Trafford Publishing: Lord, I am not worthy

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Lord, I am not worthy

by Lewis M. Elia

230 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #03-0221; ISBN 1-55395-858-6; US$21.50, C$24.00, EUR17.50, £12.50

A Roman Soldier steps into history and witnesses the birth of a new religion that is about to change the world as he knows it.

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About the Book

This is a work of historical fiction. The background and setting have been reproduced from historical documents and archeological evidence. Many of the characters are historical figures; some were invented to fit the circumstances.

The main source used to construct the background of the novel is the New Testament. I have assumed the historicity of the New Testament, being fully aware that many people dispute this. I make no claim for veracity on behalf of the Gospels; I use them only as historical references.

I also used the Jewish historians Flavius Josepus and Philo of Alexandria as sources to describe certain events. The Roman historian, Tacitus, and some minor sources and legends, were also used as sources and are referenced in the chapter notes in the back of the book.

The story describes the journey of a Roman soldier, Flavius, stationed in Palestine during the time of the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. As he witnesses the birth of a new religion and begins to understand the new moral values he has accepted, he must come to grips with the conflict he now faces between his new religion and loyalty to his country. Returning to Italy after his tour of duty with the Roman Army is over, he finds his new faith carries a price when he has to face the conflict created by its teachings, which begin to upset the prevailing Roman political structure. As he tries to bring justice to pagan Rome, he discovers that the class-conscious Roman State may not yet be ready for the message of the Nazarene.

About the Author

Lewis M. Elia is a retired teacher and former associate editor with MPC Educational Publishers of Terry Town, N.Y. This is the author's first novel.

Lord, I Am Not Worthy is currently advertised on-line at http://www.italianamericanpress.com/. The Italian-American Press promotes Italian-American and other Self-Published Authors, providing them with resources and support. They also have available inexpensive used books on Writing and other instructional subjects as well as a fine selection of Collectible Sheet Music from the 1890s to the 20th century. This collection includes a number of memorable Italian songs.

Reviews

Dear Lewis,
Lord, I am not Worthy is a sensitive and inspiring narrative about the power of love, courage, and faith. You are to be commended for a job well done. It is our pleasure to provide viewers of our website with a listing and a synopsis of the book on The Italian American Press.

... your book reminded me about another wonderful story about Jesus call The Christ Commission by Og Mandino. Like your novel, it's an excellent book well worth reading. Once again, congratulations, and much good fortune in your promotional efforts with the book.

Sta bene.
Ralph Ferraro, Director
The Italian American Press http://www.italianamericanpress.com/

Sample Excerpt

(The Roman Soldier Flavius has taken command of the garrison at Capernaum, province of Galilee. He is talking to his second in command, Marcellus and his Jewish servant, David about an incident that took place in the town of Cana.)

Flavius' training command was going well when a strange story reached the camp. Optimo Marcellus filed a report stating that at a wedding held in the Galilean town of Cana, the host ran out of wine, and a man who was in attendance changed water into wine as a favor to the bride's father.

"That must have been quite a trick," said Marcellus. "The person who was telling us the story said one of the stewards commented that most people put the good wine out first and the lesser wine out later, but this host keeps the good wine for last. Interesting! This man doesn't just make wine, he makes GOOD wine. Instantly, from water."

Flavius laughed out loud. "Perhaps I should seek him out. I could make him a partner in the wine business when I go back to Italy."

Marcellus was also laughing. "Yes, you sure don't want your competition to get hold of him. He could have you out of business in a couple of days."

Find him for me and I'll offer him half the business," said Flavius. "It will be worth it just to keep him away from my competitors. And I wouldn't want him going around making too much wine; that could cause the price of wine to get so low it could wipe everybody out. I would only use him myself on special occasions, weddings, banquets for the rich, jobs like that. I wouldn't want the wine supply to outstrip the demand."

"Imagine, Flavius, a man who can change water into wine. If the Jews don't make him King, the Romans will!" Marcellus offered. "I might follow him myself."

Even David thought the story was strange. "If the man truly were the Messiah, certainly the power to change water into wine would be a simple task for Him, since the power of the one, true God could do anything. I just wonder why the Messiah would choose to do this kind of miracle. But, God always has a purpose."

