Since yesterday's reading I've thought how appropriate these final chapters are for the Easter weekend -- I'm guessing our calendar was not a coincidence?
The first sentences of this chapter marked not only the perfect transition from hell to being liberated from hell, a la Easter weekend, but also from the chapter of Don Rodrigo to the chapter of Lucia -- "Who would have told Renzo, a few hours earlier, as his search neared its end and his moments of greatest doubt and decision began, that his heart would be torn between Lucia and Don Rodrigo? And yet, so it was ... The words he had heard by that dismal bed were caught between the yeses and noes at war winin his mind."
As for the "happy ending" -- the one note that rang false to me here was the aspect of Fra Cristoforo's reasoning to free Lucia from her vow that depended on the power of the "Church"-- maybe it is my Protestant (albeit Episcopalian) upbringing (long long ago), but somehow the idea that as a friar or priest he has the authority to dissolve the solemn vow of Lucia's conscience did not sound true. The other argument, which we've been entertaining for a long time, that her prior vow to Renzo means she wasn't free to make the second is more persuasive. But ... even though we are seeing here a path to a "happy" ending in which they are reunited and reunited with Agnese too, I cannot help but anticipate another version of a happy ending -- which most will not regard as happy -- in which Lucia keeps both vows -- she has now kept her vow to Renzo by renewing her vow to marry him (in and for eternity) -- and the storm that's coming may still take her away. So it's still down to the wire -- is it another Vilette ending? or finally a happy family?
Each of the characters is slowly emerging from his or her own purgatory. A prayerful thanksgiving accompanies their deliverance. The mystery of grace is perhaps best expressed by Lucia when she says to fra Cristoforo : « I am better now, I, who has never done good in this world, while you…. »
“The Lord, my daughter, appreciates sacrifices, offerings, when they affect us alone. When we make them from the heart, of our own free will. But you cannot offer up the free will of another, to whom you were already bound.”
And a little more to get it over the line (although I note the reservations of a previous comment):
“Do you believe,” the old man continued, lowering his eyes, “that God gave the Church the authority to remit or to retain the debts and obligations that people might have contracted with Him, depending on the greater good?” “Yes, I do.” “Then you should know that those of us entrusted with the care of the soul have the broadest powers of the Church for all who come to us. Therefore, should you request it, I can release you from any obligation, whatever it might be, that you might have contracted through your vow.”
A theme of the book--promises and vows: Renzo’s search for Lucia even into the Lazaretto, Fra Christoforo helping the couple, the Cardinal, even the reformed Nameless One provide a thread of faith and love throughout the story.
So courageous, so spiritual. Help is available but none will come until we ask for it.
I was so concerned that Lucia’s timidity would keep her from happiness. It’s like she gets a second chance after kind of blowing it in Don Abbondio’s room. Very happy right now.
(Also a little concerned that Renzo is going away again …please oh please, no more problems)
I am so appreciating being dipped into this religious world where life is lived in real time with religious convictions. Our fictional characters think and move through a religious lens which I find profoundly moving.
Perhaps the most human, humble and effective prayer in the chapter is Renzo's : " At the foot of the chapel, he knelt on the bottom step, where he said a prayer to God, or rather a jumble of muddled words, broken sentences, exclamations, questions, complaints, and promises".
I was wondering how Renzo might triumph. I honestly didn't expect Fra Christoforo to take his side so unequivocally. The idea of the Church having a special power vested by God to make or undo vows is new to me. It seems quite odd, but I suppose that is why a marriage vow was not considered legitimate unless it was blessed by the Church.
Since yesterday's reading I've thought how appropriate these final chapters are for the Easter weekend -- I'm guessing our calendar was not a coincidence?
The first sentences of this chapter marked not only the perfect transition from hell to being liberated from hell, a la Easter weekend, but also from the chapter of Don Rodrigo to the chapter of Lucia -- "Who would have told Renzo, a few hours earlier, as his search neared its end and his moments of greatest doubt and decision began, that his heart would be torn between Lucia and Don Rodrigo? And yet, so it was ... The words he had heard by that dismal bed were caught between the yeses and noes at war winin his mind."
As for the "happy ending" -- the one note that rang false to me here was the aspect of Fra Cristoforo's reasoning to free Lucia from her vow that depended on the power of the "Church"-- maybe it is my Protestant (albeit Episcopalian) upbringing (long long ago), but somehow the idea that as a friar or priest he has the authority to dissolve the solemn vow of Lucia's conscience did not sound true. The other argument, which we've been entertaining for a long time, that her prior vow to Renzo means she wasn't free to make the second is more persuasive. But ... even though we are seeing here a path to a "happy" ending in which they are reunited and reunited with Agnese too, I cannot help but anticipate another version of a happy ending -- which most will not regard as happy -- in which Lucia keeps both vows -- she has now kept her vow to Renzo by renewing her vow to marry him (in and for eternity) -- and the storm that's coming may still take her away. So it's still down to the wire -- is it another Vilette ending? or finally a happy family?
Each of the characters is slowly emerging from his or her own purgatory. A prayerful thanksgiving accompanies their deliverance. The mystery of grace is perhaps best expressed by Lucia when she says to fra Cristoforo : « I am better now, I, who has never done good in this world, while you…. »
Simple, beautiful, plausible:
“The Lord, my daughter, appreciates sacrifices, offerings, when they affect us alone. When we make them from the heart, of our own free will. But you cannot offer up the free will of another, to whom you were already bound.”
And a little more to get it over the line (although I note the reservations of a previous comment):
“Do you believe,” the old man continued, lowering his eyes, “that God gave the Church the authority to remit or to retain the debts and obligations that people might have contracted with Him, depending on the greater good?” “Yes, I do.” “Then you should know that those of us entrusted with the care of the soul have the broadest powers of the Church for all who come to us. Therefore, should you request it, I can release you from any obligation, whatever it might be, that you might have contracted through your vow.”
Eight words that took my breath away, “Am I not Renzo? Are you not Lucia?“
A theme of the book--promises and vows: Renzo’s search for Lucia even into the Lazaretto, Fra Christoforo helping the couple, the Cardinal, even the reformed Nameless One provide a thread of faith and love throughout the story.
“Then…then…I’m asking you”
So courageous, so spiritual. Help is available but none will come until we ask for it.
I was so concerned that Lucia’s timidity would keep her from happiness. It’s like she gets a second chance after kind of blowing it in Don Abbondio’s room. Very happy right now.
(Also a little concerned that Renzo is going away again …please oh please, no more problems)
I am so appreciating being dipped into this religious world where life is lived in real time with religious convictions. Our fictional characters think and move through a religious lens which I find profoundly moving.
This is one of those rare literary novels where a happy ending is mandatory.
Perhaps the most human, humble and effective prayer in the chapter is Renzo's : " At the foot of the chapel, he knelt on the bottom step, where he said a prayer to God, or rather a jumble of muddled words, broken sentences, exclamations, questions, complaints, and promises".
I was wondering how Renzo might triumph. I honestly didn't expect Fra Christoforo to take his side so unequivocally. The idea of the Church having a special power vested by God to make or undo vows is new to me. It seems quite odd, but I suppose that is why a marriage vow was not considered legitimate unless it was blessed by the Church.