<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic"> "But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments; and if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant: I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you. And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass: And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits. And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more</span> <span style="font-weight: bold">plagues</span><span style="font-style: italic"> upon you according to your sins." <br/>--1 Kings 13:14-21</span></div><br/><br/>Father Rafael stepped in front of the mirror beside the door of the rectory. He quickly inspected his appearance, clean-shaven, aside from the mustache, he'd worn since he left the Navy eighteen years earlier. The clerical collar at his throat, pristine in appearance announced to the world, that this man was a Catholic Priest. Everyone he encountered focused on that small religious accoutrement. Who else wears all black in the desert? His appearance was immaculate as always.<br/><br/>Father Cabrera picked up the small gym bag containing work out clothes, a bottle of water, towel and a bible. As he headed out the door, a warm breeze blew in from across the desert. It left a thin layer of dust over the landscape. The scant amount of grass growing in the front yard, struggled for sunlight and above all, water. Water was the principle element every blade of grass yearned for, but most were deprived. The blades bent over in submission to the oppressive dry heat.<br/><br/>The navy blue 2000 model year Chevrolet Malibu was non-descript in all its elegance. It had none. It was a simple vehicle for a simple man. In fact, because of its age, it was always in need of some repair. Today was no different. He had an appointment to have the brake calipers and pads replaced. Father Cabrera wished the church would allow him to purchase a newer car, but they seemed to have it in their budget to only purchase vehicles that were at least six years old and badly in need of repair. Repairs were were in the budget, but new cars were not.<br/><br/>As soon as he hit the porch, beads of sweat emerged from his pores. Before he would reach his destination, the black clerical shirt would have sweat stains in the pits with a light coating of dust clung. The 15-year old Chevy Malibu did not have a functioning Air Conditioning, forcing the 40-year old Navy veteran to drive around with the windows open. Father Cabrera enjoyed the warm breeze blowing in through the driver's side window. The church could not afford such luxuries as Air conditioners. At least they allowed for the Rectory to have one or two. Father Rafael pulled the water bottle from his blue gym bag, sipping it as he drove. He turned on the radio, took another sip from the bottle as he made his four minute ride to de Santa's garage.<br/><br/>The voice on the radio made the same announcement every media source was sharing this morning, "The Center for Disease Control in Carson City issues a warning to all residents within the Mojave region to remain indoors. The current airborne virus is not believed to be life-threatening. Until more information becomes available it must be contained for precautionary purposes. Citizens are encouraged to report any flu-like symptoms as soon as possible to your primary care or local emergency room. You can also call the CDC's hotline at one eight hundred three nine one four two zero zero. You will be connected to a healthcare professional to confirm your status regarding this virus. Please pay serious attention to this warning, note the number, one eight hundred three nine one four two zero zero and please remain indoors."<br/><br/>Father Rafael listened to the announcement and wondered, 'how serious could this thing be? Maybe it would be worth investing in a medical face mask?' he thought as he drove to the garage.<br/><br/>Upon arrival he spied a dust covered Harley Davidson Motorcycle. He was impressed with the machine and passively wished he could ride one. For now, that was a fantasy the church would do nothing to encourage or provide.<br/><br/>He parked the Malibu in the lot and stepped inside. A tinkling bell announced his presence inside. The usual clerk stood behind the desk ready to wait on him. "Can I help you, father?" the man behind the counter asked.<br/><br/>"I have an appointment for a brake job," Father Rafael announced as he approached the counter. This prompted the young man to scan his appointment book laid out before him.<br/><br/>"Yes," the man quickly responded. "You are a bit early, but we should be able to take your car now. Can I get the keys?" Father Cabrera handed them over, noting the grease stains on the man's fingers. The filth was embedded in his nails and the creases of his knuckles. "Will you wait here? or is there a number to get ahold of you?"<br/><br/>"I'll be over here, reading," the Catholic priest responded, taking a seat and sipping his water. He pulled out the bible he carried in his gym bag and began to read a passage on the apocalypse.