The Tunic (part 22)

(The Tunic is a fictional story based on the Passion of Jesus. The story began on post March 18, 2019.)


  As Cato rode home he had a million thoughts competing for his attention.  He had already requested three days off from his superior officer.  The officer was reluctant at first, but Cato pleaded his son was in need of healing.  It wasn't the first time he had made this plea.  Everyone knew Cato's son had been in a fire.  Cato, however, never told any of his fellow soldiers that Remus had already been healed-- healed by Jesus.

   Cato had stopped at their home in Jerusalem. He left his soldier's uniform behind and changed into a garment he had bought from a Jewish man at the market. For a moment he wondered if he was making the right decision. It was crazy to think he would place his life and those that he loved most in danger.  It was even crazier to think that he had so much trust in a God he barely knew.

  Cato pushed his doubts aside as he wrapped up some blankets.  He wanted to give the impression that he was carrying his son in these as he rode away.  He didn't think anyone was watching him, but he didn't want to take any chances.  He began to ride in the opposite direction of Livia and Remus and circled back when he was far away.  He had been accustomed to taking a different path to them every time.  Their safety always weighted heavily on his mind. Cato wasn't exactly sure how to pray to Jesus.  He wasn't sure if it was the same as the Roman gods, but he begged Jesus to keep Livia and Remus safe. Over and over he prayed, "Please, Jesus, punish only me.  My sins are many, but please let them live.  Do not punish them for my sins."

  As Cato got close to the house, he noticed a group of people gathered outside.  His heart started racing.  "How did they find Livia and Remus already?  I had been so careful."  Instinctively , he grabbed for his sword.  He would do whatever was necessary for his family.  Again Cato prayed, "Please Jesus, punish only me.  Let my family live!" 

  When he was almost upon the crowd, Cato drew his sword. He was ready for a fight!

  Livia's eyes grew wide as Cato got close.  "Cato! N0! NO!  We're safe!  We're safe!"  She turned to Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, "Go inside quick!  He doesn't know who you are!"  The three of them ran quickly inside before Cato had dismounted. Livia ran towards Cato, "Cato, please put your sword away!  We aren't in danger!  They are friends.  Mary and Martha are my friends.  Lazarus is their brother."

  Cato quickly assessed the situation digesting Livia's words. Friends. Safe. No danger. Cato looked around.  Remus was standing next to Livia.  Both were fine.  Cato cautiously put his sword back into its sheath.  He reached his arms out to Livia,  "You're ok?"

  "Yes, Cato.  We were just talking.  We are not in danger."

  Cato let out a big sigh of relief as he engulfed both Livia and Remus into his arms.  "I was so worried.  I thought...."

  "It's ok.  We're ok."  The three just stood there holding each other for a few minutes.  "Cato, I want you to meet Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.  They are good people, Cato.  They won't hurt us. Although I'm sure you gave them a pretty good scare."  Livia raised her eyebrows and threw Cato a smile and squeezed his hand. "Come on, let me introduce you...we have something interesting to discuss with you."

  "Come on, Papa, you will like them.  They are very nice!"

  Cato let out another deep sigh.  "Are you absolutely sure they are not enemies Livia?"

  "I am absolutely sure they will not hurt us," declared Livia. "You know I would never put Remus in harms way." Livia was about to head towards the house when she changed her mind.  "Cato is everything okay for us to leave?  Is there anything I should know?"

  Cato looked around before answering in a very soft voice.  "Yes. We will leave today before anyone is aware of what we have planned."

  Livia lowered her voice as well,  "Do you have a definite plan for us?"

  "I don't have definite plans.  I have bought us some time.  We have at least three days before they will come looking for us.  We should be able to put some good distance between us and them.  We will have to find a good places to hide along the way.  I promise I will keep you both safe.  I will do whatever I have to do. I want to leave as soon as possible.  Can we just ask these people to leave?"

  Livia hesitated for a second.  "We could ask them to leave, Cato, but could you at least come meet them first.  There's something I want you to hear."

(to be continued...)

