Catechism Schism

The twisted fibers cut his skin. Wincing, Alexander pulls his hand to his mouth, cleaning the blood from his fingers. The rope is rough, and it hurts to grasp. It hurts more than he had been used to. He doesn’t let go.

With a sad smile, he reflects.

“Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's goods,” Father told him, when Alex was twelve years old. Father’s response was prompted by little Alexander asking if he could borrow some money to purchase a new pair of shoes – his old ones had worn out, and his feet were blistering and sore.

Blistering and sore they would stay.

From that day forward, Alex knew not to concern himself with material things. There was much about the world he didn’t understand, and thus it would be ignorant to assume anything different from Father’s teachings.

He walked on sore feet.

Tears beading in the corners of his eyes, Alex sighs and grips the rope a little tighter, gazing up at the bell. It’s common knowledge that the church is beautiful, but this bell is a true work of art. Elegant and sophisticated, the bell shines bright above the chapel, sleek and finished in pure silver. It serves as an idol of faith in the community, an hourly reminder of the strength of the Lord.

As Alexander walks the rope along the length of the floor, he recollects another memory.

“Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor,” Father told him, when Alex was sixteen years old. Father’s response was prompted by Alexander explaining why he was late to mass. Alexander did not perceive his excuse to be a lie, but from that day forth, he held his tongue. There was much about the world he didn’t understand.

Alexander’s knuckles were white as he tied the knot. He grit his molars, yanking the rope taut in the fashion Father showed him. Normally untraditional for a priest to mentor the bell-ringer, Father gave Alexander ample opportunity to learn and be guided in his personal faith journey.

As Alexander stepped closer to the bannister, he thought back to one of his most influential lessons.

“Thou shall not steal,” Father told him, when Alex was nineteen years old. Father’s response was prompted by Alexander returning late one evening, well after the final streetlights had flickered on. Alexander had lingered a moment too long in the congregation, laughing and having conversations with the parishioners.

Confused, Alexander asked for clarity from Father, and begged forgiveness for his cluelessness. Father explained.

“You stole time that does not belong to you,” Father had said, his voice low and slow. “Time is God’s gift, and you spent it on idle things. On vanity. That is time stolen from the Lord.”

From that day forward, Alexander learned to move quickly, speak briefly, and return home as soon as he was expected. There was much about the world he didn’t understand, after all.

Now twenty one years old, Alexander has developed a new perspective. He had learned much from Father, through his frequent mistakes and a great deal of trial and error. The lessons were uncomfortable but necessary to gain clarity. Alexander knew what was needed for his faith formation, and was determined to follow through.

Alexander stares down from the bannister to the interior cavern of the chapel. It is dimly lit, and the drop is significant. Alexander steps slowly over the bannister, balancing delicately on the edge.

He tightens the rope as much as he could, in the way he always thought he would. With that, he steps forward.

The bell rings much louder than it has before.