The poor, illiterate, and smelly pope.

The biblical city of Capernaum was probably a fishing village. It was home to the Apostle Peter and visited by Jesus.

Have you ever visited a third world country? Spent any time watching classes in those societies that fish for a living?

They are at the bottom of the social castes (assumed or imposed), illiterate, poor, scarred by salt and sun.

Fish odors are nearly indelible. I once decorated my dorm room with a fishing net I got at Spencer's Gifts in Woodland Mall. That fish smell was still on the net, and it stayed there as long as I had it.

Just as there are today, there no doubt were perfumed and fancy handsome people in ancient Capernaum, with big houses, tall palm trees, and fast sporty camels, I suppose.

But it was the smelly lower class that did most of the work, and that's where Jesus' followers came from, and the first pope, if you're inclined to think so.

[2014-05-05]

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