The fisherman dropped to his knees. “Most Holy Lord!” he shouted to the clouds. Sophia rushed into her father’s arms. He held her to him and turned his eyes to Jesus. “I do not know who you are, or how you have done this. But with all my heart, I thank you for granting me this miracle.” He wept tears of joy.

Jesus shook his head. “Do not misunderstand, friend. Your daughter’s voice has been there all along. I simply asked to hear it.” He gazed down at the young girl and felt suddenly emboldened by her courage and spirit. He took a deep breath and said, “Know this, friend. Your thanks is due to the Mother, who urges us to listen. Unlike the Lord you speak of.”

Ruth gasped aloud.

The fisherman looked confused. He thought to ask more. Then realized he did not care for the reason. All that mattered was that his mute daughter could speak!

At the shore, Jesus and his sisters said their good-byes and departed for Nazareth. As soon as they left, the fisherman circled his village telling all those who would listen about the strange visitor and how he had miraculously restored his daughter’s voice.

All who heard his story were amazed.

“I need to rest,” Jesus whispered to Ruth as they walked up a gentle hillside sprayed with bluebells and limber grasses. He lowered himself carefully to the ground. The bones in his leg ached. The long days of walking were taking their toll on his old injury.

Ruth knelt alongside him. Without saying a word, she focused on applying a remedy, a balm of spearmint and arnica.

The silence between them hung weighted with unspoken words.

After some time, Jesus said, “I know you are angry with me for speaking of the Mother. And for challenging the priest. And I know you believe it puts us, and even The Way, at risk.”

Ruth held her silence. She continued to work the balm gently into his leg.

“For that, I am truly sorry,” he said. He stared into the distance and sighed. “But I can no longer keep silent. Not when I have seen, before my own eyes, the healing that can arise when people are freed from the chains of misperception. And given back their power. And their place in the world.” He shook his head. “You know I have tried. But I can no longer bear to deny anyone this understanding. Especially when there are those who clearly hunger to possess it.”

Ruth nodded. She still said nothing.

Jesus laid a hand on her shoulder. “Know that I will do all I can to keep us safe,” he said. “It is the gift I have been given.” He lifted her eyes into his. “Please,” he said, “trust in me.”