-Susan

  

The Tunic (part 21)

(The Tunic is a fictional story based on the Passion of Jesus. The story began on post March 18, 2019.)


  Livia looked around.  Everything was ready if they were to depart tonight.  She was exhausted and anxious for Cato to return.  She wondered how angry Cato would be when he discovers that Livia had shared everything with Mary and Martha.  She would have to tell him . . .  eventually. . . and hopefully before Remus said anything.  She wondered if it was right to ask Remus to keep this a secret for a little bit?
  Livia headed outside to find Remus.  She decided to put all her worries on hold for a few minutes.  This may be the last chance they would have to just play openly in the fields.  Livia had no idea what their immediate future might look like. She quickly found Remus and challenged him to a race.  Remus loved running now, and he discovered he was actually a fast runner.  Watching his face light up with a big smile as he ran made Livia laugh with pleasure, too.  Losing a race to Remus felt wonderful!
  Livia had sat down for a minute to catch her breath when Remus shouted,"Look Mama! I think Martha and Mary are coming back!  It looks like someone else is with them, some man."
  Instinctively, Livia grabbed Remus' arm and pulled him close to her side. "Remus, please, let me handle this.  If I tell you to run, I want you to run as fast and as far as you can.  Try to find a good place to hide until Papa comes home."
  Remus was shocked, "What?  Why would I do that?"
  "Please Remus, you must do as I ask!  Stay right here.  I will go talk to them first." Livia released Remus' arm and slowly walked towards Mary, Martha, and the unidentified man with them.
  As Livia approached them, Mary began yelling, "Livia!  Oh, Livia! We are so glad you are still here!"  Both Mary and Martha were smiling as they approached slightly out of breath.  Livia remained silent and motionless.  She had no idea what to expect.  
  Livia was even more surprised when Martha reached out and grabbed her hand. "Livia, we want to help you! All of you! We ran home and told Lazarus everything! Oh, this is our brother, Lazarus."  Now that Lazarus was close, Livia could not help but notice the family resemblance.  Lazarus nodded his head and smiled.
  "Livia, I'm sorry we left without saying anything.  Martha and I knew we wanted to help you immediately, but we needed to discuss the details with Lazarus first. We know of a place not too far from here that you could stay.  It's nothing special-- it's actually very primitive.  It is a cave at the very far end of our property.  Many years ago, it was used by my relatives for herding.  It's been unused for a long time now. It is a bit difficult to find and very few people even know it exists."
  Livia was completely overwhelmed.  "You are not angry with us?"
  "No," said Mary and Martha in unison.
  "Livia, I'm sorry if we gave you that impression.  Your story was quite unexpected, but it is obvious that the Lord is working in your lives. I once heard Jesus tell his disciples that a healing that touched a person's heart and caused a transformation was by far more incredible than any physical healing," explained Martha.
  "Oh, yes, that's so true.  Remember sister when He said that heaven rejoices more over one sinner that repents, then ninety nine righteous people who do not need to repent!"
  Livia smiled at hearing those words. "There is so much I need to learn!"
  "And we can teach you if you stay close!  We could also help keep you safe and make sure that Remus always has food to eat," promised Mary.
  "I am so very grateful. I never would have imagined such generosity, but I will need to discuss this with Cato."
  "Of course you do.  Lazarus would like to discuss some things with Cato as well.  He wants to ensure our safety as well as your family's safety.  I think we need to let the men talk, and then we will be able to work out all the details."
  "Mary, are you sure you want to risk your own safety for us?" Livia asked.
  Mary smiled as if she new a secret. "Livia, the Lord is calling each of us to a new life.  We must leave our old ways behind. We must love one another the way Jesus taught us. So many times I heard Jesus preach about loving our neighbor. The world could know true peace if we just loved one another. That is how others will know we are disciples of Jesus--by our great love for one another."
  "Mama, I see Papa coming!" screamed Remus.
  Livia turned her attention to the road and saw Cato approaching. She felt both excited and scared as she wondered how she would explain things to Cato.

(to be continued...)

-Susan

The Tunic (part 20)

(The Tunic is a fictional story based on the Passion of Jesus. The story began on post March 18, 2019.)


