Pilgrims of Promise: A Novel (The Journey of Souls Series)

by C. D. Baker

  5. When the crusaders are rejected and despised by the people of Genoa, Pieter is challenged by one of the children who asks him, “Should we forgive them, Father?” How does Pieter’s response reveal the changes in his heart and attitudes? What lesson has he learned about forgiveness and judgment?

  Chapter 3

  6. Like a young Robin Hood, Paul devises a plan to plunder the wealthy of Genoa before leaving for Rome. What is most disturbing about this situation? Are the children justified in stealing what should have been offered to them?

  Chapter 4

  7. Psalm 23 says, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul…. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” How does this psalm illustrate the refuge the weary children find at San Fruttuoso? What does this Scripture reveal about God’s compassion, provision, and love for us in the midst of trials and suffering?

  8. Wil struggles mightily with his anger toward his father—some of which is perhaps understandable, but much is the fruit of seeds planted by his mother and others. Why does he find it so hard to forgive his father? Should he have a deeper compassion for the imperfections of others, given his own recent failings? What significant truth does Frieda share with Wil about the power of forgiveness?

  Chapter 5

  9. Pieter is outraged to find that Maria has been “sold” to the neighboring lord’s home as a servant. Is his anger justified? How has Maria fared under the lord’s care? Are there times in our lives when God can use difficult or even “wrong” circumstances to bless us? How is this truth illustrated by the story of Joseph, as told in Genesis chapters 37, 39-45?

  Chapter 6

  10. Heinrich struggles with the choices he has made in life and doubts his worthiness of God’s mercy. How does Brother Stefano challenge Heinrich to think beyond the confines of simple forgiveness? Do you ever find it hard to understand how God can forgive the mistakes you’ve made? How does considering God’s perfect and unfailing love—rather than whether or not you “deserve” forgiveness—change your perspective?

  11. Does it seem ironic that while Wil refuses to forgive his father, he worries over his own betrayal of his sister, Maria? Is it true that “men want justice … except for themselves, in which case they want mercy”? What is the inherent consequence of living with this type of attitude?

  Chapter 7

  12. Heinrich rescues Tomas and pays a hefty price for his freedom. Given Tomas’s defection and hostility toward Heinrich and Wil, is he really deserving of the help he is given? How is this similar to the redemption Jesus offers each one of us?

  13. What does Wil’s reaction to Tomas reveal about his character? Why does he have such trouble offering and receiving grace? Is it possible for grace to be earned? How does pride cause us to miss out on many of God’s greatest gifts?

  Chapter 8

  14. When Wil asks for Maria’s forgiveness, she gives it freely and joyfully. What does Maria mean when she says she “saw a bit of heaven”? How might seeing heaven change your outlook on earthly matters? Why is the hope of heaven usually not enough to influence us in the same way?

  15. Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” How does this Scripture reflect on Lucia and the painful lesson Wil learned of her true character? How does Frieda—who is beautiful in her own right—demonstrate qualities of higher virtue and worth?

  Chapter 9

  16. Heinrich is very disturbed to learn that his wife was unfaithful to him and consequently gave birth to Maria. What extra measure of angst is due to the likelihood that Pious is Maria’s biological father? Is it easy to understand Heinrich’s desire to have the truth of Pious’s treachery known publicly? What is more important from God’s point of view—that Heinrich be vindicated or that Maria be spared the shame and rejection of her illegitimacy?

  17. Pieter tells Heinrich, “Sometimes we need to guard against our conscience. It is not always a proper master.” Is this surprising advice? Is the conscience always a true moral compass according to God’s standards? If not, what consequences might result from choosing the conscience as a guide, rather than the Word of God or the leading of the Holy Spirit?

  Chapter 10

  18. When the pilgrims return to the site of Georg’s grave, Heinrich reaches out to Maria and finally declares that she is his daughter and that he shall be her father. How is this moment significant for both of them? Does God define the role of a father as simply biology or something greater? In what way are we all “illegitimate” like Maria? How would we respond if God failed to extend His acceptance and love to any one of us? How can this lesson be applied to those who face similar real-life situations today?

  Chapter 11

  19. Heinrich briefly encounters his old friend Blasius after witnessing a battle between the Templars and another band of knights. How do the Templars treat Blasius, whom they capture and accuse of betrayal? Would a true traitor be worthy of such treatment? Why is a difference in opinion so threatening to the establishment of the Roman Church and its soldiers?

  20. Heinrich, Pieter, Tomas, and the others attempt to rescue Blasius and in the process set the entire town of Burgdorf on fire. Are their efforts heroic or merely destructive? Is the price paid in lives and property worth the life of one man? Is it possible that God is using the pilgrims to bring judgment on the city? What past biblical events suggest that might be a possibility?

  Chapter 12

  21. How do the events at Burgdorf bring about a turning point in Tomas’s life? Given his typical hostility and disregard for others, why is he moved to such grief over the destruction he helped set in motion? What is significant about Wil’s offered forgiveness and friendship?

  22. Blasius—or Alwin—reveals the events that led to his capture by the Templars. What caused him to become disillusioned with the “holy war” he was fighting? Is there truth to the saying that “the conscience is reached by love”? Is there ever an appropriate time for the use of force, and if so, when?

