Church of Lies

By Lon Michaels

Thirty-six-year-old Father John Martin is the youngest priest to have been accepted into the Vatican, the most sacred city on earth. Joining the priesthood at seventeen, this is the only life hes ever known. But everything he and all the world has been led to believe is a lie. He feels he has steered the entire world astray, just as the Bible had foretold. Martin now knows the Catholic Church has been hiding the truth for nearly two thousand years.
This shocking discovery leads him to flee the Vatican with a stolen scroll that contains the evidence hes uncovered hidden safely in his suitcase. Looking to leave his sacred life behind, Martin meets Alyssa, falls in love, and they have a baby on the way. But John and his son are about to be tested in ways they could never have imagined.
As John battles with Satan, he wonders if his mothers revelation, uttered just moments before her death, is true: You have been made to suffer so you would learn kindness. You have been made to feel pain so you would learn to comfort. You have known death so you would learn to heal. You, John Martin, are a special man of God. Your life has been created so you will bring about all things.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 22, 2006
• ISBN: 9781467807593

Lon Michaels

Lon Michaels grew up in a rural community and attended Lutheran grade school. A lifelong search and passion for scripture is the basis for this, the first in a series, of three novels.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Father John Martin was stunned. His eyes watered, his legs buckled. He was in awe at what he had just read. He could not believe or comprehend the knowledge that had been finally given to him.

John was not sure what happened next. He was not sure if he fainted or just collapsed. All he knew was that suddenly he was lying on the floor of the most sacred and secret room in the Vatican's archives. He also knew that in this sudden state, his bladder functions had given out and that he had urinated all over the floor and himself.

The tears in his eyes and on his face were like acid. They both burned and tasted like he was licking a battery. John prayed another prayer like so many, only this time he asked God to kill him. He prayed to die right where he was. He asked God to forgive him for being such a trusting dupe. He asked God to hold his heart and his hand. He asked God to take back all the prayers that he had prayed in vain. He asked God to forgive him for hating his father. He asked God one more time to take his life and then he passed out.

When John awoke he was not sure how long he had been out. There was no electricity in this cavern of the Vatican. Priests were not allowed to wear watches or any other types of jewelry that related to the secular world. The only things that he was allowed to wear were his priestly robes, his white neckband and the beautiful golden cross around his neck.

When he came to Father John was still very lethargic. He somehow mustered the strength to sit up and lean his solid frame against the rock hard stonewalls of the Vatican's hidden room. His thoughts wandered and he cried over people that he once loved but abandoned because they did not believe as he once did.

John grabbed his throat and tried in some feeble way to choke himself. The tears flowed even harder. Several minutes passed and he gave up at trying to choke the life out of himself. His thoughts raced. He thought about his father, that he had always considered an asshole. He thought about his mother, who had taken him to church three times a week and was the reason that he had become a priest.

John tried again to raise himself to his feet. He pulled on the desk that he was collapsed next to. He pulled on the candlestick but the candle just fell. He picked up the candle because he knew that if he did not the whole room could burn.

Father John Martin yanked the white piece of cloth from around his neck. He looked at it and then held it up to the candle. The cloth took a moment to start to burn, then it quickly incinerated in his hand. John's fingers started to burn as the cloth gave into the desire of the flame. Another tear came down his face. He knew that his life had been lived in vain.

What John had read was inconceivable but he knew it to be right. He knew with everything inside him that it was right. John had read that Jesus was not the true Messiah. Jesus was the second beast. Everything that all the world had been led to believe was a lie. He had led the entire world astray, just as the Bible had foretold.

John now knew that the Catholic Church had been hiding the truth, for nearly two-thousand years. He lay down on the cold, moist floor and cried himself back into sleeplessness.

CHAPTER 2

The sound of singing and praise filled the Vatican and it's halls. Somehow, the singing crept between the mortar of the rocks in the scroll room and rousted Father John from his sleep. Again John pulled himself up to a seated position. This time he managed to get up from the floor and onto his feet. He looked down at the desk and the scroll before him. Carefully he rolled the scroll up then folded it. John took the scroll and carefully slide it between his robs. He extinguished the candles in the room and quickly walked to the door. He did not know what time it was but realized that he could be discovered at anytime. Throughout his career in the Vatican John had been chastised many times for entering the scroll room unsupervised. He no longer had any of those concerns but was afraid that the missing scroll could be discovered before he had the opportunity to escape his long time prison.

