Second Sunday of Advent - Mary Letter Day Seven

Second Sunday of Advent - Mary Letter Day Seven

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'" Luke 3:1-6

Dear Auntie,

I know you are close to the birthing time and hope you are still feeling strong and healthy. The child you carry is a blessing from God and will do great things in the world. We both have big responsibilities with the offspring our Lord has placed within us, both now as they grow with us and in their growing years to come. I worry that I am not able to be a good mother, let alone able to protect this little one when he arrives. You taught me so much while I was with you, and Mama has been trying to imprint me with all of her wisdom. 

The recent days have been very challenging for us. Mama and I were out doing our marketing before the Sabbath, when several of our favorite merchants, the flour and the fruit sellers, both said terrible things to me, shaming both of us. We were so upset, we ran home and sent Papa out to pick up our purchases. He came back, red-faced and angry. They said terrible things to him as well. Later this week, late at night, a rock flew through one of our windows. Papa wants me to stay inside from now one for my safety, with Mama and Joseph agreeing with him. I feel like a captive, and on top of that, none of my friends will speak to me and they turn away when we are in the streets. So, here I am, a prisoner in my own home. I haven't done anything wrong.

Papa, Mama and Joseph have been making plans for the wedding, which will now have to happen in our house, without nay guests except for our families. Finding a Rabbi who is willing to marry us has been a real problem. We think Joseph's cousin, Simon, a Rabbi from several villages west, is willing to come here and marry us. He is young and fearless, thank the Lord!

I try to be brave, Auntie, but some days it is really hard. I go out to the garden, late at night to say my prayers and to look at the night sky. It gives me comfort and helps me relax so I can sleep. The cool night air reminds me of our many nights together, staring up at the stars, pondering the mystery of why we were chosen to bring God's love into the world. The world doesn't seem to want it! Pray for me and I am praying for you.

Love 

Mary