As the days go by for the two mothers-to-be, we once again return to Jerusalem. And also to a synopsis of TWO FROM GALILEE, by M. Holmes. As to the two mothers, as the weeks progressed, Elizabeth took Mary around Jerusalem. Mary loved the city and its history. The temple was most beautiful and the stories of the Ark of the Covenant entrancing. The Ark had been lost and returned by King David, who danced in the street at its re-placement in the Temple. Then, it was once again lost, stolen my some unknown, and the Holy of Holies was now without the ark, yet filled with the Presence of God.
Mary suffered for the animals being sacrificed. She hated the blood that covered Zachariah, her uncle, from his work. She wondered why God needed these sacrifices, as it just seemed wrong! But just as quickly, Mary felt ashamed for doubting God's plan and said, "Please, Lord, forgive me! You must have a good reason for needing this blood from innocent creatures. I am sorry I doubted you."
The two women rejoiced over their pregnancies, each sure they were carrying sons. Elizabeth said, "A son, who will be a man of destiny--with all the penalties that implies." "Penalties?" Mary asked, "What do you mean?"
"It's a serious thing to be a leader sent by God. There will be responsibilities, terrible responsibilities. If this is true of priests, and it is, how much more to be a prophet or a King? The mothers of such men pay dearly for the honor." Mary couldn't speak. She remembered hideous things had happened to those in history--prophets and kings--who had suffered. Mary turned white with anguish and seeing how white Mary had become, Elizabeth hugged her closely. "Forgive me, Mary, for going on so. Or for causing you to worry. My son--greatly as I love him already, I know that he will be as nothing compared to the child you are giving to the world. We must both trust in the Lord who will bring this all about. And we have no right to be afraid."
"But this child, what will he be like, this child I carry?" Mary cried out. "I have been told he is to be the Messiah! the Messiah! I've heard all my life of His coming! But, I'm confused. Will he come as a King? Will he reign over Israel? Or over the world? Tell me, my aunt. You have studied! Will he have to do battle with our enemies to bring the kingdom about? Is he going to bring an end to suffering? As a nation or an end to all suffering?"
Elizabeth, with great wisdom, answered, "No one knows, my dear. God reveals only as much as we can accept. Even the prophets don't know. Some said he would be a king descending in triumph and some say he will be a poor man riding an ass." Her eyes shone, "Only on one thing they all agreed--He is coming! And there will be another before him who will help to pave the way."
"And the time is upon us," Elizabeth continued. "You and I are a part of it. What our roles are isn't as yet clear. We can only wait and see. But, the mystery is part of it! The waiting patiently not knowing, only trusting--trying to be worthy of whatever is to be. To know, convicted in our hearts," she cried softly, " yet not really knowing at all! That's life, Mary. And it's also about God! And who can really know God, even after a revelation?" she asked." And who can tell another the essence of a revelation he or she has had? He can't; we can't. We can only wait and find out the meaning, each of us alone, slowly and gradually!"
Mary stared at Elizabeth transfixed. And Joseph? What of my beloved? What is his role in all of this?
The Feast of the First Fruits was almost upon them. Perhaps, even now Joseph was heading for Jerusalem!"
No comments:
Post a Comment