Tom Clancy's Op-center Balance of Power - Tom Clancy [88]
Norberto's arrival was heralded by the relieved cries of the people outside the church and thanks to God. For a moment-a brief, soul-touching moment-the priest felt the same love and compassion for the poor that the Son of Man Himself must have felt. It didn't alleviate his pain. But it did give him renewed strength and purpose.
The first thing Father Norberto did upon arriving was to smile and speak softly. Speaking softly made the people quiet down. It forced them to control their fear. He got everyone inside and into pews. Then, as Norberto lit the candles beside the pulpit, he asked white-haired "Grandfather" José if he would usher newcomers inside in an orderly fashion. The former salvage ship captain, a pious Catholic, accepted the task humbly, his gray eyes gleaming.
When the candles were lit and the church was awash with their comforting glow, the priest went to the altar. He used it to steady himself for just a moment. Then he led the congregation through Mass, hoping that they would take comfort as much in the familiar ritual as in the presence of God. Norberto hoped that he, too, would find solace there. But as he proceeded through the Liturgy of the Word, he found little for himself. The only consolation he had was the fact that he was giving comfort to others.
When Father Norberto finished the service, he turned to the uneasy crowd, which was already over one hundred strong. The heat of their bodies and their fear filled the small, dark church. The smell of the sea air came through the open door. It inspired Father Norberto to speak to the crowd from Matthew.
In a loud and strong voice he read for the parishioners. " 'And He saith unto them. Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was great calm.' "
The words of the Gospel, along with the need of the people, gave strength to the priest. Even after the gunfire had stopped, more and more of them came into the church seeking comfort amidst the confusion.
Father Norberto didn't hear the telephone ringing in the rectory. However, Grandfather José did. The elderly man answered it and then came running up to the priest.
"Father!" José whispered excitedly into his ear. "Father, quickly-you must come!"
"What is it?" Norberto asked.
"It is an aide to General Superior González in Madrid!" José declared. "He wishes to speak with you." Norberto regarded José for a moment. "Are you certain he wants to talk to me?"
José nodded vigorously. Puzzled, Norberto went to the pulpit and collected his Bible. He handed it to the elder member of the church and asked him to read to the congregation more from Matthew until his return. Then Norberto left quickly, wondering what the leader of the Spanish Jesuits wanted with him.
Norberto shut the door of the rectory and sat at his old oak desk. He rubbed his hands together and then picked up the phone.
The caller was Father Francisco. The young priest had phoned to inform Norberto that his presence was required-not requested, but required-in Madrid as soon as he could get there.
"For what reason?" Norberto asked. It should have been enough that General Superior González wanted him. González reported directly to the Pope and his word carried the authority of the Vatican. But when it came to matters involving this province and its five thousand Jesuits, González usually consulted his old friend Father Iglesias in nearby Bilbao. Which was the way Norberto preferred it. He cared about ministering to his parish, not his own advancement.
"I can only say that he asked for you and several others specifically," Father Francisco replied.
"Has Father Iglesias been sent for?"
"He is not on my list," the caller replied. "An airplane has been arranged for you at eight-thirty a.m. It is the General Superior's private airplane. Can I tell him that you will be on it?"
"If I'm so ordered," Norberto said.
"It is