First Sunday of Advent 2023
(note: I write the Mary letters from Advent One until Epiphany, and invite you to walk this journey of fear, faith and miracles along with me this season)
Jesus said, “In those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.” Mark 13:24-37
Dear Auntie,
I have been up all night and cannot sleep. Mama and Papa are furious with me and think I have done something wrong. They are sending me to you, I think to hide themselves from embarrassment while they try to figure out what to do. They never believe me and treat me like a child. Mama's been crying, every time she looks at me. Since I told her that God has chosen me to bear the Savior of the world, she shakes her head and think I am mad, and Papa just stares in silent anger. I'll be glad to be away from here for a time, but I know that Joseph is worried and confused. I don't want to leave him, although, I really have no choice.
I hope you can help me understand how to deal with all of this. I have been pretty sick some mornings and then sometimes I'm starving. Mama takes pity on me when Papa's out of the house, trying to give me some advice, but she shuts up as soon as he's home. I only want to serve God and be faithful, but it is so hard. I said yes to God and now I am in huge trouble. Papa does not want the word to get out, so they're shoving me off on you and Zachariah. Maybe we can sew together like we have in the past, sit out in shadow of the vines, and support one another. I am so excited for you to be with child after al these years. Why can't they be happy for me? Why aren't they proud of me, Auntie?
I'll see you in the late morning. Papa refused to take me to your house, so Joseph will drive his donkey cart. I hope we will have time to talk, since the last time was really rough. He didn't understand what was going on initially, yet he seems to be coming around. He's been kind and you will meet him tomorrow.
Much love,
Mary
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