The Spirit That Moves Mountains

Mary Magdalene - Chapter 6

During our quiet morning meal we shared food and supportive looks. No one spoke, and I felt like everyone was waiting for me to say something. Instead, I ate what little I could very quietly and turned my thoughts to the Holy Spirit. I asked for strength and guidance to get us through the day.

When our meal and daily chores were completed, I asked for everyone to gather in a circle. We held hands, and I led a prayer, asking for God and the Holy Spirit to heal our minds of any fear. We wished love for our brother Jeshua, his captors, and all of those who were angered by the message of our beloved teacher. I asked for each person in the circle to add any thoughts or prayers. All remained downtrodden in the silence that was like a boat sinking at sea in its final moments. I could feel their tension and fear. I then asked that the Holy Spirit protect all of our friends and to give them strength to face the upcoming forgiveness lessons that we were to endure and to meet them with love.

The group stayed in silence for several moments, and then we squeezed hands and broke the circle to make our way to the Sanhedrin main temple to determine the fate of my love, Jeshua.

The walk to the temple was eerily quiet. Normally there would be early morning commotion as Jerusalem awoke and prepared for morning meals, trading, and tax collecting. Not even the birds seemed to be out chirping and greeting the morning. The only sound was the wind rustling through empty streets. The wind brought the smell of rot and urine with it.

Thomas made a brave effort to cheer up the group as we walked. He recalled stories of how Jeshua would laugh off the idea of being attacked or harmed. He helped us connect with Jeshua, imagining him sitting by himself, having a good time, and probably making friends with the guards.

As much as he tried to lighten the mood, his gaze was met with bloodshot eyes and bent heads. I remained focused on my connection with the Holy Spirit. My thoughts wandered all over despite my years of training. I tried to remain connected and focused, but my mind would drift. I would see beautiful memories of times together with Jeshua.

Occasionally my body relaxed, and my heart filled with the peace of the Holy Spirit. Without warning, another thought would fly in like a bird of prey in search of a meal. I would wonder what was going to happen to Jeshua. Images would flood my mind—that he was being hurt, that he somehow was lying broken and despondent. I shook my head to remove these horrible thoughts, knowing that it was simply my split mind trying to pull me into the world of pain, suffering, and guilt.

I closed my eyes to center myself. Isaah had been watching me and ran over to hold my arm. I smiled with my eyes still closed and said, "Thank you, my sister." She rubbed my arm with her other hand, and I let her guide me all the way to the stairway that led to the temple entrance.

When we arrived, Jeshua's mother; his brother, James; and his cousin Joseph greeted us. We consoled each other with warm hugs and cheek kisses. My dear mother had black circles under her already dark eyes, revealing the worry she carried throughout the night. Lines from worry had deepened in her forehead and the corners of her eyes.

Jeshua had spent due time preparing his family for what was to come. He reminded them that this was to be their greatest forgiveness lesson and that he would return. But I could not imagine how hard his mother was taking all of this.

Mother Mary looked at me and caressed my cheek. "My blessed daughter, how are you?" She was always so graceful and kind, always putting everyone else first.

"Dear mother, I am fine. I hope you are prepared for what's next. Jeshua plans to put on a fine teaching display, as you know." I looked around to all of our friends, our family, and added, "As you all know."

Thomas, Isaah, Thaddaeus, and Stephen nodded their heads.

Stephen cleared his throat. "We probably want to get to the temple before we attract any brothers of the Roman persuasion." This caused Thomas and Thaddaeus to look over their shoulders. "Who knows who is involved with Jeshua's arrest at this point?" He opened his arms in the direction of the temple.