Jesus — Meeting on the Appian Way

Miriam did not know where to begin. It fascinated her that there might be a reason for existence as simple as being good. And that punishment for evil done might simply require you to face your life and seek forgiveness.

Preaching about the future is false. The future unfolds. It is not fixed. Anyone can change in an instant. All these thoughts ran through her active mind.

Miriam decided two things.

Tell Caleb she will put off decisions about marriage until she is clearer in her mind about things.

And learn from Jesus as much as he will teach.

Miriam made her way to a small grove of palm and olive trees not far from Appian Way. She recited a prayer and then called out.

Jesus lost little time responding. He said, “We can discuss anything, Miriam.”

There was a pause. Then Miriam said:

“If life is a test, what is the test? Loyalty to you?”

“No,” Jesus said. “The test is life. The loyalty is your loyalty to yourself.”

“To me?”

“Yes, to you, Miriam. To the creation that you are. How do you call me?”

“I call out. As Caleb said to do.”

“You call me.”

“Yes.”

“Words are key,” Jesus said. “You act. You trust. You call.”

“And you answer.”

“I do. Abba does. Heaven does.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s the only way goodness can win.”

“What does that mean.”

“The only way goodness wins is with the help of your inner voice. Otherwise you get lost and mired. Every person on earth can call. And it’s the only way.”

“What is goodness?”

“Loving enemies. Not serving idols. Caring.”

“Life is how good we can become?”

“Actually, yes.”

“It’s that simple?”

“What do you believe?”

“I talk to you. I believe that.”

The conversation ended soon. Miriam headed home.

She was less sure she wanted to go through life alone. She found herself skipping on the worn stones. She sighed. She felt strangely happy.