The Write Place

The young man walked up to the large, golden doors at the front of the temple building.  Two older men, one wearing the gray hair of age stood in their full vestments.  The dark haired of the two wore an ephod with twelve, marvelous stones upon it.  His chest was held high, enjoying his superiority to the man approaching him.

“Judah, stay where you are. I would like you alive. Your hands won’t work so well if you are not,” said the man clad in the ephod.

“Of course Caiphas.  I know the Law of Moses,” said Jospeh, he stopped at the base of the steps awaiting the approach of other two which soon followed suit.

“But you may not know your steps. Long have I served here,” replied Caiphas.

“And with the curtain every day of them I am sure,” Judah replied with a smile.

“Do not speak so loudly… Every rumor has swifter feet than those of men,” interrupted the elder man.  The force in his voice commanded obedience.

“I am sure Annas. How large of a tear are we discussing?”

To his surprise, Annas rushed down the steps as he held his robes.  He reached Joseph. Pulling him close he snarled.

“Not so loud, boy…” growled Annas.  Joseph saw he had struck a nerve where he did not expect one.  

“The whole of it,” said Caiphas, having approached while Joseph was distracted by Annas’s aggression. “Right down the middle. We need you to acquire the means to replace or repair it, including seamstresses as that will be necessary.” 

Judah looked back and forth between the two.  Utter confusion had struck him.  This was a more serious manner than he had heard.  It would appear not even all the priestly order were permitted to know.  The veil had been 40 cubits long and 20 wide, its thickness that of a human hand.

“After it tore from top to bottom? In the Holy Place? What else could do such a thing other than the hand of God?” Judah retorted.

“What fool would ask such questions?” Annas said, the veiled threat evident.

“What fool would hide such a thing?” Judah said, surprised by the courage fueled by indignation that burned within his chest.

“Listen boy, we entrust you with the temple vessels not with your wisdom of matters beyond you,” said Caiphas.  He slipped a bag into Josephus’ hands. Josephus looked down and opened the bag slightly.  The dross of silver reflected up at him.

“Take your pay and do your work in God’s temple,” Caiphas threatened.

A man, clothed in priestly clothes ran to the three.  He set his hands on his knees, gasping for air.

“The Nazarene’s disciples have been seen in the city speaking foreign tongues,” the man said, shaking as he spoke. “They are converting masses of the believers who are here for Shavuot.”

“What a cursed day,” said Annas.

“When did the veil tear?” Judah asked the newcomer, hoping to catch him in his panic.

“During the eclipse,” came the reply.  Annas struck the man in the back of his head.

“Do not say such things aloud,” threatened Annas.

“I thought he was permitted, you were speaking with him about its restoration,” the man pleaded.

“That does not mean you are permitted to speak,” Annas said, his face taking on a demonic expression. He raised a hand to strike the man again.  Judah turned, walking with his back to the three.

“Get back here Judah! We aren’t done speaking with you!” Annas yelled. “Offer him more to keep silent.”  Judah stopped where he stood, sighing heavily.

“You won’t get my help.  Find some other man to do it and keep your guilt to
yourself.  This will fall on your head not on mine,” Judah said. Throwing the silver at their feet, he walked out of the courtyard.