Joseph, had worked hard on the house he was building for Mary, but put aside his tools and went up to wash and put on clean clothes. Then, walking up the hill toward Mary's, he recognized his love for her so very strongly. And looking around at the view, he felt his love for Jehovah, whose sky was bright with stars above him and felt himself to be blessed among all men!
Seeing Hannah was busy with the children, Joseph approached the garden where Joachim paced and Mary sat quietly. He thought immediately, 'Something is not quite right." He could just feel it! After greeting Joseph, Joachim turned and left them alone. But Mary rose, meeting Joseph's eyes with a direct and searching look. She said, "We must talk," and led him toward the roof. But, Joseph hoped to kiss her soon and stopped her. "The flowers are so fragrant. Won't you walk down to the olive grove with me?" He added, "Please!"
Mary nodded, and moved ahead of him swiftly, her sandals scratching on the stones like tiny animal feet. Joseph reached out and caught her hand so small and soft in his large rough palm, and laughingly said, "Wait for me, my darling!" She stopped and Joseph could no longer wait. He tried to kiss her, but she slipped away. "Mary, Mary, do you not know how much I love you? I think only of you! Only you, all day! Kiss me, dear, in the way I want you to. Love me, my dear, in return for my love!"
Mary broke away, feeling desolate. But, Joseph stood bewildered and began to argue that in the sight of God they were married; surely what was the only wrong was to be separated in spirit. What elusive thing had changed her spirit? What has made her so aloof and troubled? Joseph was shaken and searched himself for error, regretting his outburst. Longing for her touch, he said, "Forgive me for speaking and acting rashly, Mary. I shall bridle my tongue and desires; I promise."
But she backed away against a tree, holding her hands behind her and clinging to the tree for support. She whispered, "Don't! Don't come nearer, Joseph" Then, pausing, seeing his conflict, her lips trembled and she said, "I beg you not to touch me. I must tell you something." She paused, then finally went on, "I am with child."
He was silent. Joseph could hear her breathing or else it was his own blood pounding. A pariah dog yelped in the distance, a wild and eerie sound. Then, Joseph spoke one word, "Whose?"
"I don't know."
"You don't know? Mary are you mad" Or do you think that I am mad?"
"Perhaps I am mad!" she said. "I asked myself, "How can this be that I am the chosen one." No, there had to be a mistake. I could not believe it, Joseph. It must be a dream, I told myself. Or madness. But then, gradually it came to pass, what the angel had foretold. My body is changing. It is real. My mother confirms my body is with child. And I have known no man--even you, Joseph, my husband, not even you."
Joseph stood silent, not really understanding what he had just heard. He was so puzzled. "You the chosen one, my beloved? Christ expected for so long? The Messiah? So many people have made that claim, Mary! Good honest people!"
"You don't believe me," she gasped and tried to stop her trembling. Of all the talks you have made in synagogue! The discussions with my father! Yet, you don't believe!!"
"Mary, I do believe...the Christ will come...someday!"
"But not now, not to you and me! Not in this time! Not through personal involvement! That's too terrible! The cost is too dear! Basically, not through me!"
She took a step nearer, "But isn't the test of faith one of suffering and sacrifice?A willingness to give up everything if need be, Joseph?" The thought nearly staggered Joseph! But he added, "What we believe, Mary, which of us knows what it is that we truly believe."
Her eyes were intent upon him. When she did not answer, he went on and on about disbelief in Israel. But Mary stopped him, "Oh, Joseph, Joseph! Don't talk about Israel. Talk about us. I am going to have a child, a child of flesh and blood. If you cast me out...."
"Cast me out?" Joseph moaned aloud. But Mary persisted, "Yes. Divorce me for adultery. They will stone me, Joseph. You know the penalty!" He said, "Surely God would not let that happen!"
"Joseph, have pity on me," she said, her hands locked in supplication. Joseph saw she was at his mercy, this chosen child of God, this honored bride of the Most High. His God, his enemy.
Her tears melted him. He quietly took her folded hands and held them against him while he stroked her hair. "Hush, hush little Mary. I love you. I love you.And so long as I live no harm shall come to you."
"How does your mother feel about this?" he asked. And Mary answered, "She is frantic and thinks I have sinned--with you." He moaned, thinking, "I wish I had taken her weeks ago." But they held each other, truly loving, wondering how to handle the weeks ahead. (End Story for today)
What a dilemma! Hard to imagine the strain on a family with a problem no one has ever had like this one. Yet, many do have problems that we have never had, even if not like this one of Mary and Joseph. As we read, and perhaps learn, I pray that other families will trust in God as well as their love for each other.
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Jo INMN
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