We left the chapel and began walking up the north aisle. At the chapel of St. George, the patron saint of England, he motioned for me to enter.
The statue of St. George is in a modern style. Unlike the older ones this one has him exorcised of the dragon. He simply appears as a soldier of the Roman empire. I thought whoever chose to do this is appealing to the modern mind. Dragons only exist in fairy tales. I decided to pass on this gem of wisdom to Michael. I pointed to the statue. "They were smart to exclude the dragon." I said. "One of the reasons people don't believe in demons is because they don't believe in dragons. Stories such as St. George and the dragon stretch the limits of plausibility. Dragons only exist in fairy tales, hence demons likewise." I stopped, realising I might be getting myself into theologically troubling waters.
"Michael, what am I, being a modern, scientifically minded person, supposed to believe about St. George and the dragon?"
"Do you believe in angels?"
"I do now, without hesitation."
"You have also seen how I have chosen the form for my appearance."
The penny dropped. "So, in theory, a demon could appear as a dragon."
"Yes, but would they appear as a dragon to a modern, scientifically minded person?"
"Probably not." I answered. "How did they manifest themselves two thousand years ago? As dragons?"
"They manifested themselves the same as today. They have not changed much. They still seek to exercise dominion over those of your race."
"Some of the stories in the bible recount are pretty dramatic accounts of that kind of possession." "In fact," Michael contradicted, "the biblical accounts are quite subdued. Take for example the story of Legion."
"Were you there?"
"Yes. It was one of the more violent cases of demonic possession. The maniac of Gadara was under the control of an evil spirit, Legion by name, and the people of the village lived in dread fear of the Gadarene. They had chained him by the wrists to one of the tombs in the grave yard. Legion was driving the demons under his control in their torture."
"Torture?" I asked
"Absolutely. Legion was in many ways a lesser demon. He had failed in a previous assignment and been demoted. He wanted revenge, so he started gathering to himself a cluster of other weaker but equally sadistic spirits. Over time he gained greater and greater authority over them. In the end he was a tyrant controlling them all with an iron hand. He took the name Legion to unite them all, but also to enhance the image that their amassed power all belonged to him. It did mean that in addressing him individually one might also be addressing them all as a group. There was no freedom in the cluster. Legion exercised total dominion." Michael then unfolded the story as he and the other angels witnessed it.
"'Break it... I said break it!' Legion was commanding one of his demons.
'But Legion, he can't take any more!'
'I said break it!'
'But he will be no good to us with a broken arm!' 'He will be no good to us chained to this tomb! Make him break it!' "The Gadarene was pulling on the chain with all of his strength. With gritted teeth he growled 'Break! ...I said break!' The pressure in his eyes was giving him a headache. The arteries in his neck pounded. Every muscle was taut, but the chain remained firmly in place. The Gadarene's frustration grew.
'I will break free. I'll show them! They cannot hold me with these chains! NOOOOW!'
"He decided that this time either the chain would break or he would tear off his own hand at the wrist. The Gadarene drew in a long, deep breath and then, with all of the strength of his legs and back he pulled once more on the chain, straining mightily as the chain dug into his wrist. He felt the pain increasing as he continued to pull."
'Harder! HARDER!' The demon screamed.
'Harder. HARDER!' The Gadarene muttered as he held his breath.
"His face went purple. His lungs burned from the lack of oxygen and the pressure in his head made it seem ready to explode. Suddenly, he passed the threshold. He couldn't endure anymore and with a great exhalation of breath, he fainted."
'I told you they can only take so much.'
'Do you dare to instruct me?' Legion backhanded the lesser demon, knocking him yards into the air and away. He ordered the spirit of self-destruction to take over. Slowly and firmly, Legion spoke, pointing at the man but staring at the demon.
'I want him free! Now!!' He laughed at what he said and continued. 'Free! Hah! Free so that I can use him as my slave.' Again, fully serious, he ordered his subordinate. 'Now. You make him break that chain or break off his hand.'