  Livia slowly told Mary and Martha everything.  She began with the day Jesus had been crucified and Cato's role as a Roman soldier.  Livia could physically see the pain in Mary and Martha's eyes when she told them Cato had won Jesus' tunic.  Jesus had been their close friend, perhaps this was too much for them to hear. Livia then told them how the tunic miraculously cured both Remus and herself.  She shared the details of their painful injuries from the awful fire and how Remus could barely walk.  She did her best to describe the powerful surge of heat which coursed through her body as she had been healed.  Remus explained in his own words what he had felt as well. Livia revealed her unquenchable thirst for Jesus ever since the healing. The woman sat very still as they tried to understand all that Livia was sharing.
  "I am no longer the same person." Livia explained.  "I want to be a follower of Jesus more than you can imagine, but I know my sins-our sins-may not allow us.  Cato, too, has changed.  He no longer wishes to be a Roman soldier.  In fact, he is making plans for us leave.  Cato will be killed if Pilate and the other's discover his desire to follow Jesus.  He comes home tonight and we may leave immediately." The silence felt alienating to Livia.  She wondered if she should have said anything at all. Feeling desperate she pleaded, "Please, I beg you to keep our secret. I would not have shared any of this with you, except when I heard everything that you have experienced, I want to live with faith like yours. I heard you say that Jesus came to save sinners. I want Jesus to save me. I want him to save Remus and Cato, too."
  "Livia, where will you go?" inquired Martha.
  "I don't know.  It will be up to Cato.  He will keep us safe."
  "You would risk your lives in order to follow Jesus?" questioned Mary.
  "Yes.  We are sinners, but we desire to change.  Cato heard Peter speak of being baptized.  His fiery words touched Cato's heart deeply.  We all wish to be baptized, but we realize we have much to learn.  We will hide until it is safe.  Then we will begin again."
  The women looked at each other.  "Livia, do not take this the wrong way, but we need to step outside for a minute and process everything you have told us," explained Martha.
  Martha and Mary stepped outside to talk.
  "Mama are Mary and Martha upset with us?" Remus asked.
  "Remus, I don't know.  There are so many things I don't know."
  "Well,  I'm very happy we are going to follow Jesus.  He's happy about it, too!" revealed Remus.
  "And how do you know that?" asked Livia.
  "I had a dream about it.  At least I think it was a dream.  I was laying out in the field when I heard His voice.  I didn't even know I was sleeping, but I heard Him say, 'Remus I want you to follow My ways.'  I told Jesus, 'Yes, I will!'  It felt really good to tell Him that. It made me very happy!"
  Livia smiled at Remus and hugged him tight.  "Well if you made that promise to Jesus, then I think you should do everything you can to keep it."  
  Livia went back to packing some belongings when she heard Remus shout, "Mamma I think they left.  I don't see them anymore."
  Livia was sad that Martha and Mary had left.  She had hoped they would have understood.  Livia realized that things might be more difficult then she had originally thought.  Still she really wanted to follow Jesus. She was ready to endure whatever it would take, because like Remus, she had felt Jesus calling her as well.  She, too, had told Jesus, "Yes!"

(to be continued...)

-Susan

The Tunic (part 19)

(The Tunic is a fictional story based on the Passion of Jesus. The story began on post March 18, 2019.)


