Walking with Mary in Lent...10

Bethany was about half an hour away from Jerusalem, so the women planned to celebrate their seder meal with Jhesus and his followers and return at night. Jair and Mariham didn´t leave Mary’s side. Though she seemed serene, everyone was fully aware of the dangers that lay ahead for all believers, in Jerusalem. Romans were prowling everywhere with bloodthirst.

They travelled by cart pulled by donkeys, until they got to Jerusalem where they entered on foot, through the south wall, entrance for commoners. Mary, Jair and Mariham chose to walk through the Garden of Olives to pick olives for dinner and as if God sent, Mary suddenly spotted Jhesus alone in prayer. They ran into each others’ arms and were locked in embrace for what seemed the end of time. Both were moved to tears. They needed each others’ strength and reassurance, knowing intuitively that it was time. Jair and Mariham left them alone, in deep respect for their intimate encounter. Not a word was said. Words seemed inappropriate and totally unnecessary, for no word could hold their amorous exchange. “Where will we hold seders?” Mary finally asked and Jhesus pointed towards the Temple whispering “in the upper room”.

Celebrating the Passover Seders required strict adherence to traditional Hebrew rituals which would be difficult to adhere to, after their travel. Mary knew that honoring the Jewish miracle of freedom from Egyptian slavery didn´t need strict following of the obliged fifteen-ritual-ceremony. ‘Just bringing the family and friends together and sharing seders with the boys in Jerusalem was a feast in itself. The greatest miracle to celebrate would be about life after death’, she thought to herself.

‘The recitation of the Haggadah, could not be replaced’ she thought as she planned ahead, since ‘it was an obligation to recount the story of the Exodus on the night of Passover; and of course, the mustn´t forget the wine for Kiddush prayers’.

Their Pesach seder meal was indeed a festive ceremonial. The women had brought enough food for Mary’s sons and their followers. Lazarus especially, was being hailed and celebrated, for he was notoriously better. Mary was being individually cherished by Peter, John and Andrew. Jair had to fight his way forcibly to her side, being her self-appointed, ever-present guardian. Mariham sat by Jhesus preparing to wash his feet. But he took her woven hair sponge softly, from her hand and insisted on personally washing her feet first and then those of his apostles. He said it was an important example he wished to set for all, to humbly do the same when tending to each others’ needs.

When all had eaten to their hearts content and prayed together, they bid each other rejoice in the love of God, and started packing for their travel back to Bethany. Only Jhesus and his disciples were left for holy benediction. Mary kissed Jhesus on the forehead and blessed him through tearful eyes.

On the cart, back to Lazarus’ home, Mary felt faint and lay to rest. She let no one know she was having trouble breathing with sharp pangs of pain in her chest. All she could do was pray, as she called silently for Joseph and clasped her hand in his.

Abba aboon,

Nethcadash shmokh (hallowed be thy name).

teethe malkoothokh, (thy Kingdom come),

nehwe sebyonokh, (thy will be done);

aykano Dbashmayo off bar’o. (on earth as it is in heaven.)

Hab lan lahmo dsoonconan yawmono, (Give us this day our daily bread).

washbook lan howbain wahtohain (and forgive us our trespasses)

aykano doff hnan shbakn il hayobain (as we forgive those who trespass against us)

lo thaalan il nessyoono (and lead us not into temptation)

elo fasson men beesho (but deliver us from evil)

metool ddeelokhee malkootho, (for thine is the kingdom)

ou haylo ou Teshbohto, (and the power, and the glory)

loalam olmen Amin. (for ever and ever. Amen.)