'But Legion, don't you have the power to break the chain yourself?' The spirit of self-destruction asked.
'What! Do you question my powers? Do you dare question my orders?'
'But what if...'
'I don't care if he loses his hand. It will only make his desire for vengeance grow.'
"The spirit of self-destruction approached the Gadarene, who had slowly begun to come around. His eyes were having difficulty focusing. He didn't want them to focus. Consciousness was anguish for him. Even sleep only brought nightmares. Unconsciousness was his only respite from mental torture. It had been this way for as long as he could remember, not that his memory was very long anymore. It had faded, as had normal social awareness. He now was unable to manage any relationship with other human beings, and had been living, naked, in an old tomb for a long time. In fear the people of the village had again chained him to the tomb. They were certain that he would attack them sooner or later if they didn't find a way to control him but nothing they tried had yet worked. Already he had worn down the chains around his ankles by filing them against each other. It had taken days but Legion had forced him to persevere until the chains were thin enough to break. But now, Legion's patience had run out.
"'Get away! Leave me alone!' The Gadarene shouted. He drew his arm over his face to protect it from an unseen enemy. 'You are all enemies! I hate...'
"The Gadarene swung his arm through the air to strike, but it was suddenly jerked to a halt as the chain hit the end of its reach.
"'You won't escape us.' The demon was torturing him with his words, driving him to self- destruction. 'Your only escape is death. The sooner the better.'
"'No! I won't listen.'
The Gadarene went to cover his ears with his hands, but it was too late. As he moved his arms, the demon took control of the right one. The Gadarene's right hand grabbed the left wrist just below the manacle. His left arm was bent at the elbow, and the Gadarene was again forced pull with all of his strength. His right arm burned with pain as the demon forced his own strength into it. The Gadarene's strength now exceeded what was normal for him, even though his will was against the action. He felt the pressure on his left wrist growing greater. He knew it would break with just a bit more. So did the demon. So did Legion. Completely calm, Legion gave the order. 'Break it.'
"The demon obeyed and increased the pressure. Suddenly, there was a loud crack and the chain broke free of the tomb. As it did, the demon fell away. Instantly, the Gadarene swung the chain attached to his left arm directly at his right arm. His effort was wild and furious, but the chain came crashing down where he had aimed it, on the right arm which had betrayed him. He shrieked with pain.
'He thinks he can drive me away with his chain,' said the demon to no one in particular. Next he addressed the Gadarene. 'Harder. You must hit harder or I will never obey you! Hit harder!'
"The Gadarene shouted, 'You will learn to obey. You will learn!' In a rage he again swung his free left arm whipping the chain toward his right. It struck with full force, and he howled his anguish. 'Again!' Said the demon, laughing.
'You will obey!'
The Gadarene again swung the chain in a rage. This time he missed. The free chain wrapped around the chain which still held his right arm bound to the tomb. In anger he jerked at the chain but it had become entangled and was locked in place. He was furious that his new freedom seemed so quickly gone. He turned his back to the tomb and crouched down, both chains now over his right shoulder. With all of the strength in his legs, he thrust his whole body away from the tomb. Again there was a crack. The second chain broke away from the tomb and the Gadarene howled once more.
"Suddenly free but still in a raging fury, the Gadarene swung both chains in the air at the unseen enemies around him, screaming at them as he did so, but the chains became entangled and came crashing into his legs. Again he howled at his self-inflicted pain. He fell to the ground, face up, rolling back and forth, pounding the ground with his fists and banging his head against the hard earth."
'What a pity,' said Legion. 'Is there no one to sympathise with you?'
"A spirit of self-pity approached the Gadarene and spoke. 'Is there no consolation? Why me? Why does everything go wrong for me?'
"The Gadarene groaned, 'Why me?' and continued to mimic the spirit of self-pity unaware that he was doing so. 'How could this happen?'
