Jesus said, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. For you do not go in yourselves, and when others are going in, you stop them. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cross sea and land to make a single convert, and you make the new convert twice as much a child of hell as yourselves. “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the sanctuary is bound by nothing, but whoever swears by the gold of the sanctuary is bound by the oath.’ You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the sanctuary that has made the gold sacred? And you say, ‘Whoever swears by the altar is bound by nothing, but whoever swears by the gift that is on the altar is bound by the oath.’ How blind you are! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? So whoever swears by the altar, swears by it and by everything on it; and whoever swears by the sanctuary, swears by it and by the one who dwells in it; and whoever swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by the one who is seated upon it. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel! “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may become clean.” Matthew 23:13-26
Dear Auntie,
Two nights ago, while we were all getting ready for bed, a rock came flying through our front window. After he told us to hide, Papa went running out the front door to see who had thrown it but all he could see was a shadow running away, and he heard the rustle of the trees they brushed against. We had been cowering inside. When Papa came back he picked up the rock and noticed something was tied to it. He removed the string and found a note threatening my life. I was to leave or be punished for my sin. Papa sent for Joseph and they sat up late talking and planning.
This morning they told us that preparations are being made for us to leave much sooner than originally planned. We are to travel by night to keep us safe and we will take back roads and stay with family only. Our wedding will be this week, after the Sabbath, and with no celebration of family at all. Just the four of us and the Rabbi, Jacob, Papa's cousin.
Why do our religious leaders doubt God and hate Yahweh's servants? Why do they need to punish and destroy the good in this world? I am no trouble for them, yet they would destroy me and my child. They are shunning Joseph and Papa as well. Mama and I wept a good deal today, and probably will as we prepare for our travels. She has been rushing around, baking, sewing and working to provide everything we might need for the trip. She wishes she could go with us but it would only put her in danger as well. I pray night and day, and ask our God to provide us safe passage and to send angels to guard Mama and Papa. Pray for me, and for us, please.
Love,
Mary
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