Lately Jude had spent more and more time with his head resting back against the wall, eyes closed, reliving the Galilee years. He had been counted in that select band of followers who moved with Jesus through the quiet country of the Galilee, and then moved with him into the turbulence of Jerusalem. Jude had always been a friendly type, and his friendship within the disciple band was wide and warm. Indeed, one of the nicknames he held was "the hearty one." He had traveled with Simon on some of his journeys, until Simon was himself crucified. Now in his sixth decade of life, and more easily tired, his time was given to the remembering.

This warm summer day he thought of the last times they had all been together. It was in Jerusalem and in the home of - what was his name? - ah, yes, John Mark…