When Jesus was finished with his tales, those in the circle held up their bowls while Tabitha and the children ladled rich soup from the pot. When everyone’s bowl had been filled, Jesus reminded them to give thanks—as he had learned to do from the Sisters.

As they ate, the people’s eyes opened in amazement at the substance and quantity of the soup. Jesus told them, “It is just as it was that night!” he said. “Alone, we have little, but together, we are like the mother sheep—who can feed many!”

When they had finished their meal, some of the people asked Jesus if he would lead them again in Communion. Before answering, he turned to Ruth. In her look he read that she was anxious for them to move on. Knowing he had delayed their journey, and not wishing to upset her, he turned to the crowd to offer his apologies.

“And what do we have here?” a man’s voice demanded before Jesus could speak.

Those who had gathered turned to see a priest from the Temple standing above them. His robes were finely woven and richly dyed. Though middle-aged, his straw-colored hair gleamed. Jesus looked down and observed the man’s sandals. They were made of the finest leather and well crafted. His feet, and even his toenails, showed no sign of travel. Behind the priest stood two footmen. One knelt to hobble his camel, the other bent under the burden of sacks filled with coins. The villagers cast their eyes downward, unable to meet his gaze. For though they could not say exactly how, they knew that the priest would consider their gathering unholy.

“What brings us together so early in the day?” the priest inquired, eyeing the cypress tree with suspicion. Tabitha’s eyes darted to find Ruth’s.

Frustrated by the silence, the priest drove his neatly sandaled foot into the back of a villager. “You there,” he asked a young man, “for what have you gathered?”

Jesus saw the villager’s body crumple to the ground.

The priest stepped forward and rammed his toes into a woman’s side. “Speak!” he demanded. “Why have you gathered in this way?”

The coals of rage began to smolder inside Jesus.

Who was this man and why should he threaten them?

He struggled to hold himself in check, recalling the severity of Ruth’s warnings.

Eager to see the confrontation between the priest and the heretical young man, the villagers who had kept their distance rushed closer.

The priest continued his interrogations. He bent and shook one of the girls who had helped pass out the bread. When he did this, Jesus felt something crack inside him. He leapt to his feet and faced the priest head-on. Ruth’s face went ashen.

Jesus ignored her signals. “Leave them alone!” he commanded.