  The next twenty four hours felt like a lifetime to Livia.  She spent half her time very worried for Cato's safety and the other half longing to be a follower of Jesus.  She was anxious, scared and excited all at the same time.  She wondered how difficult being in hiding might be.  It was a little past noon on the next day when Livia heard the knock on her door.  Her heart began racing.  Who could it be?  Cato wouldn't knock.  Had someone discovered their plans?  Were they coming after her and Remus next?  Livia's eyes desperately searched for Remus when she suddenly realized he had gone outside!  Livia was crippled with fear. Her legs were too heavy to move. Panic was coming over her when she suddenly heard--
  "Mama! Mama! Look who's here to visit us!"
  Livia's maternal instincts kicked into high gear as she ran towards Remus' voice.  She opened the door prepared to fight for their lives when she saw Remus smiling and talking with. . . Livia let all her adrenaline escape with one big sigh of relief.  Remus was talking with Mary and Martha!  Thank God!  Livia smiled as she greeted Mary and Martha.  "Hello!  It is wonderful to see you both again!"
  Martha exclaimed, "Livia we have wonderful news!  We have just returned from Jerusalem!  The Holy Spirit has come upon us!  We have been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!" 
  "Livia it's true!  We have seen the risen Lord! We have to tell you all about it!" burst Mary.
  "Please come in," invited Livia.  "I want to hear all about it!"
  Mary and Martha took turns describing everything they had recently experienced.  They had been on the hill when Jesus rose into the heavens.  They had joined in prayer for nine days in the upper room asking for the Holy Spirit to come!  They described in detail the powerful wind that blew through the room and the tongues of fire that came to each one that was present!  It was the most incredible, compelling experience of their lives.  Livia tried to absorb every detail.  Just like Peter, the woman were powerfully changed.  They wanted everyone to know that Jesus was truly the Christ! 
  Livia listened very carefully.  She knew she had so much to learn.  She revealed to the women that her husband Cato had been in the crowd.  He too had been moved by Peter's words!
  "Livia, join us! Come be baptized! Both you and Cato can become disciples of the Lord with us!"
  "There is nothing I want more!" confessed Livia.  "but we may have to wait a little bit."
  "Livia let nothing come between you and the Lord.  He is calling you!  I can see it in your eyes.  You have heard His call.  You must answer Him!"
  "Yes, yes I want to......it's just I must....I must...." Livia searched for the words.  "I must tell you our story first.  You may not want us."

(to be continued...)

-Susan
  

The Tunic (Part 18)

(The Tunic is a fictional story based on the Passion of Jesus. The story began on post March 18, 2019.)

  Day after day, Livia had hoped Martha and Mary would visit again. Livia had so many new questions to ask them.  She wondered if she had offended them since they had not returned.  
She worried that perhaps Cato was right, and they had realized what he had done.  Remus even went to visit them at their house, but he said no one was there.
  In the evenings after Remus went to sleep, Livia and Cato continued their conversations about Jesus.  Cato would now come home and share any new stories or facts about Jesus. Unfortunately, though, Cato began having problems at work.  Some of the fellow soldiers began to accuse him of being too soft during his interrogations. Cato knew they were right, but he insisted it was part of his strategy to get more information.  Cato wished he could speak with Jesus' closest disciples, but they were still in hiding.
  Cato began feeling very anxious.  He knew that he was not going to be able to play both sides of the fence much longer.  He knew he could not answer to Pilate and Caesar and be a follower of Jesus. He could feel the conflicting stress rising within himself.  He was going to have to choose.
  Late one afternoon Cato came bursting into the door.  Livia was surprised he was home so early, but even more surprised with his uncontained excitement.  "Livia! Livia I was there when it happened!"
  "You were where when what happened?"
  "Livia the followers, the ones closest to him, they are no longer hiding!  I was patrolling the streets this morning because of the Jewish celebrations, when all of a sudden they all emerged and began preaching to the crowd!  The one named Peter spoke boldly about Jesus being the promised Messiah and how he had indeed rose from the dead! He was so compelling!  He said everyone should repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus.  He said those who are baptized in his name will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and be forgiven of their sins!"
  "Cato, that sounds amazing!"
  "Livia you have no idea! I somehow understood everything he was saying!  Livia he was speaking in the language and dialect of the small town I grew up in!"
  "What?  What do you mean? He spoke just to you?"
  "No!  I was riding amidst the crowd when he came out and started speaking to everyone!  Livia everyone understood what he was saying!  Everyone heard him speak in their now native language!  Everyone was talking about it!  People from Judea, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Asia, and Rome all heard the message in their own language!  You should have heard Peter speak!  I felt so alive when he spoke!  I can't explain it!"  Without warning Cato picked Livia up in the air and swung her around with excitement!
  "Cato, what does this all mean?"
  "Livia I think you were right!  We are being called to be his followers.  I wasn't sure before, but now....now I know!"
  "Oh Cato!  How do we do this?!"
  "I'm not sure exactly.  I know we need to be baptized!"
  "Today?" Livia was as excited as Cato.
  "Ummm......probably not today.  But soon.  We have to be very careful." Cato suddenly seemed very serious as he looked into Livia's eyes.  "Livia our lives are about to completely change!  I think we are going to have to go into hiding for awhile."
  "Hiding?  Why?"
  "Livia, I'm going to have to leave the army.  I can't be a follower of Jesus in Caesar's army.  They would never allow it.  I'm going to have to leave and they won't like it.  They will probably send people to kill me."
  "Cato are you sure?"
  "Yes, no one gets to leave on their own."
  "What will we do?  Where would we go?  How will we survive?"
  "I don't have it figured out yet.  That's why I said we can't do it right away.   I... I have a some money...the money from the tunic.  That will last us for a little bit."
  Livia's excitement turned into fear.  "Cato I don't want to lose you."
  "You won't.  I'll try to figure it out.  But I have to get back to Jerusalem before I am missed.  I'm going to spend the next two nights at our place in Jerusalem. I don't want anyone to discover where you and Remus are staying.  I'm going to work on a plan, but I need to know you two will be safe."
  "Cato how will I know you are safe?"
  "Don't worry.  I am going to appear to be a loyal Roman soldier.  Only you know my secret.  Somehow I'm going to make this work. I have to go now.  I will be back in a few days."

