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