When the hour came, Jesus took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!” Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this.
A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
“You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Luke 22:14-30
Dear Aunt Elizabeth,
this waiting and confusion has gotten me in a very sad and reflective mood. I know in my heart I am God's servant, but the people around me are treating me like a helpless child in trouble. I have never been anything but faithful and a good daughter. My parents act supportive and try to be loving, but there is doubt in their eyes and I have overheard them talking to Sarah about what a fool I am. She tries to defend me and talks about your miracle child, but they are just too worried and parental to think anything but that this is my fault and my delusions. Only little Hannah accepts me totally, doesn't care what's going on among the adults, and just wants me to play with her. She is my antidote for all that is a mess right now.
The preparations for our journey continue with a vengeance. Mama has recruited some women friends to come and help her sew and cook. They sit in the kitchen and gossip all the time, which just seems to upset me. One lady came into my room and asked me about my breasts and my nipples! She wanted to see them, can you imagine! She looked at me and touched me and said I would be fine, but to make sure I used fat and creams to make nursing easier. She's the mother of my friend Anna! I was so embarrassed! Mama later told me that she is the expert in the area and was just helping me but it was quite a shock! All these things to learn about being a mother but I am more worried about being faithful and following where God leads. They all think I am just some foolish girl but I know that there is much more to the story.
much love,
Mary
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