THE ANGEL GARRIEL DISSENTS
Steinfels, Peter
Jl[ll I II I I I Mind you. Gabriel had never pretended to fathom the whole Plan. It certainly seemed excessive, and what God saw in humanity was a mystery to Gabriel. Still, be was not one...
...I suppose you know humanity better than I do," Gabriel conceded...
...Hypocrisy, God, sheer hypocrisy...
...Gabriel was not at all sure where he had picked up these phrases, perhaps in some theological chatter with his companions...
...Working folks . . . pushed around by decrees of the mighty . . . no roof over their heads...
...We ought to be carefuL" THE ANGEL GABRIEL DISSENTS PETER STEINFEI~ God was silent...
...I don't say I understand it---what angel could...
...With all due respect, God," he began...
...To assume the form of the mighty, to 'humble' this governing social symbol, to reveal in and through this power the radical 'transvaluation of values'----I know you've always enjoyed Nietzsche, Godmnow that would be the scandal you are seeking...
...Kept his peace, stood his turn before the throne, ran an errand or two every millennium...
...It seems like self-interest...
...A few centuries...
...A contradiction, you might say, to its symbolic structure...
...Birth in a stable...
...You and I know this isn't just another case of a prophet raging away...
...But this last touoh, it really was too much...
...Gabriel asked...
...f m Commonwea~ 819...
...Now should a message like that really come from the downtrodden and lowly...
...Everyone who gives a trinket to a child ~ l l congratulate himself on carrying out your word...
...What we're trying to convey is your presence with the downtrodden, your solidarity with the suffering, your challenge to the mighty...
...GOd still said nothing...
...Good," said God...
...You've been a king yourself...
...The silence was overwhelming...
...Gabriel bowed...
...God remained silent...
...God stirred...
...He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly...
...He was not making headway, and he knew it...
...Why not think it over awhile...
...Gabriel felt himself relenting, borne away in some tide of both wisdom and sorrow...
...I'm not denying that royalty and wealth have to be taken down a peg now and then, God...
...Things will be more hygienic...
...Things aren't ever going to be the same again...
...The middle class will love it...
...And, oh, what sauce for their own ambition...
...He felt very clever...
...He no longer appeared to be paying attention...
...But Godwthis is policy...
...With dumb animals for attendants, and poor shepherds---and let's admit it, Gabriel thought the two aren't all that different...
...Stirs their guilt, tickles their indignation...
...An ordinary Gallilean woman...
...The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent away empty: Very poetic," said Gabriel drily...
...Still, be was not one for complaining...
...God did not reply...
...I know how you feel," said Gabriel "About the poor and the vulnerable...
...God did not say anything...
...But all the same, aren't you overdoing it...
...Listen to this, God...
...From a prince, however, wouldn't it be an unmistable rebuke to the culture of the time...
...Whatever point you're trying to make ----and I think I've expressed my doubts on that score---will be smothered in sentimentality...
...It can hardly shock the consciousness...
...So half the time it'll be an excuse for envy and resentment and all kinds of mindless, worldly egalitarianism...
...No one could have been more surprised at the conviction with which he advanced this argument than Gabriel himself, but it also pleased him...
...Maybe God was losing his grip...
...Gabriel was undeterred...
...Pardon me, God"m Gabriel wanted to be gentle---"it's simply too obvious...
...But I'm not sure I like what they'll make of this...
...They'll scrub down the animals, and give the shepherds fresh shaves, fumigate the stable and transform it into a Renaissance palace when it isn't a snow-covered Swiss chalet...
...And the other half...
...God said nothing, but He looked thoughtful...
...But we know it's more complicated than that, don't we...
...Examine the question theologically, GOd...
...I grant that the paradox often escapes me, but no matter...
...I'm on my way," said Gabriel...
...You can tolerate a little rhetoric in a prophet, a bit of drama, a wild vision or two...
...Gabriel knew he was getting on thin ice, but why not give it a try...
...I mean, do you really think this is a good idea...
...I'nat is, I see in my latest orders . . . . " he said...
...Gabriel decided to say something...
...Why you're practically handing it to them on a silver platter...
...You're an angel...
...Gabriel looked at God and felt sorry for him, and in this swelling of pity came a strong rush of duty...
Vol. 104 • December 1977 • No. 26
