“Elizabeth, what is it?” My voice rose in alarm and I rushed through the gate to stand by her side.
Elizabeth"s hand remained on her stomach, rubbing it gently. It was almost as though she were holding the baby.
“Blessed among women are you, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Her voice held awe as she spoke clearly, staring straight at me.
The couple who accompanied me to this house stood like the walls of a caravansary as Elizabeth continued.
“Why should this happen?”
“I don"t know what you mean.” My puzzlement was total. Why would she react this way at my appearance?
“How has it happened that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” She sounded as though she were chanting, like prophets of old sang psalms. “When your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy.”
Awe radiated from her beautiful eyes as she gazed at me and smiled.
I was so astonished at her words and the look on her face, I had no idea how to respond.“I-I came to see you because it was so unpleasant in Nazareth right now.” I stammered, bewildered at the happening. “Maybe God brought me here for a purpose.”
“I"m sure of it.” She reached for my hand and held it tightly as tears streamed down her face. “My little Mary.
Blessed are you who believed there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to you by the Lord.”
Suddenly, I realized she was speaking of me. I looked at her in amazement. “You know what happened to me?”
She nodded. “Yes. Oh, I don"t know the details, no. But I do know that you are the woman chosen to be the Mother of God.”
“But how?” I stood as still as the statues of idols I"d read about.
She patted her stomach tenderly. When she again spoke, it was in her normal tone. “Mary, I don"t know how I knew. I don"t know why I greeted you with the words I did. But I do know, without a doubt, that you are carrying the Child who is to save the world.”
Only my family, Joseph and the Rabbi at home had been told of my vision from Gabriel. Neither Joseph nor the Rabbi believed. The Rabbi threatened me with death by stoning and Joseph, who should have loved and believed in me, doubted.
I glanced at the couple who silently stood, turning their heads from Elizabeth to me. Their presence hardly registered, for my mind was filled with the wonder of God and the fact that Elizabeth knew of my visit by the angel, as well as my subsequent pregnancy. She not only knew, she believed.
Suddenly, I joined Elizabeth in praising God in the way of old...antiphonal chants, which we Jews have used from the beginning of time.
“My soul exalts the Lord and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” I murmured, “For He has regard for the humble state of His bond slave. Behold,” and my voice became louder as I continued to speak.
“From this time on all generations will count me blessed.” My voice lower on the last words, I breathed deeply and glanced heavenward.
Suddenly and unaware of the words spewing from my mouth, I continued. “For the Mighty One has done great things for me: And holy is His name. His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him.”
Suddenly, I felt as though I had just returned from a visit with God and my chanting stopped. The transition of my feelings was so rapid, it was difficult to adjust.
“Come, let us go inside,” Elizabeth urged me forward. “We must get you a bath and some clean clothing, as well as attend to your feet.”
I turned to the couple and again thanked them; this couple who had so graciously brought me to this wondrous household. As I entered the gate, I saw Elizabeth press a coin into their hands, and was thankful for her thoughtfulness.
They bowed low, turned and walked away, their heads filled, I"m sure, with everything said in their presence. I was positive they would marvel and tell others of the strange afternoon.
The servant girl picked up my belongings and followed us.
As we walked down the passageway, I barely noticed the pots where rich blossoms flourished abundantly on flowers.
For some reason, I couldn"t seem to quit praising God. It was as though words sprang from the well of Heaven.
“He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thought of their heart.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones and has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent away the rich, empty handed. He has given help to Israel His servant in remembrance of His mercy. As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever.”
I walked in a daze further into this home, where strange things had already occurred.
Zacharias came forward, hearing the last words I spoke. He gathered my hands in his and kissed both of them.
His smile lit his homely face and he attempted to say something to me, but no sounds emerged.
“He is welcoming you to our home, Mary.” Elizabeth explained, after introducing us.
“Is it true,” I asked, “that you cannot speak, dear cousin?”
Zacharias nodded, then looked at Elizabeth. The love in that glance was awe inspiring. Then he returned his attention to me.
Though I knew he was older than my father, I don"t think I realized it before now. Not only was he older, but was thinner and taller. His hair was almost white and very thin. His beard, however, made up for it. Though it too was white, it was thick and luxurious. His black eyes glowed with good humor. There were only a few lines in his forehead to reveal his age.
The silk prayer shawl he wore over his scull cap contained many colors. His robe reflected the deep red hue in the pattern of the shawl. It drooped over the shoulders of his rich looking robe. His girdle held a purse attached to it and when he moved I heard the jingle of coins.
“This inability to speak happened when you were in the Temple?” I asked.
Again he nodded, and Elizabeth caught my arm. “It is true Mary, he cannot speak but he and I communicate. He usually uses a slate to write his thoughts.”
