Emphasis Preaching Journal

In the unforgettable musical, Man of La Mancha, we meet Aldonza, a waitress by day and a harlot by night. Don Quixote greets her: "Sweet lady, fair virgin!" She laughs. He goes on: "I will give you a new name, Dulcinea." She spits on the floor and goes on bargaining with customers of the night.

Comes the dramatic scene when she storms across the stage, barebreasted, skirts torn, shoeless. She has been raped. The Man of La Mancha comes to her and speaks, "O my lady." She rants, "I was born in a ditch by a mother who left me there, naked, cold, and too hungry to cry. I am no lady." "But you are my lady," insists the Man of La Mancha.

In the next scene, Don Quixote is on his deathbed. Into the room comes a woman, mysterious in her mantilla of black lace. She kneels and speaks: "My lord." He asks, "Who are you?" "Don't you remember. Try to remember. You gave me a new name, Dulcinea." Now she stands as a princess. He rises from his bed and says: "O my lady," and dies. Aldonza leaves the room saying: "My name is Dulcinea."

Redeemed by love, Aldonza becomes Dulcinea. Redeemed by love, we have a new name written down in glory! He died for us.