Requiem for Moses

Chapter Ten

Greetings were cursory.

Father Koesler had not slept well. Father Reichert was filled with righteous anger. And Cardinal Boyle was suffering jet lag.

Koesler had long admired the Cardinal. Tall, handsome, whitehaired, with piercing blue eyes, Boyle was a born leader. But he did not welcome rigged confrontations such as this.

Boyle had many archdiocesan problems to deal with today. But he was a quick study. There were two distinct elements in the matter presently on the table. One was Koesler’s decision to hold the wake of a Jew in a Catholic church. The other, and far more pressing, was this business of a “miracle.”

When and if there was an undemanding moment today, Boyle would reach an understanding with his chancellor. The monsignor had scheduled this meeting solely to deal with Koesler’s decision. When the appointment had originally been made, Dr. Green had not yet been found alive in his coffin. There had been no need to arrange for an immediate meeting over the wake issue. In fact, had Father Reichert not been so insistent, there might have been no need at all for a meeting.

The other issue was something else altogether.

Fed by the media, Dr. Green’s “resurrection” had become the prime topic on nearly everyone’s lips. That had to be addressed.

Boyle gave Reichert undivided attention.

“Father”-Boyle was ever formal-“it was at your insistence that this meeting was called. You may begin.”

Reichert shifted in his chair and leaned forward. “It is simple, Eminence. Father Koesler here accorded sacred rites-rites that even Catholics must earn-to an unbaptized heathen. And he attempted to do so surreptitiously by scheduling the rites on the very day of the Jew’s death. Credo res ipsa loquitur: I believe the deed speaks for itself.”

Neither Boyle nor Koesler understood why Reichert felt he needed to translate.

Boyle turned his attention to Koesler-the priest’s cue to speak. “Well, it neither is nor was all that simple.” Koesler went on to explain the Catholic connection on nearly everyone’s part. How Dr. and Mrs. Green had discussed the burial details in advance. One major flaw in their plans was in not checking with the various institutions ahead of time. In fact, it was Mrs. Green’s insistence on holding the wake in a Catholic church that prompted the Jewish funeral home to refuse to service the burial.

Koesler then tried to clarify the extent of ritual that he had agreed to. There was no hint of a rite of Christian burial in what he and Mrs. Green had planned; Koesler insisted that he never would have agreed to anything remotely suggestive of that. All he had agreed to was permitting the body to lie in state for one part of one evening. He had tried-unsuccessfully, as it turned out-to hold the crowd down. If things had gone according to plan, there would have been no notoriety. But … who could have anticipated how things would turn out?

At that point, Reichert interrupted. He insisted that only one skilled in liturgy could tell the difference between the wake service-during which Koesler had been slated to speak-and Christian burial.

Reichert added that as for notoriety’s being avoided, a reporter from the Detroit News had been present. She surely was there to cover the service-the service she certainly would have reported in the paper if something far more compelling hadn’t taken place.

And, finally, Reichert noted, canon law states that in any doubt regarding burial, the ordinary must be consulted. And, here, there was plenty of doubt.

“Your Eminence,” Koesler explained, “you were on a plane returning to Detroit. Under those circumstances, I thought it best to make the decision on my own.”

All this time, Cardinal Boyle, fingertips in a triangle in front of his lips, had been gently rocking in his high-backed upholstered chair. He now sat more erect and flashed his French cuffs as he addressed the two men.

“In this matter, you both have points of merit.” He turned to Koesler. “I can understand your reasoning, Father Koesler. In the final analysis, however, I believe you should have contacted me aboard the plane. And, based on what you both have explained, I would have denied permission for this wake.”

Koesler’s spirits, not at all high, sank even further.

At that moment, Koesler completely put out of mind any intent to bring up Reichert’s peculiar doctrine that a hysterectomy was an impediment to marriage. At this point, it would seem as if Koesler were striking back like a spoiled child. To bring it up in these circumstances would not cause Reichert to moderate or relinquish his bad theology. And in any case, it was utterly out of context as far as Boyle was concerned.

Father Koesler would fight this battle another day.

“There simply was too great a chance of misinterpreting what you were doing,” the Cardinal went on. “I do not believe the scandal given was of a pharisaical nature. However, there is, I think, necessarily, a bit of Monday morning quarterbacking in this. So, I do not completely fault your judgment, Father Koesler.

“But there is yet a matter of considerable importance left to deal with. I believe every segment of the media I have seen, listened to, or read, from late last night through this morning-all of them refer to the event as a ‘miracle.’

“Now, Father Reichert, in many, if not most of these accounts, it was you who labeled this a miracle. I realize that the media can be overzealous if not inaccurate at times. Is there substance to these reports? Did you, indeed, use the word miracle in describing what occurred last night? And for attribution?”

A sanctimonious smile crept over Reichert’s lips. “I did. Yes, I did, Your Eminence. I was there. I saw it with my own eyes. I was one of the earliest to arrive at the church.”

