And now...back to the story!
We are up to Entry 13
The Magdalene Journal
Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of peace. I gazed at her from atop mount Olivet. She lay like a sparkling jewel between green velvet hills and valleys. At the sight of the gleaming city I and all who were with me drew an astonished breath. How often I had come upon that same scene but each time the beauty of her spiraling towers and golden crowned temple drove me to my knees. Yeshua himself cupped his hands and scooping up soil from the hill on which we stood he kissed the earth and whispered, "Jerusalem!"
We made our way down the winding slopes of the Mount of Olives, on to the main thoroughfare which brought us to the great wall surrounding the city. We would pass through the Sheep Gate, one of several entrances into Jerusalem. Although the hour was early, the road was crowded with pilgrims and...animals everywhere, camels, donkeys, horses, dogs, leaving their , may I say, "little surprises?" One was blessed to avoid them but I could tell by Andrew's complaint he was not so fortunate. Another annoyance was dust swirling around ankles and clinging to robes. I had learned the foolishness of wearing expensive clothing while traveling on the road. I laughed to see rich people grimacing and covering their faces with veils. I was once like them, the rich Miriam of Magdala, spraying my perfume and shuddering with disgust.
When our company merged with the crowds it was difficult to remain together. The women held hands. The men were far more confident. Poor Tamar and Rebecca hardly ever stepped foot out of Galilee. The large buildings and the noise, colors and cultures of so many people speaking and shouting languages from all over the world seem to overwhelm my sisters.
Sushanna and I nodded at each other, smiling.
"Now Rebecca, hold carefully to your belongings!" Sushanna warned . "Keep a watchful eyes for thieves. And don't stare so much at everything Tamar! You will at once become prey to these vultures!"
Yeshua himself walked with a sure step, his rich black locks springing from beneath his turban, his hand grasping firmly his walking staff as the dust rose in a golden dance about his feet. Surrounded by hundreds of people, he appeared so ordinary, like any other Jewish man. Yet to me he was the most handsome and my heart fluttered as I watched him walking on the road.
"I am glad you are here Yeshi!" Shouted Tamar wide eyed. "You will protect us, won't you?"
Yeshua smiled and slipped an arm across her shoulder.
Her face in a scowl, Rebecca feigned bravery, "Oh don't be ridiculous Tamar! Look at me! Look at Miriam and Sushanna. We are not afraid!"
"What about us?" asked Yacov. The sons of thunder leaned towards the women, smiling proudly.
"Yes." exclaimed Yochanna holding out his staff as though it were a weapon. "We know our way around the city quite well. We know all the secret passage ways."
Kepha would have none of it. "Oh yes!" he groaned placing his massive hands on the brothers shoulders. "Of course! The big brave Yochannan and Yacov will protect you. Ha! You whimper at a crack of thunder."
Yacov frowned, shook himself free from Kepha's grip and shouted back, "If that's true then why would the Master call my brother and I the sons of thunder?"
Judah pushed his way forward, "I know better than any of you. I studied in Jerusalem under the great Gameil!"
"Be quiet you braggart!" interjected Toma.
Yeshua raised his eyebrows and shook his head. "It is good we are going to the city of peace." He observed.
We pushed slowly through the gate. Inside the city our senses were at once assaulted with sounds of music, voices, the bleeting and barking of animals, colorful and multiple market places, the smell of varied foods cooking on open fires and merchants holding out their wares, imploring the best bargains. Ancient art mixed with new. People filled the narrow streets. Wandering musicians, ragged beggars, painted women shamelessly offering favors. Red plumes on Roman helmets stood out in the crowds as soldiers kept a watchful eye. Jerusalem was hardly peaceful.
The Master found a place where he and his company sat down. Andrew brought forth a sack containing dates, figs and olives we had picked along the way. Judah left to buy fish. Yeshua leaned against a palm tree. He removed his turban and wiped his brow. "Today I would prefer the cool of the Temple." He sighed. "Shall we go there after we eat?" We all
agreed and huddled in a group like defenseless sparrows in a nest. Several men and women dressed in purple and red silks, and an abundance of gold earrings, nose rings and necklaces eyed us and remarked crassly, "Galileans!"
(To be continued...)