(to be continued...)

-Susan
  

The Tunic (Part 17)

(The Tunic is a fictional story based on the Passion of Jesus. The story began on post March 18, 2019.)


  "Livia," began Cato, "let's start the evening over.  I would be very interested in hearing about the new neighbors you met today."
  Livia wasn't sure if she should say anything.
  "Please Livia, I would like to talk about this.  I have been thinking a lot about Jesus as well, lately."  Livia was surprised and completely taken off guard with that statement. "I have questioned a lot of people about him.  I have gathered many facts. I was shocked that Remus knew so much about Jesus.  He spoke with such enthusiasm.  He didn't seem to question any of the details.  I don't want him to be disappointed, if Jesus is in fact, just some delusional man who convinced people he knew the one true God.  I don't want you to be hurt with that news either. And......and I don't want any of us to be hurt if he really was God's son."
  Livia was shocked with Cato's words.  She carefully chose her response by asking Cato a question.  "Cato, can you share with me what you have learned about Jesus?"
  "Well I learned that he preached right out in the open.  He drew large crowds.  Besides the Jewish leaders, most people liked what he had to say.  They would sit for hours listening to him without growing bored. He supposedly healed a lot of people.  I have a whole list of ailments people no longer have. He seemed to have helped so many. There doesn't appear to be any obvious selfish motives about his preaching.  He didn't demand people to give him money. He didn't ask for special favors. He didn't encourage anyone to act out against Caesar or Pilate.  He would just ask people to stop sinning and to start taking care of each other."
  Livia began feeling more relaxed as Cato spoke.  "Yes!  That's what Mary and Martha said as well.  He spoke a great deal about love.  He spoke about how much God loves each person and we should imitate God and do the same.  Mary and Martha said just being near Jesus filled them with peace and joy!"
  "Do you really believe their brother was brought back from death?"
  "Yes, I do.  There were many people who witnessed this.  They had been surrounded by friends and family while they were mourning.  People had witnessed Lazarus being placed in the tomb. They saw him come out of the tomb as well.  Both Mary and Martha are very emotional when they described what happened.  It is a very joyful ending to an incredibly painful experience for them.  If only you heard them speak about Jesus yourself, you would be moved by their testimony!"
  "I think I would rather hear it from Lazarus."
  "Would you like me to arrange that?'' Livia asked with anticipation.
  "Livia, we need to be very careful.  There is a lot at stake here.  Do you really think anyone would accept me if they knew what I had done?"
  "Cato, I have thought about this as well. Mary and Martha told me how Jesus healed sinners.  He came for those who were lost.  His healing sinners angered the Pharisees many times, but he continued to do it.  Cato... do you think we are one of the sinners, one of the lost ones that needed healing?  I know the scars on my arms were healed, but I think something inside me has changed, too.  I am not the same person.  I don't know how to explain it, but I have this desire in me to draw closer to Jesus." Very quietly Livia added, " I never felt this way when I prayed to the Roman gods."
  Cato remained silent as he stared at his wife.  He tried to take in everything she was saying.  This conversation was making him uncomfortable.  He felt like his world was being tipped upside down and he wasn't sure if he would land on his feet.  After several long moments Cato replied.  "Livia, I need some time to think about all this. I don't know how. .  . I'm not sure. . . ." Cato let out a big sigh. He shook his head back and forth as if he was arguing with his own thoughts. "I don't know what to think.  I feel different, too, and it scares me."