"The demon of self-pity invaded the chest of the Gadarene. His darkness grew more deeply rooted in the Gadarene, who continued to speak. 'I'm not evil. Why will no one help me?' The Gadarene groaned long and loud. The blackness within grew. He inhaled deeply and then forced all of the air out of his body. He wanted to exhale the darkness. In inhaled and exhaled again. He did it a third time. His eyes rolled back, and he passed out.
"Legion laughed deeply, scornfully. 'Don't let him go now. Poison his heart.' He called to spirits of revenge and bitterness. 'Make him regret. Lead him down the road to violent revenge.'
"The Gadarene started to come around slowly. 'No. I don't want... NO.' His eyes were still glazed and unfocused. The darkness around him grew thicker as bitterness and resentment drew near. What was a dark grey cloud around him became a black film which covered him.
'The villagers did this to you.' The voice was spiteful.
'You don't deserve it. Things would have been different if it weren't for them! You must take your revenge.' Bitterness was penetrating the Gadarene's ear.
'Blood revenge!' It was the voice of violence. '...An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Make them pay, everyone.' This demon pressed against the Gadarene's abdomen, like a belt slowly being tightened.
"The Gadarene was working his fingers into a fist. 'I will have my revenge. Everyone one of them will pay, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.' 'Destroy them!' A murderous spirit spoke. 'Kill them all!' 'I will destroy them,' said the Gadarene.
'No you won't, you coward!' A spirit of cowardice spoke. 'You will never lift a finger, coward.' "The Gadarene doubled over compulsively and wept. The spirit of cowardice clawed at the Gadarene's abdomen."
'You are too afraid! You will never go through with it. You haven't the courage.'
"The Gadarene was again rolling and groaning. Legion addressed the demons clustered around him. 'Work on him. All of you. He will never take his revenge unless he is driven further. He must despise himself, not just the villagers.'
"Violence was first to speak. 'Get your revenge! Use these chains. Watch them beat and bruise. Blood will flow. They will fear you then!'
'You are nothing. A fly on a pile of dung has more will power than you. You weak, pitiable wretch.' The spirit of murder spoke. 'I will show them. I will kill them. All of them. One by one. They will fear me!' Legion muttered to himself. 'This man will be my slave and through fear of him, I will rule this region.' He approached his minions. 'Now you will learn to fear me.' He gripped each of the demons and commanded. 'You will all do as I say. You will obey!'
"The Gadarene grew cold and began to shiver. He felt as if an icy liquid had been poured over his body and was soaking through his skin into his muscles. His bones began to burn even as he shivered from cold. He felt as though he had lost all control over his body.
"Unexpectedly he found himself standing up. Suddenly the tightness returned to his abdomen. He clutched it with both arms, doubling over. Slowly, he heard himself say, 'I will have revenge.'
'Yes.' With what little will he had left, he had chosen. He spoke again but with conviction. 'I will have revenge!' He straightened up. His right arm swung back and then came forward, whipping the chain with full force against the tomb. The Gadarene changed from the observer to the willing partaker. He began to beat the tomb repeatedly with the chains -- first the one and then the other. 'You will pay!' He shouted as the chains smashed the tomb. Particles of rock flew in all directions, following the sparks, as metal crashed against rock. The Gadarene's anger grew. His beatings became more effective. He punished the tomb again and shouted: 'I ...AM ...NO ...COWARD!' And again: 'I ...AM ...NO ...COWARD!'
The chains flew once more and he shouted yet louder: 'I ...AM ...NO ...COWARD!' 'Revenge!' said Legion.
"The Gadarene growled 'Revenge!' Clenching his fists.
'I!...' said Legion, drawing out the word.
"The Gadarene closed his eyes and said 'I'." 'W i l l !...' Legion spoke comandingly.
"The Gadarene inhaled, held his breath and spoke: 'Will!...'" 'Have!...'
'H a v e !...' Now the Gadarene spoke the word slowly, deliberately.'
"In unison both shouted: 'REVENGE!'
