title: Faces at the Cross: A Lent and Easter Collection of Poetry and Prose
author:  J. Barrie Shepherd 
description: Who was actually present at the crucifixion? Who was really there? It is the eternal question of the curious. In Part One of Faces, Barrie assembles his own partial answer, a cast of 17 characters who either are actually named in biblical accounts of the crucifixion or are representative of the many others presumed to have been there. Imaginative poetic monologues explore the emotions, confusions, rationalizations and insights of people like Simon of Cyrene, Mary Magdalen, the Centurion, a bystander, etc. Ultimately, of course, these reflections invite the reader to recognize his or her own face among the circle of those gathered at the cross. Part Two presents contemporary meditations on traditional Lenten themes such as sin, evil, greed, repentance and salvation. Part Three, a series of short verses arranged to lead their users from Ash Wednesday through Lent and Holy Week into Easter, is perfectly suited to enrich public worship and/or provide a catalyst for private devotions.<BR>Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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  ##  **VIRGINS**
  
  
  
  
  
  OCTOBER, 1740  
  NEAR BORDEAUX, FRANCE
  
  
  
  
  
  Ian Murray knew from the moment he saw his best friend’s face that something
  terrible had happened. The fact that he was seeing Jamie Fraser’s face at all
  was evidence enough of that, never mind the look of the man.
  
  
  
  
  
  Jamie was standing by the armorer’s wagon, his arms full of the bits and
  pieces Armand had just given him, white as milk and swaying back and forth
  like a reed on Loch Awe. Ian reached him in three paces and took him by the
  arm before he could fall over.
  
  
  
  
  
  “Ian.” Jamie looked so relieved at seeing him that Ian thought he might break
  into tears. “God, Ian.”
  
  
  
  
  
  Ian seized Jamie in embrace, and felt him stiffen and draw in his breath at
  the same instant he felt the bandages beneath Jamie’s shirt.
  
  
  
  
  
  “Jesus!” he began, startled, but then coughed and said, “Jesus, man, it’s good
  to see ye.” He patted Jamie’s back gently and let go. “Ye’ll need a bit to
  eat, aye? Come on,