I’ll bet you were, thought Koesler. You weren’t going to let anything get past you.

“I viewed the body,” Reichert continued. “Since only a handful were present, I could take my time. That man was dead. I’ve seen my share of the dead in my time. He was dead.

“Later, when that monster of a sister arrived and caused all that commotion, he returned to life! I’ve always believed in calling a spade a spade: That was a miracle.”

There was no possible doubt that Reichert believed totally in the opinion he had just pronounced.

For several long moments there was no movement or sound beyond that of an occasional car horn in the nearly empty streets of downtown Detroit.

Boyle swiveled toward Koesler.

“I don’t know what to call it,” Koesler admitted. “If he had been embalmed …” He shrugged. “… I suppose in that case one would be tempted-considerably tempted-to call it a miracle. But, on the other hand, he was pronounced dead. And, as Father Reichert said, he certainly looked dead.”

Boyle began to fidget with the gold chain that crossed his chest and held his pectoral cross. “This is not going to pass quickly,” the Cardinal observed. “The media-not to mention a goodly number of the faithful-will want direction and an answer to this question. Was it or was it not a miracle? The question will be asked here in Detroit, of course. But, additionally, nationally and internationally. And definitely at the level of the Holy See.

“The prime question on my mind concerns the subject of all this attention. I have met Dr. Green at a few functions. But I know little or nothing about the man. Do either of you …?”

“I’ve seen his picture in the paper occasionally,” Reichert said.

“Same here,” Koesler said. “I did have a chance to talk with several of his relatives and acquaintances last evening. Concisely, he does not strike me as the type who would be the recipient of a miracle. He appeared not to be a ‘godly’ man. Quite the opposite. The media probably know more about the dark side of Dr. Green than we do.”

“That makes no difference.” Reichert almost rose from his chair. “The miraculous is given as a gratia gratis data.”

Boyle and Koesler hoped Reichert would not translate. He didn’t. He paraphrased. “The miraculous is caused by God not so much as a reward for the subject as it is to strengthen our faith. Green does not have to be a saint. This is God’s way of showing His presence and His power. And it happened last night. I saw it! Praise God!”

“Father Reichert”-Boyle’s tone was abrupt and compelling, unusual for him-“that is the very last thing we want to say at this stage of our investigation.”

“Investigation!” To Reichert this hinted at doubt. One investigates what one is unsure, uncertain of. And he had no lack of sureness or certainty in the matter of the Green miracle.

“Yes, investigation,” Boyle insisted. “Today I will appoint a committee of three priests who will begin an official investigation. The existence of this committee will relieve you, Father Koesler, to attend to your parochial work without suffering a major distraction. You will be able to refer all questions to the committee.

“And you, Father Reichert, you will make no further comments on this case.” When being severe, Cardinal Boyle’s heavy eyebrows tended to almost join above the bridge of his nose. They did so now.

“But, Your Eminence-” Reichert interjected.

“I want there to be no question, Father,” Boyle said. “It would be entirely counterproductive to have an officially designated body studying and investigating the nature of last evening’s extraordinary happening, while at the same time we proclaim it a miracle. Surely you can understand this. What is the point of investigating something to which we already know the answer.”

“But, Your Eminence, I was there. I saw!”

“Father Reichert, before we can begin to term this a truly miraculous event, we must rule out any other possible explanation. That will be the purpose of this investigation.” Boyle’s eyebrows still touched. “Frankly, at this stage, Father, whether you understand or agree with this approach is not germane. This is the manner in which this matter will be handled. You will conform to it.”

Reichert slumped slightly. “Very well, Eminence. But,” he added, “one final question: I have made it very clear to all who asked that I believe this is a miracle. When the people learn that there will be a committee, they will also be told that there will be no information until the investigation is concluded-or nearly concluded. Won’t they come to me for confirmation of the miracle? I have already said I believe it. Why would I hold back now?”

This time it was Koesler who responded. “You could tell them the truth, Dan. When you witnessed the drama of last night you were highly emotionally affected. And that’s the truth: It was an unforgettable moment. But, now, on reflection, you will await the ruling of the committee. Wouldn’t that do it?”

Reichert was not happy to have the suggestion come from Koesler. “I don’t think I need to take directions from a priest whose bad judgment set the stage for all this.” He fixed his gaze on Cardinal Boyle. “I will follow the advice of my religious superior.”

With an expression of Hey-fellas-please-let’s-try-to-get-along-like-grown-ups, Boyle said, “Any direction I would give would essentially be the same as that of Father Koesler.

“Now, Father Reichert, during the course of this investigation I do not want to see your name mentioned in connection-in any way-with the word miracle or any of its derivatives … is that clear?”

“Yes, Eminence.”

One of the characteristics of the elderly clergy was their sense of obedience to legitimate authority. Today, Boyle was the beneficiary of Reichert’s obedience.

Besides, it was not a complete washout. Reichert had won rounds one and two when the Cardinal agreed with him twice! First, that Koesler should have referred the wake decision to the Cardinal, even though he was airborne. And second, that, having been informed of the circumstances, Boyle would have refused permission for the wake.

