(Based on TWO FROM GALILEE, by M. Holmes) Deborah's wedding was almost upon the village of Nazareth. Salome, Mary's sister, had taken the place Mary was to have at her cousin's wedding, that of bridesmaid. And Salome had been gone all day. Hannah felt sad for Mary, missing this wedding, but ironically, filled with joy for Salome, who would never have the chance of serving at Mary's. For there would be no wedding for Mary.
How it stung Hannah. And she kept telling herself, "It doesn't matter...but I wish people would stop talking, always talking about Mary!" When, in fact, the relatives were outraged at the rumors, as well, and were united to protect the family's name.
Hannah had begun to defend Mary and Joseph. "Mary is happy in the knowledge of her own purity and happy because Joseph is such a fine husband." When Hannah tried to explain Mary's situation by eluding to "the prophecy" and her kinswoman laughed at Hannah's suggestion, Hannah had no reply except to say, "You're right. It would be hopeless to try and persuade others of such a thing."
Joachim had to order Hannah to Deborah's wedding, as she was so upset over the earlier conversation. He said, "If you truly love Mary, don't make more gossip possible. You must go to Deborah's wedding." She did her best to be presentable, and Joachim looked at her with fondness as she came to him.
At the picturesque wedding, the people saluted the bride with the polite thing to say at a wedding-"To the Hope of Israel!" All those around took the words and voiced them, but Joachim did not join in the toast and just set down his cup.
A bit later, Hannah's heart was struck by the music and the wine and threw herself onto Cora, embracing her , saying, "I'm so happy for you!" But Cora suddenly went tense and a little croak escaped her at a commotion in the doorway. The music stopped. Silence ensued until someone broke it with.."Mary! It's Joseph and Mary!"
Hannah overheard some despairing words about Mary and Joseph's arrival. First, she went limp and then bridled, turned and was ready to fight, but Joachim's hand stopped her. "No, Hannah! We cannot spoil our niece's wedding!"
As for Mary and Joseph, they were respectfully attentive of the bride. But Cora thought both of them so comely. There was something almost noble about them, making a mockery of their state--a carpenter and a woman in disgrace. She was thebride's mother and she had the right to ask them to leave--or stay. Something unexplainable stopped her from asking them to leave--a sweet light flowed almost tangibly from Mary. And Joseph standing behind her, slightly cupped Mary's shoulder, &gave a gesture of love and loyalty, yet a gesture of a heart-broken man who would support his beloved regardless of all the world. And much more Aunt Cora saw--a look of secret suffering and gentle commitment on his face, as if something had died within him, yet something new had been born.
Cora wanted an explanation but before she could demand one, Deborah, the beautiful bride, rushed forward, her hands outstretched--"Joseph! And Mary, my cousin! Oh, I thought you would never come," and she threw back her veil for Mary's kiss.
The news of the bridegroom coming sent people forward to see the procession. The maids regrouped, holding their lamps high. The music of the procession drew nearer, the flutes, tambori and lutes kept all in an air of festivity, yet suspenseful waiting for the Bridegroom to knock.
There would be singing and dancing and toasts most of the night before they would be finally led to the bridal chamber there to join each other in the hope that out of their union might come forth a son who would be savior of them all. This joyous phrase was repeated at all weddings.
But Mary and Joseph had left much earlier, and did not take part in the night-long festivities.
Thus, there was a wedding, but it was not their own. But could two people be any happier?
(End of today's story. More tomorrow, God willing!)
Jo INMN
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