"But David," offered Flavius, "don't you think this is really a setup magician's trick? After all, I have seen some wonderful traveling magicians in Rome who do seemingly impossible things. Aren't you suspicious of something like this?"

"I am" said David. "I am just saying he could be the Messiah and this would not be a great thing for him to do. I just can't see why he would use his power in such a manner if he is the One to Come. I prefer to keep an open mind on all such matters."

"Of course, David. I'm sorry I laughed at the story," said Flavius. "If this man truly is your Messiah, he must have some reason for acting this way. I should keep an open mind as well."

"It's understandable, sire," said David. "I really can't tell you if you have made fun of the Messiah or not, but I'm sure if he is the one, he will forgive you."

Simon the fisherman had opened his home to a new rabbi who had come to teach in Capernaum, a carpenter by trade. He was from a small, remote hilltop village in Galilee called Nazareth and was himself the son of a carpenter. He was very good at it, but was not in Capernaum to do carpentry work. His name was Yeshua. He was a young man, in his early thirties, with long, dark shoulder length hair parted in the middle and the beard and mustache common to the Jews of the area. He was taller than most of the Jews in the region and possessed a lean, muscular body. He did not look much different from most of people of the region. His skin was dark and his clothing was home-spun. The one feature that made him different from anyone else Simon had ever met were his eyes. Looking into Yeshua's eyes was an experience. It was as if it were impossible to keep any secrets from this man. The eyes were kind and stern at the same time. When he spoke, his voice carried an authority which penetrated to the depths of Simon's soul. He had this effect upon everyone who listened to him.

"Our people were simply spellbound when He spoke," Simon told Flavius.

"And what of this so-called 'miracle' he performed?" asked Flavius. "My report states He cured a sick man. Did you witness this?"

"He did cure a sick man," said Simon a little timidly, not sure the Roman commander would actually believe him. "Ah--but you know the man, sire. He is unable to work and is a ward of the temple. He spends hours talking to himself and babbling."

"Yes, I do know the man you are talking about," said Flavius. "What happened to him?"

Simon related how it was the Sabbath, and he had brought the young rabbi to the new synagogue to preach. The man who was the temple ward was also there, sitting in the back close to Simon. The man had been sick for over two years and the congregation was used to hearing him babble unintelligibly. They were even used to the occasional vulgar outburst which would be spoken with absolute clarity.

Sometimes he would speak in different voices. This time the man suddenly looked up at Yeshua and said in a clear, loud voice, "What do you want with us, Yeshua of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God!"

Yeshua had risen slowly and pointed at the man. "Be quiet, come out of him," he commanded.

Simon then told of how Yeshua said that the man had been possessed by an unclean spirit which, when at Yeshua's command, had left the man with a loud cry and threw him into a convulsion.

"Did you speak to him after Yeshua cleansed him?" asked Flavius.

"Yes," answered Simon. "Once the unclean spirit left him, the man stood up and, for the first time in more than two years, spoke to his friends in a normal voice. He had no memory of how he had been and was not even aware he had been possessed. He could not remember the spirit leaving him. This rabbi had authority over an unclean spirit! When he gave it an order to leave the man's body, it obeyed."

I see," said Flavius. "News like this travels quickly, Simon. People from every town in the surrounding countryside have already heard of this new rabbi. This could cause problems for a small town like Capernaum. We don't have the facilities to accommodate large numbers of people.

"Where is Yeshua now?"

"Camped out on the shores of the lake."v
"I have records on the man you claimed was cured," said Flavius. "He has been walking around town babbling to himself since I arrived in Capernaum. As you say, no one can understand him except for the occasional vulgarity which he shouts out with perfect diction."

Flavius showed Simon the scroll. "Is this is the man you claim is cured?"

"Yes, Commander Flavius," answered Simon. "I know it is difficult to believe, but you can talk to him yourself."

"I do want to talk to him," said Flavius. "I would also like to bring the garrison's medical officer with me to examine him."

"Of course," said Simon. "We would all be interested in his opinion."

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