WALKING HOME

A synopsis of the book TWO FROM GALILEE, by M. Holmes, ( continued..)


Mary and Joseph walked home, leaving the wedding of their cousin early, but could hear the merriment even at a distance. The moon was a quarter moon and circled around it was a shining band and within the arc burned a bright solitary star.  "The circle means the cold will be upon us soon," Joseph said, and Mary pulled her cloak more tightly around her.  "Winter will be full upon us when the little one arrives," she said.  Joseph reached out and drew her nearer, reassuring himself of her presence.  She was so very precious, doubly so in her pregnancy.  Even precious in the burden of disgrace that she had put upon him.  That was his burden to carry--and he must bear it gracefully as she bore her own growing burden.




He remembered some of the guests at the wedding, their sly looks when he made their excuse for leaving, "My wife is tired." He knew what some were thinking, "Oh, he longs to get her home to get her for himself, large as she is! A man who can't wait for his own wedding canopy..."  But, that doesn't matter.. only Mary matters.  But, it's a pity there is no way to spare her, for whatever is said to his discredit, reflects on her.


Mary said, "I'm very sorry if I spoiled your evening."  "You could spoil nothing for me, Mary," he answered.  "You are my life.  It is simply my fate to love you--you who are also the beloved of God."  They walked, silent, conscious of the music and voices drifting over from the wedding festivities.  He began to think of what was coming next for the new bride and groom, but then reminded himself that he did not want to have those thoughts.  The Lord had chosen him for this honor-- and trial. Was he strong enough?  He was not strong, he knew unhappily, and God knows that, too.  Why then, why?  Joseph lifted his head and voiced, "Perhaps that circle of light is a good omen for our cousins.  I hope so.  The circle is like a wedding band."  Mary, following his gaze, said, "Let's hope they'll be happy, Joseph, even though there is no love between them like you and I have."


Joseph's heart felt like it had broken,  "Love has rarely been considered important to a happy marriage in Israel."  "Perhaps someday it will change," Mary added. "This  child I carry within me?
I feel that he will change things.  Not put things like freeing our land and telling all the world there is but one true God, but things that affect the people like us, people who know the meaning of love."


Joseph pondered her words--the meaning of love.  He was her partner, her protector, and he had not lost her--that must be enough.  But his heart was raw.  Mary timidly continued speaking, "If it were not so, my darling, why would the Lord have wanted us to be earthly parents for his Son?"  Joseph laughed, "Who understands the ways of God?" And, following this, he had deep thoughts:  Isn't the meaning of love fulfillment and not denial?  At least, for a man?  This particular denial given to me; might it not be an exquisite form of punishment?  Yet, a holy child, the Lord's own son!  Such a responsibility would never be entrusted to a man God wished to hurt.  Mary was right! 


Joseph began to see beyond his confusion and pain.  They both must have been chosen because of their great love for one another.  We have so much love!  This child, whatever his destiny, will begin in a home filled with love, our love--Mary's and mine!


Perhaps desire was only one part of love, Joseph continued to think.  "Perhaps denial was important, too.  The death of self--necessary to be born anew in the happiness and safety of the beloved."  Desire and Denial.  These two wrestled within Joseph.  Denial accepted by his intelligence and will.  Desire--his passion, made up of nerves, tissue and blood--all essential to a man," and they both cried out for release.


Their cloaks began blowing about them, a gust of wind  coming up.  They approached their house with Joseph unbolting the door for Mary. He said, "I must see about the wood.  It will be a cold winter."  And Mary said, "I, too, must be busy and sew clothes for the baby.  I want everything ready when he comes."


Joseph stopped, gazing at Mary in the moonlight. "Mary, are you afraid?"  And she answered, "Not so long as you are with me."  His heart surged with joy!  He would have expected her to refer instead to God.  But she did not!  She wanted him!  (End of story for today)


I love their love, don't you?  What better human parents could Baby Jesus have had?


Loving each of you, too'


JoINMN