Ultimate Sacrifice

🎄 8 🎄

You go to the temple alone to speak with Anora, the prophetess, about your plight. It had been over a year since it happened, since you witnessed the death of your only son. You need closure, peace maybe.

Corban has been very understanding. Even though you didn't allow him to touch you again after that dreadful night, he stuck with you and was even the one who suggested you seek spiritual help.

Of course, because the massacre order came from the powers up high, the matter was buried.

But Adonai, being the just judge He is, wouldn't ignore the cry for vengeance from the bereaved mothers. Hikkon died before he had spent half his reign time in Bethlehem. His death was mysterious. It was said that a flesh-eating virus which not even the most sophisticated medicine could cure had attacked him. He was dead within 24 hours of his sudden ailment.

"Welcome daughter," Anora says. "I see you carry a lot of loads. Doubt and unforgiveness are eating up at your heart and you need to get rid of them before they consume you completely."

You shift, uncomfortable. Those blunt accusations make you feel helplessly naked.

At a point, you began to blame yourself. It was because of you that your brother had abandoned you, that your son had died, that you were slowly losing Corban.

Anora smiled and placed a hand on your shoulder.
"But, dear daughter because you've given so much, Adonai is ready to heal you. You came just in time, for Adonai told me last night that today will be the day I set my eyes on the Christos."

You almost roll your eyes. This Christos mumbo jumbo again? What was this delusion that had overtaken everyone who surrounded you lately?

"Would you dare believe again, my dear?"

From nowhere, tears burst like a dam from your eyes. You feel a warm divine embrace engulfing you and you bask in it for a long time.

The aged prophetess rises and walks in a daze as she chants a psalm in ancient Hebrew.

She gestures for you to follow. You walk in silence till you reach the outer court of the church headquarters building.

Pointing at the entrance gate, Anora bursts into a musical psalm of praise. It looked like the woman had been caught in the spirit.
You squint your eyes against the sun as you see a couple walking towards your direction.

Your eyes almost pop out. It's Japheth, and Michelle with a toddler holding onto her. When did they arrive from Egypt?

You want to be angry but instead, you feel relief and joy. You run and hug your brother, washing his coat with your tears.

"Sister..." he says as he hugs you back.

"I'm sorry," Michelle says to you, eyes downcast.

You smile. "It's okay. I understand now. I hated you for a long time and got blinded to the miracle that was dropped in my lap."

Your eyes glance at the cooing baby bundle that clings to her.

"Is this him? The promised child? May I— may I hold him?"

"Of course."

When you hold him and look at his big brown eyes, you feel as though you've dived into an ocean of absolute love.
They communicate the message of healing you need:
"I see you. I know. Your Noah is safe in Heaven and if you believe in me, you'll see him again."

THE END!