Again she took my hand. “Come, let us fix your bath. It will refresh you after such a long journey.”
As I followed her, my soiled sandals made dirty footprints in the wool carpets. I was embarrassed because my feet and sandals were so dirty, but she said, “It"s all right. The soil is only on the top and can easily be removed.”
I reflected that I had had no chance to look at Elizabeth before. My arrival had been too emotional. Now, I did.
She was older than my mother but she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.
She was tall; at least five or six inches taller than me. She had not adopted the new style of dying her tresses and her hair held traces of grey mixed with black. She used jeweled combs to catch the luxuriant hair on top of her head. Her eyes were not as dark as Zacharias, but they too, held humor and love. Elizabeth"s almost unlined face was lightly dusted with cosmetics.
Her deep, purple tunic was made of the finest of linens. She draped it so her pregnancy was barely visible.
However, when in her presence for just a little while, one knew that what she carried below her heart was the most important being in her life, after God. She was constantly rubbing her stomach, or patting it or just laying her hand on it, I realized. The touch was so light and tender it brought tears to my eyes.
Each movement of the baby caused a look of awe to cross her face. As she moved her hand over her belly, the jewels on her wrist and hands sparkled. In her ears were rubies larger than I had ever seen; but all this wealth seemed unimportant to her.
I glanced out a window; I was amazed! It was the first time I had ever actually seen glass. We, of course, had heard of it, even in the small village of Nazareth. But to actually see glass was a miracle to me.
One could sit inside and have the outside also, with these wondrous things...windows! I sighed as I stared at palm trees, tall reeds and lower grasses planted around the house. Colorful flowers bloomed in abundance.
There were paths leading through the luxurious garden with benches on which one could rest and admire the beauty.
“Come, my dear Mary. I"ll show you to your room, then you can take a bath. After that, maybe you should rest for awhile.” She took my hand and held it lightly. We walked down a corridor whose walls held tapestries made of the most costly wool. She led me to a room that looked as though it had been prepared for a princess.
There were murals painted on all the walls. Each wall held a part of the painting. Slowly turning around, my imagination made me feel as though I was in the center of a body of water. Trees of every description surrounded the blue water of the lake. I turned ever slower, reveling in the cool feeling this room gave me.
Extending from the ceiling was a brass chain. It split into three chains and held a hanging lamp. The lamp was round and the artisan had lifted the edge in three places. The metal was quite thick and smoke curled from the center of it. What miracles this house contained!
There was a bed with legs. The bed wore a white coverlet so dazzling it hurt my eyes. The pillows on the bed made a rainbow and I thought of butterflies with their many wondrous colors. I looked longingly at a small table which held combs and brushes. I couldn"t wait to use them on my sand encrusted hair. On the wall above the table hung a mirror.
“Cousin Elizabeth...” I began, when I could again breathe normally. “How beautiful this is.”
“Thank you.” Turning, I saw her holding out a hand to me. “Come, Mary, I"ll show you the toilet.” She held my hand lightly as she led me to a small room where a toilet was installed. There was a lavatory in the corner of the room and running water was available for cleanliness.
“Elizabeth...” I could barely believe what I was seeing. “I don"t understand all of these miracles. I had no idea such luxuries existed.”
She laughed. “I do understand your bewilderment.” As she continued to speak, I gazed at wonders I never imagined. “When the Romans first came we hated them, but they have done so much to improve our sanitation systems, sometimes I wonder...” Her voice trailed off, then she resumed. “What am I thinking? Of course I hate them being our conquerors, but they have improved living conditions.”
She lightly brushed my cheek with her finger. “I"ll leave you for the moment. When you finish, come back and I"ll show you where you may take a bath.”
I discovered later that the cesspools underneath houses were cleared by carts at night. The drainage system for the homes and businesses was quite intricate. Wherever the Romans traveled, they introduced their form of transportation, roads and sewage systems. Since their arrival in Jerusalem, these conveniences were added to the wealthier homes.
As I slowly turned, I could barely believe what I was seeing. A special room just for sanitation.
Elizabeth left, closing the door softly.
Wondering what I would discover next in this amazing house, I used the amenities, then opened the door to find Elizabeth awaiting me.
She leaned down and kissed my dirty face. “Come, my dear. Let"s get you to the bathroom so you can soak the journey away. Then you shall rest.”
As we walked down the passageway, I glimpsed ahead to the room where one bathed. In the center was a large tub built into the floor and filled with water that was still steaming.
I gasped at the wonder of such a thing. “How can you have a tub with hot water in the center of your home?” I asked, gazing at the steam which curled over the tub.
