white lights in the water

[MizC]

hundreds if not thousands of lights swimming below the surface.

What is the significance of those lights under the surface of the water where the priest dies? I'm just not getting it....sorry....and thanks for your clarification

[jamesleeburke]

The flooded basin of Orleans and St. Bernard parishes becomes the Christian chalice. The broken Communion wafer symbolizes the broken and rejected body of Jesus.

Best,

Ji

[TomTeryl]

Thanks both Miz and Jim for the question and answer.
I remember assuming that on a gut level..but to have it confirmed is something special.
Cheers,Tom

[whatrodney]

While it may be that, I also think it serves a double function in the story. Not only is it religious and miraculous, but it is also the reflected lights of the rescue coptor failing to stop. These are the poorest of the poor in the poorest section of the city, and they were not saved by the helicoptor. I cite as a reason for that Dave's dream of the helicoptor in Viet Nam leaving him wounded and dying on the ground and flying off to leave him, and his resentment for the people in the coptor until it gets shot down. Those who chose to not rescue the poor who needed it most in New Orleans will also be eventually paid back for their negative actions.

[reddirtgirl]

I just listened to TRB and so glad this question was posed....as I didn't understand it either. I love the books, but sometimes Catholic references are lost on a Baptist girl like me.

[Rtmichael]

I know that feeling Reddirtgirl-lol. though I muddle along.

[Yorkie Bluebird]

Woh Spoiler!!!!! Currently a quarter way through ;o)

Ybx