Go Tell It on the Mountain

John is swept up in the energy of the church service. He steps on to the threshing floor, the space in front of the altar where people are judged by God. Experiencing visions of his father, as well as his doubts and fears about his sexuality, he is enraptured by a string of vivid, violent images of his father, his family, and a graveyard. He sees the “rage and weeping” of his family members (117). He calls out for help, hoping that someone can lead him through the darkness. These visions only stop when John believes he sees a glimpse of God. He hears Elisha’s voice and the sound of singing, feeling a sudden “sweetness” (119).

By the time he regains his consciousness, John realizes that he has spent all night in his chaotic daze. He feels reborn. His family is all around him. They seem delighted that he has embraced God, except for Gabriel, who remains cold and distant toward him. John recollects one of Gabriel’s old sermons, claiming that he is “saved” (121). Seemingly unsure, Gabriel insists that he must see John live a religious life before he believes that John is a good Christian.