Dearest
Mother,
I am writing just a short letter because we have been very busy lately and I
have precious little time. We are now in Jerusalem for Passover with the
Master (Rather, I should say eleven of us are here together. We have seen
little of Judas Iscariot since we arrived three days ago. But that is just as
well. None of us like him very much -- all except the Master, it seems.). I am
in good health, as are the rest of us as far as I can tell. We spend our days
in the Temple listening to Jesus teach the crowds who always seem to hunger
for His words. In the evening, we retire to a cave at the gethsemane -- the
olive press -- where He teaches us far into the night.
There is a new urgency in the Master's voice these days, as if He has little
time left with us and has much yet to say. Indeed, He has said over and over
again that He would be put to death in Jerusalem. We are all terribly afraid.
A short time ago, Simon tried to persuade Jesus not to go to the Holy City
this year, but Jesus rebuked him by saying, "Get thee behind me, Satan;
thou art an offence unto me; for thou savourest not the things that be of God,
but those that be of men." Simon looked like he had been slapped in the
face. Then Jesus turned to the rest of us and said, "If any man will come
after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For
whosoever will save his life shall lose it; and whosoever will lose his life
for my sake shall find it." I do not quite understand what all this
means, but I suspect we shall find out sooner or later.
In the meantime, most of us are watchful. It is quite obvious that the
authorities are up to something. When the Master teaches in the Temple, they
stand in the shadows, listening. Their eyes are flat, blank, almost lifeless,
like their expressions -- very different from the eager faces who listen to
the Master's words. I fear the worst, Mother, but so far there have been no
attempts to arrest Jesus or to harm him. I think the authorities might be
afraid of what the people might do if they try something. I think there might
actually be a riot, and the government in Rome would frown on that. No doubt,
a lot of provincial heads would roll.
So for now, Simon, Matthew, Thaddeus, James, young John -- all of us are
watching and waiting. In two more days we will eat the Passover meal. He has
not told us where yet but, knowing Jesus, He could probably arrange to have it
in Herod's palace if He chose.
I am sending this message with a merchant friend who will visit your town
shortly. I feel certain that a fine meal and a dry place to sleep will await
him when he arrives. Our dear friends Thaddeus and James send their greetings
and they hope to visit you soon. May the love of God bless you always, Mother.
Your loving son,
Bartholomew