“Oh, Mary, so many things happened after the Romans came. As I told you earlier, they accomplished marvelous feats. About 30 years ago, a man by the name of Sergius Orata came up with the idea. He worked on his invention until it performed to his satisfaction. Now, many people have these.”
“How is the water heated?” As tired and dirty as I was, I couldn"t rest until I discovered the secret. “Is it brought in here from the kitchen?”
Elizabeth ran her hand across her stomach and answered.“Under the floor where the tub rests, is a hot air chamber which keeps the water hot for baths.”
I could almost feel the water on my dust-weary body as I stared in amazement, first at the tub and then at Elizabeth. She smiled that angelic smile of hers and said, “I"ll leave you now and Deborah will come to assist you.”
I removed my dusty clothing and slid into the tub of hot water. I had never felt anything as warm and relaxing. I bathed with scented soap, which left a floral odor to my skin. Then, I lay back in the hot water and closed my eyes.
“Are you about ready to get dressed, Miss Mary?” I hadn"t heard Deborah enter, I was so nearly asleep.
“Yes, of course.” I reluctantly stood, but before I could reach for the drying cloth, she wrapped warm material around me. She offered a pair of sandals made from lambskin for my feet, then led me back to my room, where the covers on the bed were turned down. My clothing had disappeared and different robes were lying on the bed for me.
“Miss Mary, if you would like, Madam Elizabeth said to tell you to rest for awhile. She will come wake you later.” Deborah said.
“Thank you, I am rather tired.” I answered. Exhausted, I dropped the cloth as she held a robe for me to slide into. I sat on the bed, then pulled my feet under the coverlet. Such richness was unbelievable. The material felt as smooth as the silk Jeremiah brought to our house once to show us. Yet, it was as warm as an animal"s skin.
Before I could reach for the coverlet, Deborah pulled it under my chin.
“Please rest now. It"s been a long journey,” she smiled.
“Thank you so much, Deborah, for everything.”
My eyes closed almost before she could slip from the room. By the time I awoke, darkness covered the sky and Elizabeth was kissing my forehead as I slowly opened my eyes.
“Come, Mary. Your food is ready.”
I stretched luxuriously and looked up at her. “I"m not sure I want to move, even to eat.”
She smiled. “I know how great it feels to get a bath and rest after a long journey. But since the servants have prepared the food, we do need to dine before it"s too late.”
“Oh, I"m sorry.” I was so ashamed. I wasn"t used to being waited upon and hadn"t realized I might inconvenience anyone.
She stooped and kissed my cheek. “It"s all right. We just try to keep on a schedule most of the time.”
As I dressed in the robe she left for me, I couldn"t believe the colors...blue and gold and purple. The material was silky and as light as a sleeping baby"s breath. I felt quite rich when I slipped my arms into the robe. I twirled and looked at myself in the mirror. I couldn"t believe it was really me in this magnificent garment.
I quickly followed her to a room I hadn"t seen before. A table was filled with so much food I thought she must be having a party.
Zacharias sat at the head of the table. He smiled and offered a chair on his left. Elizabeth sat on his right. We bowed our heads as we each thanked God for this bountiful food.
Even more important than food for the moment was a blue vessel sitting in front of me. It was about 5 inches high and had a thin stem holding it up. A flat piece of...what? was attached to the bottom to balance the weight.
“It"s beautiful,” I barely breathed as I examined it without picking it up.
“That"s a goblet,” Elizabeth explained. “It"s like the windows, except it"s blue instead of clear.” She picked up a small bunch of grapes. “In the beginning, only the Egyptians knew how to make this glass. It was so expensive few could afford it.”
She plucked a grape from the stem and munched as she watched me gazing at the object.
I couldn"t take my eyes off it.
“We drink our wine, juice or water from it,” she said.
Just then, Deborah brought juice and spilled some into each goblet. I gently picked mine up and sipped. Fresh grape juice drunk from a vessel so delicate it looked as though it would break if breathed upon. Would wonders in this home never cease?
The rest of the table contained bowls and platters of so many sizes and beauty I could barely take it all in. They were filled with meats and vegetables, as well as fruit and breads.
We ate our fill, then Elizabeth and I strolled slowly through the small garden for a short while. “Come Mary. I know you are exhausted. If you"d like, why don"t you go to your rest. We can talk in the morning.”
“I think I shall.” I stretched and kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you so much for welcoming me.”
She hugged me and I looked up at her just as I felt her baby leap in her womb. That strange, wondrous expression lit up her face. “Oh, Mary, I"m so glad you are here.”
She patted my shoulder. “Now go, get some rest. I do hope you will stay with us for a long visit.” She kissed me, then I walked slowly to my room, wondering how anyone could live in such a palace and manage such a place.