  Chapter 13

  23. Death and destruction follow the pilgrims to the town of Olten. Are they somehow to blame for the disaster that follows them? Should they surrender (as Alwin attempts to do) in hopes of sparing others, or are they justified in fleeing for their lives? Would the powers that pursue them really be satisfied with their surrender?

  24. Dorothea is a remarkable woman of kindness, strength, and bravery. What distinguishes her from other wealthy and influential citizens the pilgrims have encountered on their journey? Is the courage that she displays in the face of evil for naught? What is the inevitable consequence of her generosity? (See Matt. 25:34-46; Mark 9:36-37, 41.)

  Chapter 14

  25. When the pilgrims are trapped in the town of Olten, many circumstances conspire to open the door for their escape. How does each member of their company manage to escape unscathed? Is this sufficient evidence of God’s protection and intervention in their lives? Is there really such a thing as coincidence?

  Chapter 15

  26. Rudolf is welcomed home by the open arms and joyful hearts of his family without one suggestion of any supposed “failure” on crusade. What sets this family apart from so many others—even that of Heinrich and Marta? What role does faith, expressed as a simple, trusting relationship with the Creator, play in their lives?

  Chapter 16

  27. Is it surprising that discrimination against Jews was rampant even in the thirteenth century? What seeds are sown that will germinate in Germany hundreds of years later? Is there ever any “new” face on an old evil?

  Chapter 17

  28. When the pilgrims arrive in Weyer, some of those returning are overcome with emotion and rejoice to see the familiar sights of home. Is Weyer really worthy of such kind regard? Are Heinrich’s hopes realistic or is he choosing to ignore the truth? What
is he really responding to?

  29. Many people define themselves based on what others say or think about them, but Pieter wisely tells the company that “what they say we are and who we really are is oft not the same at all.” How might this be true in your own life? Whose is the one opinion we ought to believe? What does God say about us in His Word?

  30. When Otto returns to his home, he is berated and beaten by his father. Is it possible to justify or explain his father’s behavior? Why does he become the scapegoat for the entire town? What does this situation reveal about human nature?

  Chapter 18

  31. Wil and Heinrich return to Weyer only to walk right into the cunning snare Pious has laid for them. What hope is there when men in powerful positions deliberately seek to destroy those in their care? Does the truth always win, or are there times when evil prevails?

  32. What does Pieter mean when he says, “It is good to be free of my mind sometimes. We are not called to know all things, but to trust in the One who does”? How might our lives be different if we truly allowed God to bear our burdens—rather than trying to control everything ourselves? Are we even capable of that task?

  Chapter 19

  33. Heinrich and Wil are captured and thrown in prison. Is it ironic that they encounter a Jew, Beniamino, who offers to help them? How often does God answer our prayers in the manner we expect? How might we miss His help and deliverance if we allow ourselves to become blinded by our own prejudices and expectations?

  Chapter 20

  34. How has Arnold changed, and what has caused him to reevaluate the condition of his life? Does he fully understand why his family’s fortune has been so decimated? What fruit has the “code” of his forefathers borne? What motive might God have to allow a man to lose everything?

  35. Arnold, Katharina, Herwin, and others join with the pilgrims in their desperate plan to rescue Wil and Heinrich. Is their involvement merely coincidence, or is some unseen hand directing their steps? How do the unresolved issues of many years begin to come to a head? What does this reveal about God’s timing?

  Chapter 21

  36. Pieter—so often beset by his own weakness of character—struggles with the choice before him. He is unsure whether seeking justice for Heinrich and Wil is a worthy reason to manipulate Anka and to involve others in the deception. What is Frieda’s counsel? Why is wisdom so critical in such situations? Is the “higher virtue” always plainly obvious?

  37. Arnold once more calls upon his faithful trade of blackmailing. How is the monk trapped by his own actions? How would bringing everything out in the open—particularly when sin is involved—negate the power of those secrets? How does the monk react when Arnold tells him he reminds him of himself? Is Arnold right?

  Chapter 22

  38. Pieter, Tomas, and Otto terrify Frau Anka, using spiritual blackmail to convince her to stay away from the trial. Has Pieter chosen rightly? How is their behavior similar to that of Pious? Would God approve of their motives if not their methods? Are good intentions ever enough to justify our choices?

  39. Pious arrives at the trial fully expecting his plans to be fulfilled. Of all abominations that God hates, is Pious innocent of any? Is Pious truly evil or merely pathetic? Is he more worthy of Heinrich’s hatred or his pity? Why?

  Chapter 23

  40. Pious’s plan is completely undone, and he abruptly finds himself facing his own trial by ordeal. How are his years of excess and greed—and true character—exposed? How does this scene symbolize the eternal judgment we all must face? Despite the archaic methods, is justice well served?

  41. After being awarded their freedom, Wil and Heinrich, along with the others, learn they must flee for their lives. How does Heinrich react to the realization that Weyer will never again be his home? Is it surprising that the band of pilgrims decides to journey to Stedingerland in hope of settling there as freemen? How does this development lend new purpose and meaning to Heinrich’s long journey and suffering?

