In a series of dramatic monologues, first-century men and women--some real, some imaginary--remember, often from the perspective of old age, their encounters with Jesus and reflect on the significance of those encounters. Some comprehend and welcome him as Messiah. Others comprehend him only as an extraordinary figure and remain puzzled by their memories. A few are angered by him and bitterly reject any claim their encounter might make on them. The monologues and songs are arranged to be read simply as a book of poems or as a series of meditations spanning the ministry of Jesus to be read one a day during the season of Lent.