Agape by Maytee Aspuro Y Gonzalez

Author:Maytee Aspuro Y Gonzalez [Gonzalez, Maytee Aspuro Y]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780981589510
Amazon: 0981589510
Publisher: Hillside Press
Published: 2009-05-17T22:00:00+00:00

Nicki

Beth reread the card. She did not understand. She placed the card aside and rested her hands upon the first package, gliding them to each end. In unison she began the process of separating the paper at the edges. The paper unfolded easily. She lifted the paper over and back revealing a teakwood box. Beth took in a breath and held it. She had seen similar boxes before. She knew what they were meant to protect. Her hand went to the simple swing latch that held the box closed. She released it with her thumb. She then moved her hands to each side of the box and raised the cover. Her expectations were realized. Resting firmly in place within a cut felt cloth interior were a gold plated sterling silver chalice and matching ciborium. To the side lay a paten. Beth softly breathed Nicole’s name.

Beth’s eyes went to the chalice. Her hands hovered over it. She had not celebrated the Eucharist in six months. She raised the chalice from its resting place with her hands, one upon the cup, the other at the base. The chalice had an onyx node and was set off with semi-precious stones. The base had palm leaves marking the four directions. Engraved in a one-inch ribbon that wrapped the cup, four identical grape and wheat designs were aligned with the base palm leaves. Beth raised the chalice to eye level. She felt a profound sadness. She returned the chalice to its place then shifted her focus to the ciborium. Again, using both hands she lifted the ciborium. The cover had a raised emblem of the Holy Spirit. She lifted the cover from the cup. Within was a complete supply of Priest Hosts.

Beth returned the ciborium to its place and shifted her focus to the second, smaller package — certain of its contents. She carefully unwrapped the packing finding a matching teakwood box with similar latch. She opened the box to find a set of crystal cruets with a gold plated tray, beside the cruets — a full set of Mass linens. Beth’s fingers went to the finely woven cloth. It was delicate and soft to the touch. Underneath the cover, held by elastic straps, was a simple wooden cross.

Beth fell back upon her heels. She was stunned. The message behind Nicole’s words was clear to her. Nicole’s acknowledgement of Beth’s Christian faith had never been more unqualified. Nicole had reaffirmed God’s place in Beth’s heart. Beth bowed her head. She cried openly.

Nicole had been watching Beth from the front foyer. Beth was so intent on the gifts that Nicole remained undetected. Nicole was satisfied to watch Beth’s careful exploration of the two packages. The care and reverence Beth showed for the chalice and ciborium gave Nicole hope that she had not made a mistake. Beth’s tears the previous evening had left Nicole doubting whether her gesture would be welcomed. Nicole’s doubts spiked at the sight of Beth’s renewed tears. Nicole went to Beth, falling to her knees beside her.

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