"The Gadarene opened his eyes. He swung his arms in unison, his hands holding the chains. They came crashing down together, and the tombstone was split in two and the Gadarene let out an ear piercing wail. Legion was satisfied that he had all of the dominion he needed to accomplish his purpose."
"Unknown to Legion, a small boat landed at the shore of the Sea of Galillee. Thirteen men were disembarking not far from the scene where the previous events had taken place. They were being led by a man in his early thirties.
"Legion saw him at the same time as the Gadarene. At first he was too far away to recognize, but that didn't concern him. Here was a chance to release some of the rage, to begin his revenge. "The disciples had not been told the purpose of the trip, but many of them suddenly began to think that they would prefer not to be staying long. Coming down the hill was what could only be described as a wild man. He was naked from head to foot and covered with dirt. His skin was bruised and gashed. His hair and beard were long and unkempt. His wrists and ankles were in manacles. There were chains in his hands. His breathing was heavy, growling, as he inhaled and exhaled and he had the eyes of a man with a fixed, and evil, purpose. The disciples began to fall back. Jesus alone stood his ground.
"Legion's confidence was high. His dominion over the man and his demons was ready for a test. Although he perceived the presence of angels, he wasn't aware of our power because our glory was subdued.
"The Gadarene continued to approach. A growl was heard issuing from his chest. Finally, the Gadarene was within reach of Jesus. He drew back his right arm, chain in hand, and roared.
"Jesus spoke, 'I command you...' and suddenly, the Gadarene fell to the ground. Jesus continued. 'You unclean spirit, come out of him!'
"At this, our orders were changed, and we appeared as we really were. Legion suddenly knew he was no match for what he faced.
"The Gadarene was on his knees and elbows. He turned his head upward and was just barely able to see the face of Jesus out of the corner of his eye. The growling had now become a voice. Slowly, halting, it spoke. 'What have you, to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God!'
"The voice continued, quickly, but it was different, desperate, almost human now. 'I beg you, do not torment me.'
"Continuing to look directly at him, Jesus spoke, demanding, 'What is your name?' 'My name is Legion, for we are many. We beg you, do not command us to return to the Abyss.'
"Legion continued. His voice was now weak, begging. 'Send us away. Do not make us stay here with you. Send us into the herd of swine. They, too, are unclean, as we are. Send us there.'
"Jesus responded, 'You may go.'
"Immediately, they left. None of them waited for a command from Legion, for his dominion over them was broken. None of them were eager to fight. They scattered throughout the herd."
"Michael, what happened to the Gadarene?"
"He returned to his right mind immediately, although he was dazed and astonished. Very quickly he asked Jesus what had happened. Then, over the next few hours he repeatedly shook his head saying, 'I'm free,' or 'I don't believe this has happened.'
"Meanwhile, The herdsmen fled -- some into in the city and some into the country -- and told what happened. The people of the village came to see for themselves. Very few would approach very closely. They still feared that the man would return to his previous state, even though they saw him sitting, in his right mind and fully clothed. Many of them were more afraid of Jesus than of the man. Finally some of them approached and asked them all to depart. As they walked down to the boat the Gadarene asked to go with him, but Jesus refused, saying to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." It was necessary that the people living in the Decapolis might believe. The Gadarene faithfully proclaimed how much Jesus had done for him; to the marvel of all."
"It is an amazing story. I never imagined such a battle for a man's soul could take place."
"You have yet to hear of the most important of battles for the souls of human beings."
"Which are..." "Those of Good Friday. Return tomorrow at noon and we will continue. There are two stories you yet must hear. One is about a great battle, won in the past. The other will take place tomorrow." Now you must go and write what you have heard today. I picked up my folder and began to walk away. Suddenly, the thought went through my mind to turn around. I wanted to see if Michael would walk away himself, or simply vanish. I turned and looked. He was still there, looking at me. He motioned with his hand to keep going. I turned again and left, mildly rebuked for my curiosity.