As John left the room he pulled the door shut and began to walk the long and winding hallways back to the upper levels of the Vatican. He was walking for several minutes when he turned a narrow corner and bumped directly into Cardinal Samuel.

Well excuse me, John! What has you all the way down here on this fine morning? said the Cardinal.

I have been in the prayer room this evening said John I was having a crisis and needed guidance from God

Cardinal Samuel's smile faded into a puzzled look, Crisis, hum. Does that explain why you are not wearing your band?

Yes John responded. I burned it.

You burned it! Puzzlement faded into outrage as the Cardinal yelled. I will certainly be challenged to find you a punishment as burning to you!

You can shove your punishment John retaliated. I am leaving the Vatican, I can't play this game anymore. I've always felt that something was wrong and now my God has finally showed me what I have been asking for since I was six years old, the truth.

John, what the hell are you talking about? The Cardinal said, his mood changing to concern. I have loved you like a brother. Because of me you are the youngest Priest to ever be accepted to the Vatican. I have trained you and taken you under my wing. Because of me even the Pope knows who you are. John you are thirty six years old, what are you going to do if you leave here? Being a Priest is all you know. How will you live? Where will you live? Do you really want to throw everything away? You have a chance to change things here. You can make the world a better place. What did God possibly tell you to make you want to throw that all away?

You would not believe me if I told you said John. Everything is a lie, everything.

John pushed away from the Cardinal and climbed the stairs back up the main chambers of the Vatican. In a short time he would be in his room and could pack up the few belongings that he had.

Cardinal Samuel burst into the Vatican library. There was a large meeting going on between several other Cardinals and Bishops, even the Pope was present.

Bishop Monarch began to speak, We've been expecting you Cardinal. I suppose you are here to inform us that Father Martin is going to be leaving us soon?

How do you already know that? asked the Cardinal. I only spoke to him moments ago in the catechisms

Remember last month when we had the Vatican security and wireless network enhancements made? said the Bishop. The Cardinal nodded. Well we had some improvements made to the lower levels, specifically in the scrolls room, that's where your favorite Father spent his evening last night, not in prayer as he so convincingly informed you in the hallway.

So, big brother even watches here, in the most sacred city on earth mussed the Cardinal.

So, being that you are all knowing and all seeing, maybe you can tell me then what John could have seen that would make him turn his back on his faith?

The Bishop looked into the eyes of his pears, seeking approval to continue. The Pope nodded gently, indicating to proceed but with caution.

Your friend, we have watched a long time, actually, since his birth. As you know Samuel, the time has been long awaited that a man was to be born. A man that is to bring about New World Order. A man that the Bible tells us a number, you know that number, don't you Cardinal?

Six, six, six. responded the Cardinal. But I don't possibly understand what that has to do with John.

Well, let me proceed, said the Bishop I will enlighten you.

Upstairs in his room John Martin packed a suitcase. He took some clothes from his dresser, the Bible from his bedside table and some candles from the other side of the bed. Next, he reached into his robes and took out the scroll he had removed from the scrolls room. Carefully he tucked it between the folds of clothing in the suitcase. He began to disrobe, when the golden cross hanging around his neck finally caught his attention. With his new found understanding he could not believe he had allowed it to remain around his neck. In anger, even rage, he grabbed the cross and tried to pull it from his body. The clasp was strong and the chain was heavy, it did not break away. He pulled harder, then even harder. Small drops of blood began to trickle from behind his neck. Soon the blood was flowing faster. In his rage he began to scream, the clasp finally broke and he was forever free from the burden of the cross. He threw the cross across the room where it struck a very old window. The window easily shattered from the heavy weight of the cross and out into the garden, several stories below it came to its resting place. An eerie glow suddenly emanated from the cross and then, unexpectedly, the earth swallowed it up as it vanished.

Cardinal Samuel spoke, Well that was an exciting show, I'm sure the elders will be happy to replace the window while your room is vacant.

Don't start with me said John. You can't begin to understand what I am going through.

Really? said Sam. I think you believe that you are the Anti-Christ, what do you have to say about that?

