The Ancient Witnesses

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

“The righteous one, Jesus, was willing to substitute his life for ours,” replied Father Greg. “I got that,” said Preacher, “but what was he saying about crime going forward?” “His point was that it did not go forward,” said Cesar. “That’s right,” agreed Father Greg, “you recall the proto-evangelium of Genesis 3:15, Edward?” “The first announcement of the Good News?” asked Preacher. “Precisely,” replied the priest, “and according to Arator’s poem, the good news is that the burden—the guilt—for Adam’s rebellion won’t be passed on to his offspring.” “I like the part about enemy’s poison weapons meeting their match,” I said. “We were speaking about what may be learned from their prayers,” said Chrysostom. Overhearing this, Arator continued his recitation.

Wherever the beautiful feet shone the earth shook, Shimmering from the life-giving Spirit; Fluency fired their faltering tongues, So that powerful prayers sounded, And able supplications took.

Human stock is from the soil, “Born of clay” means Adam’s name, Sermons set the earth in motion, With Apostolic faith as their aim.

Why this place more than all others? Scripture tells, “How beautiful are the feet that bring a pardon,”