Paul lay still for a few moments after awakening, his mind filled with concerns. He had been surprised to learn of the elders' meeting at Samuel's house, but Joseph's description of the meeting and its outcome reassured him. It would have been ironic for the elders to agree to withdraw the petition against the blasphemy law, if the seminar in Lahore were disrupted, on the same day that he and Bishop Gregory were arguing with Rawlings that the elders supported going ahead.

Bishop Gregory's active support was crucial for Paul. Besides having great respect for him, Paul needed to have the backing of the Bishop of the Church of Pakistan. That way, even if his own Bishop waffled, they would nonetheless have both Protestant and Catholic support. When Bishop Gregory had called him to explain what Rawlings was planning, he knew that Bishop Gregory wouldn't let him down. It had been sad to see Rawlings so devastated by their rebuff, but Rawlings would simply have to come to terms with his inability to control the outcome of their struggle.

Paul had also been surprised to learn that Khalida Ali had come to the mission and interviewed Joseph and Martha, again without his knowing it. He would have thought she would have come when he was there or, at least, asked him about coming. Apparently, Martha had talked with her and made the arrangements. Martha was becoming very independent. It was good in a way, but he didn't want her making too many decisions on her own about the mission. After all, the mission was his ministry. She was just assisting him.

Joseph had told him that Khalida Ali was preparing to write an article about him. He should talk with her about that. He didn't want her to give the public the wrong impression. He wasn't acting alone, and he wasn't trying to get publicity for himself. He was merely representing the interests of the Christian community. In a way, he had filed the petition on behalf of all the citizens of Pakistan, because he believed a Court ruling against the constitutionality of the blasphemy law would be in the best interests of everyone. He needed to be sure she understood that, and he wanted to be certain that any article about him would be published after the public seminar in Lahore. He didn't want to do anything that might threaten the success of that event.

He wouldn't have time to call her this morning, but he needed to speak with her soon. He crossed himself, got out of bed, and went to use the toilet. He had to get moving, because his Bishop was coming that morning to visit the mission. As he washed his face and lathered to shave, Paul almost wished the Bishop weren't coming. He liked being on his own. He enjoyed the freedom of having a ministry that wasn't important enough to bother anyone. That would change once the Bishop visited, because the Bishop was a very thorough man. He'd want written reports on how things were going, and he would send a priest around occasionally to check up on things.

The Bishop would say that he was doing this to be supportive, but Paul knew that the Bishop wanted to keep him on his guard. The Bishop wasn't too concerned about the rules when it came to social ministry, but he was strict on ecclesiastical issues. Perhaps he's heard about the service after the attack on the mission when we sang, "We Shall Overcome." But that isn't in violation of any rules. I wonder what he expects or hopes to find.

"Ouch!" How stupid of me, he thought. It seemed that he always cut himself on an important occasion, before a press conference or a meeting with his Bishop. He pressed the cut on his chin with his finger for a few moments, but the blood seeped out nonetheless and ran down his finger. He rinsed his hands, found a piece of tissue, tore off a bit, and placed it over the cut. The tissue would absorb the blood and help the cut clot, but he had to remember to take the tissue off his chin before he went to Mass.

He sighed and more carefully finished shaving his cheeks. Then he carefully rinsed his face and patted it dry. Perhaps his hand had a little shake to it on special days like this, or maybe he was just mentally distracted. Serves me right, he thought. I should be more disciplined mentally.

Paul straightened his bed and combed his hair. Then he put on his cassock and checked his appearance in the mirror. He looked closely at the dark red piece of tissue sticking to his chin. It looked dry. Glancing at his watch, he realized he'd have to chance it. He needed to be over in the church right now. He wet his fingers, then used them to wet the tissue. Slowly, he pulled and rolled it at right angles to the cut, trying not to open the cut at the same time. As the tissue came loose between his first finger and thumb, he could see the cut but at least it wasn't bleeding. He tossed the piece of tissue in the trash basket, turned off the light, and went into the front room.

Joseph had gotten up earlier to help Martha with preparations in the church. Paul knew he was beginning to rely on Joseph. He would miss him when this was all over, and Joseph went back to help Samuel. He slipped on his sandals and went out the door into the street. At the front of the church he inspected the banner that said: "Welcome Bishop Gill." It amused Paul that he and the Bishop shared the same surname. It was a very common name, like Smith or Jones in England, but those in the neighborhood who didn't know much about the Catholic Church might think the banner was announcing his appointment as bishop. He smiled. Joseph and Martha should have included the Bishop's full name on the banner, but he wasn't going to say anything to them about it.

As he came inside the church, Paul was immediately struck by all the flowers. Their colors were beautiful against the white walls, and the smell was wonderful! He wondered, however, how much Martha had spent on decorating the sanctuary for today. He didn't want the Bishop to think that the mission had plenty of money. The candles were lit and the altar was prepared for the Mass. As the Bishop would be celebrating, Paul hoped there would be a good crowd today.

Paul found Martha and Joseph seated on the bench in the sacristy, deep in conversation. "What's the problem?"

Joseph looked up quickly. "Martha doesn't think she should lead the prayers today because the Bishop's going to be here. But I think she should. The people always look forward to it."

"And Joseph," Martha retorted, "doesn't want to read the lessons because the Bishop will be here. But I think he should as he does it so well."

