Date Posted:15:13:46 12/22/99 Wed Author: SJ Author Host/IP: nycmb308-43.splitrock.net / 209.156.93.66 Subject: /Thanks In reply to:
- Barry
's message, "Your Patron Saint" on 23:29:31 12/21/99 Tue
> Some of you know that
> one of my many callings was into the Lutheran
> ministry... at Augustana College - many years ago.
> That I could not finish that education, and perhaps be
> of some good to you... I acknowledge to my horror and
> shame.
>
> While the following deals with Christian faith, it is,
> beyond that, something intended for us all: Faithful,
> faithless, fallen, fearing or free.
>
> There is a story that I have been meaning to tell you
> for some time now... and, while memory and effort
> last... this is it.
>
> A comedic actor, born in Rome, was enjoying
> unparalleled success and the 3rd century's equivalent
> of fame. His name was Genesius and, after becoming
> known for his improvisations and parodies, he was
> called to perform for the Emperor Diocletian.
>
> As was the custom in those days, the person paying the
> actor chose the subject matter. Diocletian had made
> it his personal business to rid the empire of
> christians... and had also chosen this as the subject
> of the comedy Genesius was to weave.
>
> Genesius, quite the everyday actor, did a little
> research and found that the rituals surrounding
> baptism and conversion seemed the most likely targets
> for his comedy. History records his own religious
> beliefs being either so common or passe as to be not
> worth mentioning.
>
> The actor concocted a story - by all reports an
> hilarious one too - scheduled the performance,
> rehearsed in secret and, right on the deadline, began
> his play before the Emperor and the highest level of
> the court.
>
> It was August 25th. Genesius played his part to a
> crowd that giggled in anticipation of a comedic climax
> to a cleverly enacted tale. As he poured a pitcher of
> water over his head... he stopped the show. He
> confessed that he had, just then, been converted.
> That his eyes had been opened and that the pious
> nature he was ridiculing, he would from that moment
> forward take as his true calling.
>
> The Emperor, after an odd moment, laughed
> outrageously. The court, of course, followed suit.
> Genesius stopped them. He declared again, and now no
> one could mistake it for comedy, that he had indeed
> been converted before their eyes. That he was no
> longer a pagan, like the rest of them, that he had
> been saved by baptism and belief in a life everlasting
> and in the one god. With tears pouring down his face
> he named his savior - even knowing what it would cost
> him.
>
> Diocletian stopped laughing. He turned Genesius over
> to Plautian, then head of the senate. Plautian, once a
> friend, personally tortured Genesius, in an effort to
> get him to make a sacrifice to the roman gods - thus
> redeeming himself to Diocletian and the state.
>
> Genesius was stretched on the rack, burned with
> torches and, after days of not complying with the
> Emperor's demands, he was beheaded.
>
> Some will say that this is a case of the part taking
> over the actor. The more seasoned among us will
> realize the many times that a role has opened our eyes
> to aspects of ourselves of which we were only dimly
> aware. I cannot say what drove that actor to his life
> changing declaration. I cannot guess at whether it
> was real or imagined. I do know that Genesius played
> his part. I pray that someday, something will be as
> clear, personal and as undeniable for me. For it is
> the playing of our parts that makes us actors. The
> turning stomachs, teary eyes and heartfelt laughter
> that wells up into the personas we portray that
> intertwines our lives into something more than others
> know.
>
> There is someone somewhere who KNOWS that Genesius was
> a fool... but that's why that person is not an actors.
>
> I hope you understand why I've told you this story...
> and why Genesius retains the title: Patron Saint of
> Actors.
>
> Merry Christmas,
> - Barry
