whom you obeyed. Bitter to you is the gall which you made ready. Bitter to you is the vinegar which you produced. Bitter to you are the thorns which you plucked.

47 Specifically, those responsible for the persecution of Jesus, as described in John’s Gospel. See John 5:16,18, and many other verses.