“In that case, Father,” Boyle addressed Reichert, “you may leave. I want to speak further with Father Koesler.”

Reichert, bowing and almost backing out of the Cardinal’s office, clutched to his heart his two-to-one victory.

As the door closed behind Reichert, the solemnity and formality seemed to dissolve. “Well, Father,” Boyle said, with the hint of a smile, “have you ever shepherded a miracle before?”

“Not that I can recall, Eminence. Definitely nothing like this.” Koesler could feel the tension leaving him. “But I’m familiar with the trail that such an investigation usually takes. Somebody reports a vision-usually of Jesus or Mary or one of the more popular saints. The diocese where it happens warns people not to jump on the bandwagon too early. Plenty of ‘cautions’ issued. Finally, the diocese states that there is no compelling proof of the miracle. Gradually, the event begins to disappear from any sort of notice. And then, just a small group of die-hard promoters hangs on.”

Boyle nodded.

“But this one is a little different,” Koesler said. “This isn’t a vision on the side of a barn or a tabernacle veil or a tortilla. This is someone returned to life after death. I guess we’re dealing with a major league claim here.”

“No matter what we say officially,” Boyle said, “you are going to be the principal figure in this affair. The event took place in your parish church. If you had not given permission, would this have happened? The man had been pronounced legally dead. His body was released for burial; otherwise the funeral home would not have processed the body. Was the man dead? Is he really alive?”

Koesler looked shocked. “Is he alive?! His eyes popped open. He made sounds.”

“Since this event last night, there has been no statement from a physician or a family member regarding his condition. Could the phenomenon have some rational explanation? Air remaining in his body and escaping? I seem to recall that the man’s sister caused quite a commotion. Might that have had something to do with the event? Cause the release of trapped breath? There are many questions that as yet have no answer.”

“You’re right about the sister.” Koesler smiled briefly. Calling Aunt Sophie’s carryings-on a commotion was a vast understatement. “And you’re right about the questions. If he is dead now, that would seem to bolster the possibility that he did not really come back to life. That’s a question that should be answered very soon.

“Presuming he is alive, I don’t know what to believe. He looked dead. And then he seemed to be alive. Not very much alive-but alive. However, there are other explanations that come to mind.”

“Such as?” Boyle prompted.

“Homicide. Or, maybe more precisely, attempted murder.”

Boyle was acutely aware of Koesler’s involvement in the investigation of several murders in the past. The Cardinal was inclined to write off Koesler’s suggestion that attempted murder might possibly have been involved here. Surely, with such a history, the priest’s consciousness had to have been raised to the point where he viewed any questionable death as a possible homicide. Boyle did not dismiss the possibility out of hand. But neither did he consider it likely … although at the very least, it was worth considering. “Why murder?”

“The thought occurred to me last night as I talked with a business partner of Dr. Green, as well as with the doctor’s children and a former mistress.”

Boyle pursed his lips. “You think these people might have considered murdering the Doctor?”

“I remember thinking in each instance,” Koesler replied, “that it was lucky the doctor had died-or seemingly died-of natural causes. Because if he hadn’t, with all that he had done to these people, each one of them would be a suspect if he had died under suspicious circumstances. Last night, I didn’t give it a second thought. The man had died of natural causes. So, no matter what he had done to these people to make them hate and despise him, it didn’t make any difference. None of them could have been a murderer simply because he hadn’t been murdered. But, today …”

There was a period of silence while both men considered alternative explanations for this phenomenon.

Koesler attempted to find a logical conclusion to this affair. “When Dr. Green was brought into St. Joseph’s Church last night, he was either dead or alive. If he was alive, he was in the deepest state of unconsciousness I’ve ever seen. If he was alive, he had to fool a lot of people.

“But it seems to me that if he was in some unconscious state, it had to be caused by something. An accident? Attempted suicide? Attempted murder? An illness?

“And if he was dead …”

“… we have a miracle on our hands,” Boyle completed Koesler’s thought.

“By this afternoon,” Boyle said, “I will have formed a committee for the purpose of evaluating this event. But I want you, Father Koesler, to play a backstage role. This request I make of you will be just between the two of us. I have no idea whether the police will conduct their own investigation. But you have worked with the police in the past. Perhaps it would be good, in case they do not begin their own investigation, that you would suggest that possibility to them.

“And know, Father, that my office is open to you. We must do our very best to reach a final judgment in this matter as quickly as possible.”

Boyle rose. The meeting was over.

Koesler left the Cardinal’s office in a distracted state. What if this case were designated an attempted murder? Was it blind fate that had steered the crime’s climax to St. Joseph’s Church? Was it merely an accident that at least five people had revealed to him individual circumstances that easily could have led to murder? Accident or kismet?

In any case, particularly in light of the final commission the Cardinal had just given him, Father Koesler would have to be ready to get involved in-or even initiate-a police investigation.