  Chapter 24

  42. When the pilgrims arrive at Godfrey’s home, they are welcomed with warm hospitality. Once in the dining hall, the many guests debate the virtues of faith versus reason, most siding with the “new way of thinking.” How is this mind-set similar to the philosophy of the world today? What danger lies in relying too heavily on the intellect?

  43. One man declares that the Roman Church is a place of bondage. Is this true? Pieter responds that faith is the way to freedom—not the Church. Why do so many people have trouble distinguishing between real faith and the form of religion? Do you know someone who puts his trust in the identity of the church rather than a relationship with Jesus?

  Chapter 25

  44. When the pilgrims reach the town of Münden, they decide to take new names for themselves. What does this act symbolize from a spiritual standpoint? What does the meaning of a name convey about a person and his or her identity?

  Chapter 26

  45. Stumbling upon the village of Renwick, the company discovers a strange assortment of men, women, and children who have been rejected by society. What does Friar Oswald mean when he says that they are like the rest of the world, only inside out? Might this explain why their deformities and imperfections make others uncomfortable?

  46. Friar Oswald presents a bevy of beehives as an analogy for the church—as it was intended to function. What similarities exist between the productive hives and a healthy, thriving body of believers? In what ways do many churches fall short of these standards?

  Chapter 27

  47. Benedetto decides to remain behind in the village of Renwick. Why does he feel so comfortable there? What special purpose does he serve for the people? What is Benedetto’s own handicap? Might this weakness explain why he finally feels that he has found the place where he belongs?

  Chapter 28

  48. When the pilgrims reach the city of Bremen, Pieter bequeaths his staff to Wil. What is significant about this moment? After so much suffering and change, is Wil ably prepared to shepherd the tiny flock? What is important about leading by becoming a servant? How did Jesus demonstrate this principle during His time on earth?

  49. Helmut’s father, Horst, blesses and cares for the weary pilgrims and provides them with passports of free status before they depart for Stedingerland. How is God’s great mercy evident as new families are created out of broken, disowned, and rejected people? Is this an example of how He can turn all things for good for those who love Him?

  50. Like Moses leading the Israelites, Pieter dies before he enters the promised land. Has Pieter’s life evidenced the work of the Holy Spirit? What special blessing does the Lord give him before he passes on? Is he now free to go because Heinrich has finally embraced freedom?

  GLOSSARY

  The Medieval Clock

  Medieval time was divided into twelve hours of available daylight. Therefore, a summer’s hour would have been longer than a winter’s. The corresponding times below, typically called the seven canonical hours, are approximate to the modern method.

  Matins: midnight

  Prime: daybreak (6 A.M.)

  Terce: third hour of light (9 A.M.)

  Sext: sixth hour of light (noon)

  Nones: ninth hour of light (3 P.M.)

  Vespers: twelfth hour of light (6 P.M.)

  Compline: twilight darkness

  The Medieval Calendar

  The Seasons

  Winter: Michaelmas to the Epiphany. A time of sowing wheat and rye.

  Spring: the Epiphany to Easter. A time of sowing spring crops (oats, peas, beans, barley, vegetables).

  Summer: Easter to Lammas. A time of tending crops.

  Autumn: Lammas to Michaelmas. A time of harvest.

  Note: The medieval fiscal year began and ended on Michaelmas.

  Holy Days and Feast Days

  Feast of Circumcision / Feast of Fools, January 1: celebration of circumcision of Jesus / a secular feast marked by uproarious behavior honoring those normally of low standing.
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  The Epiphany /The Feast of Three Kings, January 6: celebration of the three wise men’s visit of Jesus.

  The Baptism of our Lord: the Sunday after the Epiphany.

  Lent: begins 40 days before Easter, not counting Sundays. A time to deny oneself in order to meditate upon the sufferings of Christ.

  Palm Sunday.

  Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday.

  Easter Sunday.

  May Day, May 1: not a holy day, but celebrated throughout much of Christendom as a time of renewal.

  Ascension Day: 40 days after Easter, usually early to mid-May. Celebrates the ascension of Christ into heaven.

  Pentecost: 50 days after Easter, usually late May or early June. Celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit.

  Midsummer’s Day: not a holy day, but rather a celebration of the summer solstice, June 21.

  Lammas, August 1: beginning of harvest.

  Assumption of the Virgin, August 15: celebrates Mary’s assumption into heaven.

  St. Michael’s Day (Michaelmas), September 25: celebrates the archangel.

  All Hallows’ Eve, October 31: a vigil that anticipates All Saints’ Day.

  All Saint’s Day (Hallowmas), November 1: the honoring of all saints, known and unknown.

  All Souls’ Day, November 2: commemoration of all the faithful now departed.

  Martinmas, November 12: celebrates St. Martin of Tours, who spared a freezing beggar by sharing his cloak.

  Season of Advent: begins 4th Sunday before Christmas and lasts through December 24. It is the anticipation of the birth of Christ.

  The Twelve Days of Christmas: Christmas Day to the Epiphany.

  Christmas Day: December 25.