Mary Letter - Day 34

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, * 

and all that is within me, bless God’s holy Name. 

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, * 

and forget not all the benefits of the LORD. 

3 Who forgives all your sins * and heals all your infirmities; 

4 Who redeems your life from the grave * 

and crowns you with mercy and loving-kindness; 

5 Who satisfies you with good things * 

and your youth is renewed like an eagle’s. 

6 The LORD executes righteousness * 

and judgment for all who are oppressed. 

7 To Moses were made known God’s ways *

 and to the children of Israel the works of the LORD. 

8 The LORD is full of compassion and mercy, * 

slow to anger and of great kindness. 

9 The LORD will not always accuse us, *

 nor remain angry for ever. Psalm 103:1-9

Dear Elizabeth,

This morning we went to temple in Jerusalem since it was time for the child's purification. The trip wasn't too long as our host took us in his cart since his was going to do  his weekly shopping. The temple is magnificent and it took our breath away as we climbed the massive staircase and gazed on it's beauty. We paid dearly for two young turtle doves, as is the required offering, but there was only one seller and he could charge whatever he wanted. The little boy was so good and looked around, smiling at everyone we encountered. WE didn't have to wait too long, as there were several other families for the ceremony. It felt rather impersonal, but we were relieved to have fulfilled our duty.

As we were getting ready to leave, an elderly man, stopped us and asked to hold the child. We were suspicious, but since there were so many people around, we decided to let him hold Jesus. He told us his name was Simeon and had been waiting all his life for today. Here is want he said.

‘Master, now you are dismissing your servantin peace,according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentilesand for glory to your people Israel.’

We were shocked and touched and wondered what it meant and as we started down the steps we encountered an ancient woman, who too wanted to hold our child.Her name was Anna and she was a prophet who had been in the temple daily for many years. She held the child up and gave great thanks to God for this child, for us and for this sacred moment. We were speechless!  We roade back home, pondering all that happened today, hoping we had been careful to keep him safe and do what God required. Oh, ELizabeth, it is all so wonderful and scary at the same time.

love,

Mary