At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes!
“If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell of fire.
“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.” Matthew 18:1-14
Dear Elizabeth,
I am sorry not to have written but things got very scary here very quickly. The shepherds who visited after the birth went and told everyone about us. We had visitors around the clock, it seems. The baby was so good, but the wise women were very stern and told me to rest myself. They spent a good deal of time shooing people away. The word got out and people kept coming! Then word got to someone high up and there are rumors that we are being sought out. We spent last night moving household to a hidden location, one where we are assured no one can find us. We are to stay hidden until things die down. We have been supplied with weeks of dried food and the wise women will come at night to check on me and the baby. They promise also to bring fresh water and news, of course.
Why is the world so angry with us, Auntie? God's goodness has been showered upon us but human jealousy rears up, always. This little child, vulnerable and innocent, need constant care and tending. There is no political plot afoot here. But you would thing we, who are poor travelers, bear the anger of the unsated hunger for power. We will have to trust God and the kindness of these new friends to keep us safe. God always provides, although not without some drama and challenge!
Please send word to Mama and Papa. They worry so. We seem to be fine and the baby eats and sleeps and loves to be rocked in my arms. Joseph is over the moon in love with the little guy. Despite the confusion and anxiety around us, we find ways to laugh and enjoy this wonderful child we have been given.
Much love,
Mary
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