The Galilean Secret: A Novel Read Online Free PDF

was reassuring. “You have suffered a deep wound, my son. I can understand why you feel your life is over. But what if it is just beginning? What if this terrible loss takes you where you never dreamed of going? I know a great comfort for heartbreak. If you let me, I will share it with you.”
     
    Gabriel suddenly felt hot, as if he were standing in the midday sun. He wiped his tears on his tunic and said, “I have nothing to lose.”
     
    It was still quiet. Nicodemus spoke softly but with deep emotion. “The trouble with being a Pharisee is that I am expected to live the law perfectly, but, of course, no one can. Even the wisest of us has questions and makes mistakes; I have made many, especially in my marriage. I was miserable as a Pharisee—and as a husband and father—until I met a Galilean rabbi named Jesus of Nazareth. Late one night I spoke at length with him, and he told me how to be born anew. It happens through opening one’s heart to God’s love.”
     
    Gabriel waved a hand dismissively. “I don’t want to hear anything about God ever again.”
     
    Nicodemus waited for him to calm down. “Please hear me out. This rabbi describes God’s love in a new way. By meditating on this love daily, I have found a depth of serenity that I never imagined possible. It’s serenity not only about my own life, but also about a glorious future for our people, a future without war. I am willing to explain further, but only if you promise not to tell anyone that I have shared these insights with you. Jesus’ teachings have offended many of the Pharisees. If they found out about our friendship, I would be thrown off the Sanhedrin and shunned.”
     
    Gabriel studied Nicodemus. “My customers from Galilee have told me about this Jesus of Nazareth. They say that the masses flock to hear him by the sea and that he preaches about a coming reign of peace.” He paused to consider the man’s words. “I’ll keep your secret. But tell me— how could this rabbi make such a difference?”
     
    Nicodemus looked from left to right and then leaned closer. “He is like no other rabbi I have ever known. He speaks truth, not just words. When I meditate on his teachings, I feel God near.”
     
    Gabriel shook his head and frowned. “I have lived as a faithful Jew and don’t deserve this heartbreak. I meant to jump off the Temple, to get even with God.”
     
    Nicodemus nodded, acknowledging the gravity of Gabriel’s words. “Jesus discusses heartbreak but without blaming God. He emphasizes that in this imperfect world, where the sun rises and the rain falls on the evil and the good, heartbreak is inevitable. Relationships end, tragedies strike, dreams turn to ashes, sickness and death come to us all. As a result, everyone suffers. But if we treat our suffering as sacred and learn to trust because of it, we can become new people, for suffering exists to perfect us in love. This is true not only for individuals but also for our nation.”
     
    Gabriel made an angry face. “I don’t want perfection—I want Judith back.”
     
    Nicodemus put an arm around him and began to walk toward the stairs. “You must go after her. Murder and insurrection will ruin her life and destroy our people. Jesus of Nazareth challenges the ways of the Zealots. His growing spiritual movement is our people’s best hope for freedom and peace.”
     
    They went down the stairs, with Nicodemus leading. Singing and shouting reverberated in the Court of the Israelites. The air smelled of incense, roasting meat and popping fat. The Temple was coming to life. Moneychangers were at their booths; pilgrims were bringing in their sheep, goats and doves; priests were leading the bleating and cooing animals toward the altar.
     
    Gabriel followed Nicodemus into the Court of the Gentiles. Surrounded by the surging crowd, the Pharisee pointed toward the Gates of Hulda and said, “Before you ride after Judith, you must go home. It will not be easy, but you have no