Mary – Ch. 8 – Marriage after all?

NOTE: THESE CHAPTERS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN A MUCH IMPROVED, EXPANDED BOOK, "A SWORD SHALL PIERCE YOUR SOUL" from FriesenPress

When Joseph arrived home that evening he joined his parents for the evening meal as usual. They ate in relative silence and Joseph assumed they were all still thinking about the recent events and decisions. As they were finishing up their meal his father broke the silence, “Joseph, your mother and I have been talking. You did say the angel told you it was alright to marry Mary. That this is all the work of The Highest One. If this is so, we trust it will all work out alright. Therefore, we think we should go ahead with the engagement and marriage. Better to get married now than later when it is obvious Mary is pregnant and you and her are both more likely to come under condemnation by legalistic busybodies. This way, if you have been married for many months by that time, people will think it is your legitimate child. What do you think?”

Joseph’s heart had jumped at the words. He wanted more than anything to marry the beautiful Mary. However, he did not want to appear too excited at the prospect. He waited briefly before responding as calmly as he could, “I am most thankful for your thoughts. You know I want to marry Mary. You are my elders and your wisdom has been expressed. I know you are both trying to do what is best for us. So, how do we go about this though?”

Joseph and Mary had only recently been engaged and he knew the betrothal period was to last a certain amount of time. They had not yet even completed arrangements for Mary to become part of Jacob and Naomi’s household, which was the custom. 

Jacob responded to Joseph’s question, “We can speak to Mary’s parents. Yu know about all the concern about the unrest developing around us. Under these circumstances, it is better we do these things now while we can. Who knows what the future brings. We can make plans for our safety if things get ugly.”

Joseph did not want to think about these things going on around them, but he knew his parent were right. 

“I will come with you tomorrow morning and ask Joachim if we can arrange a time to talk about this – as soon as possible. There is still the matter of Joachim’s idea of Mary’s going to visit her relatives in Judea.” Joseph had almost forgotten about that and his heart sank a little again. There were so many angles to this. 

Next morning the sun was barely up when the chill morning saw Jacob and Joseph trudging across the valley to Sepphori together again. When they reached Joachim and Anna’s home Jacob called out, “Blessings and peace on this home!” 

Joachim appeared in the doorway and his face broke into a big smile when he saw his friend Jacob, “Welcome, welcome, peace also to you. Come in, come in. What brings you back so soon?”

“Thank you,” Jacob said has he crossed the threshold, with Joseph close behind.  

“Sit, sit,” said Joachim, “Have you eaten?”

“We have, thank you, “Jacob replied, “In response to your question about my appearance this morning – Joseph’s mother and I have been thinking and we have some ideas we would like to discuss with you. Soon, if possible.”

“Why not this evening?” Joachim said spreading out his arms as if already welcoming them, “Come with Naomi for dinner with us!” 

“It is agreed. Thank you again,” Jacob said somewhat formally, “We will be here,” and he turned and left.

“How are you Joseph?” asked Anna, “This must all be very difficult for you. I know Mary has certainly had all kinds of questions.” Mary smiled warmly at Joseph.

Joseph just wanted to take Mary in his arms and assure her that everything would work out alright, but he knew that was not acceptable yet. 

“I am doing alright,” Joseph tried to sound more confident than he was. Unable to contain his anxiety any longer, he learned towards Mary and asked, regardless of what was appropriate or not “How are you doing?”

Mary smiled again and Joseph could not help notice what a beatific smile she had, “Joseph,” she began, and Joseph’s heart warmed just hearing her say his name, “I trust in the Lord and I know everything will be alright, even though we don’t understand it now.”

Joseph was just getting to know Mary and he wondered at her calmness and strength in this, but it helped calm him too.

“it sounds like we all will have more to talk about tonight,” interjected Joachim, “But right now, we have to go and earn our living for today, right Joseph?” he said, pulling himself to his feet and preparing to go to work, “The ladies will have a busy day preparing for our meal tonight with your parents.” 

Joseph dutifully picked up his lunch bag and flung his water flask over his shoulder and followed Joachim out the door. Turning back on the threshold, he offered a weak “Goodbye” and was gone.