Paul laughed. "What a pair you two are! Well, I cut myself shaving this morning, because I was worrying about the Bishop coming today. But here I am. Now I want the two of you to do your parts as well. Joseph, you're the best reader in the congregation-next to me, of course," he said with a smile. "And Martha, no one's prayers are more inspired than yours, not even mine. So, let's get on with it. People are arriving, and the Bishop will probably be right on time."

Paul watched while Joseph and Martha exchanged glances. Then Martha smiled and took hold of Joseph's large hands. "We'll show that old Bishop a thing or two."

Joseph looked a little grim, but he nodded. Paul was touched by the deep attachment that had developed between Joseph and Martha. Joseph had been alienated from his mother because she was wouldn't stand up to his abusive father. It was good to see him responding so warmly to Martha, who clearly enjoyed having him around the mission.

They both went into the sanctuary to greet the people and the Bishop, who arrived right on time and was quickly ushered to the sacristy. "Good morning, Paul. You're looking fit, although it seems you cut yourself this morning with your razor."

"Yes, I did. Clumsy of me." Leave it to the Bishop to notice and to say something about his cut. Paul felt like a twelve-year old being looked over by his father.

They dressed quickly and went out to begin the service. Paul was relieved to find that the room was packed. He welcomed the Bishop and the members of the congregation to the service and led them in the opening responses. Joseph did the readings without a hitch. He really has gained confidence, Paul thought. Paul knew the Bishop wouldn't even remember the incident when Joseph was a student, but the Bishop couldn't criticize him today for reading without inspiration. Joseph's voice was strong and passionate.

Frankly, Paul was a little worried about Martha saying the prayers, because he thought she might be hesitant, but he couldn't have been more wrong. She prayed with a joyful intensity that moved the people. Paul could see that the Bishop was surprised. He had assumed she was just another quiet, obedient nun.

The Bishop gave the homily. It was short, which was the first good thing to be said for it, but it was also simple. The scripture readings for the morning had included the story of the woman who kept knocking on the door of a judge to demand justice. The Bishop told the people that they had to keep on hoping and praying to God for justice. That was his only point, but he illustrated it in several ways. And he concluded with a personal comment.

"For many years now a priest in this diocese has kept coming to me to seek assistance with his ministry. He's knocked at my door trying to get my attention, but I've been too busy to take any notice of his work. Actually, I didn't really believe this priest's ministry would succeed, so I tried to ignore him. But this stubborn priest kept on coming to me and, more importantly, kept on praying and serving his people. Not so surprisingly, his hard work and disciplined prayer have begun to pay off and his ministry is flourishing. Finally, even I could hardly fail to notice! That's why I've come here this morning to pay tribute to Fr. Paul for his ministry in your colony, where he has chosen especially to work with drug addicts." The Bishop turned now to face Paul. "I want you and your people to know, Fr. Paul, that you have my blessing. May you continue to serve our Lord faithfully through your ministry here."

Paul was astonished by the Bishop's comments. He hadn't expected any recognition at all. Of course, he realized that the Bishop had chosen his words carefully. The Bishop didn't mention his involvement in the public seminars on religious freedom or his role as petitioner in the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the blasphemy law. He wasn't endorsing Paul's human rights' work. But he was recognizing Paul's ministry among his people, and that both surprised and moved Paul.

A few moments later, when Paul turned to the Bishop and said, "The peace of Christ be with you," he knew that he meant that. He no longer resented and feared the Bishop. Paul also sensed in the Bishop's firm grasp that the Bishop wanted to be more supportive of Paul's ministry because he actually respected Paul's work with the elders in defending the rights of the Christians in Pakistan.

At the end of the service, they didn't sing, "We shall overcome." They hadn't sung that again since the morning after the attack on the mission. It was a song for extremely special occasions. Instead, they sang a traditional hymn of praise. Paul concluded the Mass with the familiar words, "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord." And the people and the Bishop answered, "Thanks be to God."

After the service Paul noticed how good the Bishop was with the people. He greeted them personally and listened closely to what they had to say. He was a good pastor, better than Paul had expected. Back in the sacristy, Paul was glad to have an opportunity to speak privately with the Bishop for a few moments.

"Thank you, Bishop, for your very kind endorsement of my ministry."

"It was long overdue, Paul. I am concerned, however, about your safety. I was saddened to hear about the attack on the mission and the church. But that doesn't seem to have scared off your congregation."

"No, sir. In fact, they rallied around me that next morning. I think the attack on the church made it seem more vital to them. The church here has become a symbol of the spirit of the people. So much in our society works to try to crush that spirit. But the people come here to be renewed and to witness to their continued faith, despite all that works to destroy it."

The Bishop fixed his gaze on Paul. "I meant what I said today. It wasn't just the rhetoric of a Bishop covering up for his mistakes. Your ministry is being blessed by God. But you may have to pay a high price for that blessing. In Deuteronomy, when Moses is presenting the Israelites with the covenant from God, he tells them that their covenant with God will be a curse as well as a blessing. Yet the people go ahead and enter into the covenant."

The Bishop cleared his throat before continuing. "Serving in the Church may also be a curse as well as a blessing. Your blessing has arrived. I hope that doesn't mean a curse will soon follow."

As the Bishop said this, he embraced Paul, and Paul's eyes filled with tears.

Then the Bishop made the sign of the cross over Paul: "God be with you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

They didn't say anything more. The Bishop left quickly, and Paul went to join Joseph and Martha for breakfast before leaving for a meeting with Samuel and Javed to plan the public seminar in Lahore.