The Penitent

By Zvi Zaks

Jon Worthyman has betrayed his wife. His bishop, Linsey Archibald, decrees he must crawl on his knees to her and ask forgiveness. That's easy enough, but to win forgiveness from the church, he must find two people to pledge their love to the church's Messiah--David Koresh. That isn't so easy. And what sin has the bishop himself committed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zvi Zaks
• Release date: Mar 11, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301197057

Zvi Zaks

I've been writing off and on literally for decades with little luck in publishing. I could blame it on my schedule as a doctor -- too many years having a 24-7 call schedule -- but plenty of other doctors have managed to combine writing and medicine. The real problem was the off and on had too much off and not enough on. Internet writers circles helped me sell a few short stories, but I really wanted to publish a book. Second only to becoming a grandfather--something I had no say about--becoming a published novelist was my biggest goal. An unrelenting series of rejections almost had me ready to give up. Then Lilly Press accepted my novel IMPLAC, an evil robot story. I was ecstatic. Even the editing process was a joy. Unfortunately, Lilly went bankrupt and it was back to the slush pile for me. At least now I knew that some professionals valued my work. "Query Tracker" forum taught me how to write a decent query, I sent out a batch of letters to small publishers, and in 2010 Eternal Press accepted A VIRTUAL AFFAIR. No ecstasy this time, but I was still happy that at age 68 I would finally have a book for sale. It's never too late to pursue your dream. The book was published on January 8, 2011. A week earlier, my son called me, "Dad, Rosemarie has gone into labor." Eight hours later, Aliana was born. I flew down to see her the day the book was published. Even though I had striven for many years to get published, at this moment, the book didn't matter. I have my priorities.

Book preview

The Penitent

by

Zvi Zaks

Copyright 2010 by Zvi Zaks

Smashwords Edition

ISBN: 9781301197057

PART ONE

Jonathan Worthyman, dressed in a plain white robe of humility, entered the quiet stone chapel. Trembling with nervousness, he prostrated himself in front of the massive wooden altar, his forehead heavy on the marble floor. His voice echoed in the gloomy room as he spoke the ritual words, My Lord, I have sinned.

Bishop Linsey Archibald, an elderly, silver haired man in an embroidered white robe of authority, put his hands on the ancient sacrificial table and gave the ritual answer, My child, you have. Are you ready to be cleansed?

Yes, my Lord, Jonathan said.

The men’s bishop sighed. Jon, I’ve known you almost since you were conceived. You’re like a son to me. Why did you do it? he asked, breaking the ritual. The priest walked around the altar and looked down at the abased man. I’ve always been so proud of you. You were a model Covenant student and youth missionary leader. Now you’re a conscientious father and a respected schoolteacher. So why did you betray the Church? Why were you unchaste?

Bright sunlight penetrated the stained glass windows, illuminating the altar and the bishop’s head with yellow and red, but leaving the penitent in even deeper shadow. Jonathan said only, I was weak, my Lord, and pressed his forehead more firmly against the hard stone. His neck ached.

What happened, Jonathan? How can I help if you don’t tell me what’s wrong?

The penitent closed his eyes. My wife Karen has not, has not ... She has refused me for the past six months, My Lord.

The bishop raised his eyebrows. Does that justify adultery?

Jon answered quickly. No, my Lord. Of course not. Forgive me for suggesting that.

The bishop’s smile was faint. You’re forgiven. I’m not trying to enmesh you further. And the woman’s bishop has told me about the problems in your marriage. We can help the two of you, but only if you come to us. Archibald sighed and returned to the other side of the altar. "Sexual