I, Criminal

~CHAPTER THREE: THE YEAR OF REST
Two years later a beautiful spring dawned in Galilee. "It is time to go to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast," announced Asher. "We will buy two doves for our offering when we get close to the Temple. The priests know Israel 'ad a sabbatical rest year, so they will be generous with their prices."
In the morning Asher's family gathered outside their stone house, awaiting Uncle Malachi, Aunt Sarah, four-year-old Noah, Uncle Samuel, and Aunt Miriam. The group then proceeded to the city gate of Tiberias, where they joined the large group of Jews and handful of proselytes walking to Jerusalem. Caleb tried to be quiet around Aunt Miriam. She never quite looked happy.
But Caleb was so happy to go to the Passover festival! The worshipers enjoyed beautiful views of the northern head of the Jordan River as they walked from Tiberias. Galilee was known even by surrounding countries to have very fertile soil. Even though it was still spring, the grasses were bright green. How could he help but love Galilee? Caleb felt the rhythm of the landscape as they walked up hills and down valleys. Every time he saw the river he delighted in how it shifted a bit east and a bit west. It brought peace to him.
They soon arrived in Jerusalem. The Temple amazed Caleb every year. The height of the building, the gold overlay on the straight edges - it was just beautiful. Walking inside, Caleb was awestruck, filled with the cleanness of God. He could not explain it - he did not know words like "purity." He just knew what he felt as his heart stirred in this magnificent place.
On the second day in Jerusalem Caleb noticed tables where men were speaking vigorously, including Asher. He understood Father was there to purchase a sacrifice for the Passover. He also knew Father brought the full tithe to buy the sacrifice - a tenth of the crops they had from the year, to be paid at the Temple.
"How could there be a problem?" Caleb wondered. "We brought one-tenth of our crops. Joseph and Father stayed up late for three nights, counting and recounting what we grew and what we have, they are so careful about these things!"
Joseph whispered "Come on. Let's see if Father needs us." Jonathan and Caleb went immediately with Joseph, following him to the table of money changers.
Their father was close to tears, pleading with the important-looking men behind the tables. "Please, this is our full tithe. I 'ave never lied to you. You know it was a sabbatical year. Everyone is coming with less. I greatly desire to 'onor the LORD."
Caleb noticed a plain-looking bearded young man off to their right. He was intently watching the conversation, with a look of concern for their father. He gave a kind smile and a nod to the boys when he saw them. Nothing stood out about this young man, except his concern.
The men bartered until Asher collapsed in exhaustion. It was a few minutes before he recovered enough to stand again. His sons had to pull him up by the shoulders. Father gave the money changers everything he had. He laid the money out on their table, shoulders slumped. In return Asher got two small mourning doves, which to Caleb looked like a picture of living beauty.
"Father, can we take them 'ome?" he asked.
Joseph, already feeling defensive of Father, hushed Caleb quickly. "No, they are our sacrifice this year! Don't you know?"
"Bear with 'is questions Joseph," Asher broke in tiredly. "You asked them, too. It 'as only been three years since you were six." Asher understood Joseph's defensiveness. He also knew his eldest needed humbling at times, particularly with Caleb.
The rest of the Passover festival went as usual - except for one thing. For the first time, Caleb noticed men carrying long, heavy pieces of rugged wood on their shoulders.
"Who are they?" he wondered, shivering in fear at the sight of the heavily armed Roman guard. "Oh no, they have blood all over them! What is going on?" Caleb decided to wait until after they ate; then he would ask Jonathan. Joseph did not seem to be in the mood for questions, and Father certainly seemed exhausted today.
"Jonathan did you see those guys with bloody backs and wooden beams on their shoulders?"
"Yes Caleb, I did. Most Passovers there are men like that. They are being punished for breaking Rome's laws."
"Rome's laws? We are in Israel!"
"Of course we are. But Israel 'as been conquered by Rome. So, Rome can do whatever Rome wants to do."
Caleb wondered what all this meant for quite some time. He really wanted to hear what Father would have to say about it. "That would not be happening tonight though. I will keep quiet for now. The first chance I get to ask Father about it, I will."
As the day's events played over and over in his mind, Caleb began to feel anger. He was mad at Joseph, but he felt more anger toward the men at the tables in the Temple. "Of course Father was telling them the truth. Father always tells the truth. Why did they doubt him? And why did Father shake and fall down like that?"
When the group walked home a few days later, Caleb noticed that there was not much spark in people's eyes and in their conversations. This Sabbatical year seemed to have taken the joy out of the Israelites. Nevertheless, God gave the worshipers from Tiberias the strength to obey His commands, and the grace to enjoy Him and each other. Caleb tried to understand all that happened, but he could not. Joseph's annoyance, the money changers, and the sight of those men with the wooden beams made him quieter than usual - and a little frightened.