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