Before Bethlehem by James J. Flerlage

Author:James J. Flerlage [Flerlage, James J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dreamscapes Publishing
Published: 2013-11-16T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINETEEN

We began the final leg of our journey early in the morning so that we might make it to Nazareth before the Sabbath began at sundown. When we were a few miles from home, Father called out for me. “James, run ahead and scout the village for soldiers or anything that might look suspicious. We’ll wait a mile outside the village. If you don’t return, I’ll take Mary and Jude and head back toward the Jordan.”

I nodded and ran at fast as I could.

When I could see our village, I decided to enter from the fields. I couldn’t hear any voices, which was unusual. I crawled along in the tall grasses to keep from knocking down the wheat. It was hot, and the grass was hard and crunchy. My stomach ached with worry as I neared one of the cisterns that we used for irrigating the crops. I heard a voice coming from the village and flung myself into the wheat.

I was itchy and breathing hard. I got on my knees and slowly peeked over the wheat stalks toward the village. I saw a man in a dirty tunic looking to the sky and pacing. I stood and walked toward him. As I got closer, I recognized Rabbi Ezra. I smiled and began to run.

“James!” Rabbi shouted. He caught me in his arms and gave me a long hug. “Where is your father?”

“He’s waiting for me a mile out of town. I was supposed to make sure it was safe.”

“Your father is wise,” Rabbi said. He put a hand on my shoulder. “Is Jude with you?”

I nodded. “He’s all right now. He found us in Jerusalem.”

Rabbi Ezra dropped his head. “Thanks be to God.”

“Mary is with us too. Come. You should go with me to meet them.”

As we walked along the road, I said, “There is no one tending the fields. Where is everyone?”

“All the able-bodied men are in Tiberias, which is where your Uncle Clopas and Cousin Simeon are today.”

“And the women?”

“The Romans raided the village twice this past week. I have ordered the women and children to stay inside, at least during the day. It isn’t safe.”

I saw Father leading the mule and pointed ahead of us. “There he is, Rabbi,” I said.

We waved and Father waved back. When we reached them, Father gave Rabbi Ezra a long hug. “It is good to be home,” said Father.

“We’re glad you’re back,” said the rabbi. He walked past the mule to the cart, where Jude and Mary sat.

“Hello, Jude,” Rabbi Ezra said, smiling. “I see you found your father and brother.”

Jude nodded. “Yes, Rabbi, I did.”

“And you must be Mary,” the rabbi said. Mary lifted her face, which had been shielded by her head cover. She nodded politely but didn’t speak.

“She is very beautiful, Joseph,” Rabbi Ezra concluded, “and soft-spoken.”

Jude looked at me and chuckled. I dropped my head to smile. Mary turned away from Rabbi Ezra and pulled the head cover past her cheeks to shield her face.

Father looked at Rabbi, smiled, and shrugged.

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