In total bewilderment John laughed, then spoke. Is that what you think? What the hell would make you think that? That is hands down the wildest thing I have ever heard you say. I need to catch a flight but please explain. I am dying to hear this!

Well, began Samuel After we spoke this morning, the inner circle shared some things with me. First of all they said to keep the scroll that you stole.

The look on John's face was as to be expected.

It appears that you believe what is written in there. Although we do not know everything that is written within the scroll, we do some. If history is correct, Jesus began his ministry at the age of thirty three. He then preached for three years before his crucifixion, making him thirty six years old at the age of his death. Therefore making the mystery of the number of the mark of the beast, or the number six, six, six equal to the number of a man that is thirty six years old. John, you turned thirty six last week and the way that you are acting, burning your garb and now what I just saw you do with your cross, what am I supposed to think that you are thinking in your head?

John began to laugh, and then spoke. Samuel, if this was anyone else talking to me this way I would just walk out of here right now. However, just as you said that you have loved me like a brother, so have I loved you. That is why at least you I want to understand. First of all Sam, I lied about my age to enter so I could enter the Priest Hood early. I said I was eighteen when in fact I was seventeen, thus making me thirty five, not thirty six. The first time that my dad got drunk and beat us I was six. It was the last time. My mother waited that night for him to get drunk and pass out then she proceeded to tie him up. When he woke up he was furious, he yelled and screamed and said that when he got free he was going to kill her. She just laughed, she came to my bedroom and woke me up, said there was something I needed to see. She brought me into their bedroom. She smiled at me and then at my father then she went into the closet. She dug around in there for what seemed like forever. Then she came out with a baseball bat in her hand. She said to me Johnny it is never ok to hurt someone except when they hurt you, or you know they are going to. She began swinging the bat, first onto his right knee cap, then his left. He stopped cursing her and began screaming in pain. I wanted to vomit. I could not believe that my sensitive, loving mother was doing this. Next, she stood at the footboard and gently began tapping his privates, I think this may have stimulated him, but I am not sure. She lifted the bat way over her head, and extended it down her back. She said to him, I loved you, you son of a bitch. For years I have let you rape me and beat me when you were drunk, but beating Johnny, never again. She brought the bat down, then threw it to the floor. She walked over to the side of the bed, leaned down and kissed my father gently on the lips. Then she whispered into his ear. Years later she told me what she said to him, that if he ever came to find us she would sleep with every man in town until one of them agreed to kill him. She picked up her bags and we left, we lived at my grandma's house from then on.

The Cardinal interrupted. Why are you telling me all this John? I always knew you had a hard time growing up. I don't need the details.

I'm getting there. said John. From that time on, my mother took me to mass three times a week. She said that we both needed it, me to help me get over what I had witnessed and for her to be forgiven for her sin of letting me see. I had never been in such a place. The people were wonderful to us. The paintings of the Saints, the stained glass windows, the architecture, the high ceilings with more paintings on them, the mother Mary statues and above all the beautiful golden cross with Jesus hanging on it. I had never known such beauty. We never needed for anything. One time we went to mass on a Thursday night. I had lost my shoes that day and had to go barefoot. A woman met us at the door. She hugged my mom, and kissed me on the forehead. I know she noticed my feet, because I saw the look of disapproval on her face. She opened her purse and took out a golden colored coin purse. She opened it up and handed several bills to my mother. My mother told her she could not possibly accept that much money. The woman gripped her hand and said I can't take it with me. and a tear rolled down her cheek. I never saw her again. It turned out she had cancer and died several days later. This was her last mass and her last confession. Things kept going well for us and I went to the church school that was there. My mother told me that people paid lots of money for private" school and that I should be thankful. She said that God had chosen me to go there because he had special plans for me. Years went by and I studied hard and learned well. I also became an expert at praying and even spoke in tongues when I was alone. When I was about twelve years old it was in the summer time. I had been praying and fasting for days when I had a vision. In my vision I was at the bottom of the mountain, with the children of Israel. They could not see me but I could see them. They were drinking and fornicating. Women were having sex with several men at a time and Aaron was making the golden calf. Next, I was up the mountain next to Moses. I heard God say. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me. Then I heard him say, Thou shalt not create any graven image. Then I was back watching Aaron again. Then back on top, again I heard Thou shalt have no other Gods before me. Again, Thou shalt not create any graven image. Then I was back watching Aaron again. Now he had it finished and was polishing it, getting ready to present it to the people. Then I was back on the mountain. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me. Thou shalt not create any graven image. Then I was in my church. Only I was a spirit and I was watching myself as I stood before the golden cross I told you about. I was worshiping some one other than God and I was worshiping an image, a graven image. I was worshiping the graven image of a man, instead of worshiping God. I had broken the first two commandments, over and over again!"

