Celeste called me after Jesus’ funeral. She couldn’t make it ‘cause ol’ Arthur came to visit her knees. But she made up for it by sending a pound cake. If I were trifling, I would have kept it for myself, Celeste knows she puts her foot in her cakes.
Anyway, of course she asked how Mary was doing. As well as could be expected but she’ll be staying with John.
Celeste couldn’t believe it and neither could I. You know John, one of Jesus’ disciples and best friends. James is his brother. Oh yeah, I know with that loud bossy mama of theirs.
But like me and many of Mary’s friends, Celeste wanted to know; why she aint with one of her four sons starting with James the oldest.
I told Celeste that at the repast, Mary Jr., her sister told me, one of the last things Jesus said before he died was for John to take care of his mama.
Celeste thought for a moment, her voice sad and worried at the same time: Baby, no one knows what goes on behind closed doors, but I can guess. I know po’ Joe is rolling over in his grave, and if he weren’t dead, this would kill him.
Here, he raised those boys along with the sisters in the fear and admonition of the Lord, only to have someone other than his own take care of their mother.
Celeste, I said, we both know good and well there was tension in that house, and why wouldn’t there be? It wasn’t just that Jesus could do no wrong. Mary said growing up his brothers felt they couldn’t do anything right. Our friend had her hands full.
More than once, Mary told me his brother’s thought Jesus was crazy and needed to be put on medication. However, through it all, she learned to trust Jesus. But all that aside, four boys with homes of their own, and not one got a spare bedroom. Lord, deliver me.
But in the end Celeste, Jesus knows best. Maybe this is just temporary until things settle down.
Yes, after all she’s been through, I just want things to work out for my friend.
Girl, this just goes to show you that you never know where your help comes from, But you sho’ know who will send it.
Reference: John 19-25-27