(to be continued...)

Susan

The Tunic (Part 16)

(The Tunic is a fictional story based on the Passion of Jesus. The story began on post March 18, 2019.)

  Cato got on his horse and just started riding.  He had no idea where he was going, but he was too angry to stay still.  He tried to replay everything Livia had said.  Had she given the women too much information about them?  She said she didn't, but could he believe that?  Maybe if he was better at controlling his temper, he would have found out more.  Cato shook his head and began arguing with himself.  "No, this is not my fault.  My temper has nothing to do with it.  She is the one who put us in danger this time.  It's not my fault."  Cato remembered how hurt Livia looked just before he stormed out.  "This is not how I wanted things to go tonight."
  Cato remembered his walk with Remus.  Remus was so happy. He had fun today.  He was very excited about Lazarus being raised from the dead.  Suddenly, Cato brought the horse to a stop.  He began realizing something he had overlooked.  Remus knew incredible details about Jesus and Lazarus.  How could he have known so much?  Everything Remus had told him agreed with the information Cato had discovered while investigating.  Cato shook his head.  How could someone rise from death?  This is all crazy.  Day after day, more and more stories were emerging that Jesus had risen.  His dead body had never been found.  It just didn't make sense.  Cato raised his eyes to the sky and screamed, "How can this be?  Please tell me!  Do you want me to believe this could have happened?"
  After a few minutes Cato returned his gaze to the road.  He suddenly felt foolish.  What was he doing? Did he actually think he would he receive an answer?  As he turned his horse around to head back home, he couldn't ignore a strange feeling in his chest.  His chest felt warm and oddly peaceful all of a sudden. His anger had dissipated. 
  When he finally returned home he saw Remus waiting for him again.  "Papa, Papa please don't be mad at us anymore," begged Remus as Cato dismounted from his horse.
  Cato wrapped his arm around Remus' shoulder and gave him a gentle squeeze.  "I'm not mad at you Remus.  I just was a bit surprised by everything that happened today.  I guess I overreacted."
  Remus smiled, "That's ok."
  "Remus can you give me a few minutes to talk to Mama?"
  "Sure."
  Cato walked inside and saw Livia cleaning.  When she turned to look at him, Cato could tell she had been crying. 
"Livia, I shouldn't have gotten so angry.  I should have given you a chance to explain."
  Livia looked up and stared into Cato's eyes. She longed to tell him what her heart was feeling, but she was afraid. She wasn't the same person anymore. She felt more drawn to Jesus with each passing day.  Talking with Mary and Martha today had been absolutely incredible!  As she listened to them talk about Jesus she yearned to have a similar relationship.  Jesus was their friend.  Their teacher.  He was their Messiah. How could she ever explain these feelings to Cato without angering him?
  Cato stood there staring back at Livia.  He wondered what she was thinking.  As he gazed into her eyes, he was sure that she had never looked more beautiful.  He loved her deeply.  He always had.  He hated that he had allowed his anger to hurt her.  He reached out for her hand.  They both just stood their staring into each other's eyes knowing their relationship was taking a new turn.  They each hoped they would be turning towards each other and not away.

(to be continued...)

-Susan