The Shepherd

Mariamne was travelling along dusty roads in Israel, when she saw a shepherd herding his sheep.
She spoke to the Rabbi of those who labour in the Sheepfold of the Lord.
Rabbi Jesus explained to Mariamne the duties of the Shepherd; 
"A shepherd feeds the flock with the Word of God. A shepherd defends the flock from all their enemies."

Mariam and the service of the Rabbi

Mariam had been criticized by others who eyed her service of the Rabbi askance. 
She felt distressed, and the Rabbi calmed her. 
The Rabbi said, "If the greatest fault that can be found with you is your love and service of your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, then you are blessed indeed."

The Rabbi and Mammon

Mariam was wondering about money. She had a chance to make a good profit, but only if she was prepared to somewhat compromise her integrity.
The Rabbi told her, "You cannot serve both God and Money. Something has to give - and often it is Justice and the Commandments."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k6_ZJRjwbs 

With thanks to Youtube
Photograph of wall art in Dublin - with thanks to the artist

The Surprise

Mariam was surprised by a kindness shown her by someone she met.

Rabbi Jesus told her, "We never know the depths of decency and goodness that lies slumbering within another human being."

The Rabbi and Grief

Mariam was grieving about a loved one.

Rabbi Jesus gently told her, "Death is but the new life."

The Rabbi and Fury

Mariam was furious, and about to fly off the handle.
Rabbi Jesus counselled her, "Don't lose your temper - you lose the edge through this.
Always retain your Christian dignity. You are there to see that justice is done, impartially and firmly. Not to use the situation as a venue to vent your own intemperate feelings of aggression, rage or vengeance."

The Rabbi and Racism

Mariam was speaking with the Rabbi. She had encountered a gentleman that day, who, to her mind, seemingly boxed each person according to their cultural heritage. 
"Lord, he seems to have an incredible awareness of racism in his mind."
The Rabbi answered her quietly, "You have no awareness of the depth of the hurt that formed these attitudes."

Pitfalls in being a religious person - the Rabbi's perspective

 

Mariam asked the Rabbi, "What are some of the pitfalls in being a religious person, Lord?"
Rabbi Jesus answered promptly, "Over-religiosity, zeal without gentleness, being overly harsh with those under authority, or in care."

The beautiful horse and the Rabbi's message

Mariam had a dream where a beautiful and peaceful-looking horse injured her when she tried to pat him.
She was thoughtful as she spoke to the Rabbi the next morning. "There is a message here, Lord."
Rabbi Jesus said, "Not every thing which looks good has no evil in it."

The Gift of Life

Mariam was speaking to the Rabbi after she returned from a coffee morning with friends. During the morning, the conversation had turned towards a young woman who had learned she was pregnant. After hearing her news, the father of her baby offered marriage, and the wedding was to be the next week. One of Mariam's friends said cattily of the woman, 
"She caught him."
The Rabbi observed, "It is the one who gives the gift who does the catching."

Kings in Rags

Mariam was talking to the Rabbi about people of integrity who refuse to compromise their integrity in the face of corruption, and suffer the loss of employment and shelter as a result, leading to a deepening of the poverty trap.
Rabbi Jesus gravely told her, "They are kings in rags."

The Rabbi and the Rose

Mariam said to the Rabbi, "Now that I'm getting older, I feel that I'm not appreciated in a youth-conscious world."
The Rabbi answered her, "Who can say the bud is better than the rose? Both are beautiful."

So Mariam embraced her ageing. After all, it is a privilege not given to all