Bishop Samuel, who had been listening intently, finally interrupted. "John, listen to what you are saying John, Jesus is the Son of the Lord God, he is the Lord God. You were not worshiping another God and you have not been worshiping another God. Jesus is God John and having a cross around your neck or in a church is just a symbol of us remembering him. John, I am really concerned about what you are saying."

That is almost verbatim what Father Michael said to me when I went and spoke with him after the vision said John. Almost to the tee. He confused me for hours and hours with scripture and with legends and with all kinds of things that my young twelve year old mind could not understand. Finally I gave into his side and continued to act the way I was supposed to. I never spoke with anyone else about it, until now. I know that no one wants to believe that we could have been deceived. I know that. It flies right in the face of what billions of people have believed. I am not going to try to convince you of anything, I just simply don't have the strength anymore. I just wanted you to know that there are things I know that eventually every one will know, and then our God will finally be with us, again.

CHAPTER 3

John arrived at Rome's Fiumicino airport at exactly seven and seven minutes in the evening. It was July Seventh Two-Thousand Five. John went to the service desk and picked up the coach seat ticket that the Vatican's administrative office was kind enough to purchase for him. He had seven hundred and seven dollars in his pocket. He started to laugh out loud. A very attractive young blond, maybe in her mid twenties smiled at him and asked, Mind sharing the joke, it has been a long day.

John smiled back and said, Well, look at the time seven o seven on July Seventh, Two-Thousand Five. If you add two-thousand and five it equals seven. July is the seventh month of the year and strangely enough I have seven hundred and seven dollars in my pocket, it just made me chuckle. See seven is God's perfect number, his number. And the final kicker is that I left the priesthood today after nineteen years, with seventeen being served right here in Rome.

The young woman continued to smile and said. Well if all that makes you chuckle, this should give you a belly laugh. Your flight number is seven hundred and seventy seven, and you are seated in row seven!

John said, Well I'll be damned!

Oh wait said the woman it gets better Today is my birthday and I'm twenty seven. It is also my last shift and my last day here in Rome. I too am flying back to New York. If you would like, I could arrange us to sit next to each other, and I could even bump us into first class as being it is a very under loaded flight and first class will be empty."

You know, you just brightened my whole day, wait my whole life. My name is John. John said as he extended his hand.

The young woman reached out and shook his hand. I am Alyssa, and I am happy to have brightened your day. Here is a pass to the VIP lounge, it is just off the food court upstairs and connects directly to the concourse we will be leaving from. I get off at seven thirty and our flight leaves at ten. That will give us some time to get to know each other, in case you want to change your mind about sitting by me!"

I don't think I will be changing my mind about anything, ever again, Alyssa. I thank you so much for your kindness, it was a God send on the day that I have had. Said John.

John entered the VIP room, an airport attended greeted him with a very stylishly hello. He instructed him that everything was free in the room and escorted him to a very comfortable couch. John took a seat. After a few moments a young waitress attended to him. Can I help you sir? Said the young woman. Would you like something from the bar or perhaps something to eat?

John said Well, I have not had a drink for twenty years. Can you recommend something?

The girl smiled sheepishly and said Well sir, unfortunately I am too young to drink! Her eyes quickly darted around the room then she leaned in closely and said. But I like Vodka and Red Bull!

John smiled back and then said, Well, with a recommendation like that, how could I refuse!

The girl left John and soon returned with a monster size of a drink. Careful now she said They don't call this stuff liquid Viagra for nothing!

John sipped the drink. He could taste no alcohol at all. He realized that with the business of the day he not only had not eaten but had little to drink as well. He quickly gulped down the drink and got the young