379. After the Retreat upon Mount Cherith.

 379. After the Retreat upon Mount Cherith. 9th February 1946. It is occasionally possible to catch glimpses of parts of the Dead Sea, which lies to the south of the place where the apostles are with the Master, from a group of mountains, which seem intent on rising more and more. And, I would say, every phase of their effort is marked by a rough chain of rocky hills, with sheer sloping sides, severed by narrow valleys similar to gigantic slashes and crowned with wild peaks. It is not possible to see the Jordan and its peaceful fertile valley, or Jericho or other towns. One can see nothing but mountains rising towards Samaria, and the gloomy Dead Sea through the narrow gorge between two acuminated mountains. Down in the valley there is a stream flowing from west to east towards the Jordan. There is loud screeching of hawks and croaking of ravens in the bright blue sky. Many birds are chirping among the branches of the wild slopes. The winds whisper as mellow as flutes among the gorges, carrying remote scents and noises, or overwhelming those which are near, according to whether they are light or strong. An odd harness-bell is heard now and again from the road, which must be down in the valley. One can also hear the bleating of sheep grazing on the tablelands and the noise of water dripping from rocks or murmuring in torrents. But the season is good, dry and mild, the mountain sides are covered with bright flowers standing out against the emerald green of the grass, and bunches of flowers and festoons hang from tree trunks and branches and the sight of the place is most pleasant. The faces of the thirteen men gathered there are very happy, shining with a supernatural happiness. The world has been forgotten... It is remote... Their spirits have recovered from many shocks, they are once again in the halo of God, that is, in peace. And peace is visible on their countenances. But the rest is over, and Jesus tells them so. And Peter repeats his prayer of Mount Tabor: «Oh! Why do we not stop here? It is beautiful to be here with You!» «Because there is work awaiting us, Simon of Jonah. We cannot be only contemplative. The world is waiting for our teaching. The workers of the Lord cannot stop when there are fields to be sown.» «Then... since I become a little good only when I live apart as now, I will never be able to... The world is so great! How shall we be able to work it all and then concentrate on You before dying?» «You will certainly not work it all. It will take hundreds and hundreds of years. And when a part has been worked, Satan will go there to spoil what has been done. It will thus be a continuous work lasting until the end of the world.» «Well, then, how shall I be able to be ready to die?» Peter is really depressed. Jesus reassures him embracing him and says: «You will have time. It does not take long. An act of perfect concentration is sufficient to prepare you to appear before God. And you will have all the time you need. In any case you must realise that by fulfilling the will of God one is always preparing to die in holiness. If God wants you to be active and you obey, you are preparing better by obeying than you would by retiring among the most solitary rocks to pray and meditate. Are you convinced?» 379.After the Retreat upon Mount Cherith. 376 «Certainly! You say So! So what shall we do?» «Go along the roads in the valley. Gather together those who are waiting for Me and preach the Lord and Faith until I come.» «Are You remaining alone here?» «Of course. Be not afraid. You can see that at times evil is of some help to good. Elijah here was fed by crows. We can say that fierce vultures fed us.» «Do You think that it was a kind of beginning of conversion?» «No. But charity, although it was urged by the consideration that by treating us generously, they would put us in a situation not to betray them...» «But we would not have betrayed them!» exclaims Andrew. «No. But the wretched thieves do not know that. There is no spiritual feeling in them, laden as they are with crimes.» «Lord, You were saying that charity... What were You going to say?» asks John. «I wanted to say: the fact that they treated us charitably will be rewarded, at least among the better ones. The conversion, which did not take place now, may work slowly, but it can take place. That is why I said to you: “Do not refuse their offerings.” And I accepted them although I smelt the stench of sin in them.» «But You did not eat any...» «But I did not mortify the sinners by rejecting them. They had initial good feeling. Why destroy it? That torrent down there, does it not originate in the spring that trickles from that crag? Always remember that. It is a lesson for your future life, when I shall no longer be among you. If in your apostolic travels you should come across criminals, do not behave like Pharisees, who despise everybody, and they do not consider that they should despise themselves first, corrupt as they are. But approach them with great love. I would like to be able to say with “infinite love.” Nay, I say so. And that is possible, although man is “finite, limited” in his acts and actions. Do you know how man can possess infinite love? By being so united to God, as to be all one with God. Then, as the creature disappears in the Creator, it is the Creator Who really acts, and He is infinite. And My apostles must be like that, all one with their God through the power of love, which is so close to the Origin as to dissolve in it. It is not the way in which you speak, but the way is which you love, that will convert hearts. Will you find sinners? Love them. Will you suffer because of disciples who go astray? Try to save them through love. Remember the parable of the lost sheep. Oh! forever and ever it will be the sweet appeal made to sinners. But it will also be the definite order given to My priests. With every artifice, with every sacrifice, at the cost of losing your own lives in the attempt to save a soul, you must patiently go and look for those who are lost and bring them back to the Fold. Love will give you joy. It will say to you: “Be not afraid.” It will give you such a power to expand all over the world, as I did not possess Myself. No longer is the love of future just people to be set as a seal on the heart and on the arm, as the Song of Songs says. But it is to be set in the heart. It must be the spur urging souls to all actions. And each action must be superabundance of charity, which is no longer satisfied with loving God or one's neighbor only mentally, but it enters the lists against the enemies of God, to love God and neighbor concretely, also through material deeds, which lead to wider and more perfect actions aiming at the redemption and sanctification of brothers. Through contemplation one loves God, through action one loves one's neighbor, but the two loves are not separated, because there is one only love, and loving our neighbor we love God Who orders this love and gave us our neighbor as a brother. Neither you nor future priests will be able to say that you are My friends, if your charity and theirs is not entirely devoted to the salvation of souls, for whom I became incarnate and for whom I will suffer. I give you the example of how one must love. But you and those who will come after you, must do what I do. The new time has come. The time of love. I have come to cast this fire to hearts and it will grow greater after My Passion and Ascension, and it will inflame you when the Love of the Father and of the Son descends to consecrate you to your ministry. Most Divine Love! Why do You delay in consuming the Victim, in opening the eyes and ears, in loosening the tongues and limbs of this flock of Mine, so that they may go among wolves and teach that God is Charity, and that he who has no charity is a brute and a demon? “Oh! come, most sweet and strong Spirit, and inflame the other Christs to them, like Me, that is, anointed by love, active for love, holy and sanctifying through love.” Blessed are those who love, because they will be loved, and their souls will never stop singing to God together with the angels until they will sing the 379.After the Retreat upon Mount Cherith. 377 eternal glory in the light of Heaven. So be it for you, My friends. Now go and do with love what I told you.»

378.Towards Mount Adomin.

 378. Towards Mount Adomin. 7th February 1946. «It is getting dark, where are we going?» the apostles ask one another. They are talking in low voices of what happened. They are not saying anything loud, as they do not want to depress the Master, Who is clearly very pensive.  Night falls while they proceed, following the Master Who is still very serious. A village appears at the foot of a chain of very rough mountains. «Let us stop here for the night» orders Jesus. «Or rather, you stop here. I will go up those mountains to pray...» «By Yourself? Ah! no! You are not going by Yourself up Mount Adomin! With all those thieves who are lying in wait for You, no, You are not going!...» says Peter quite firmly. «What can they do to Me? I have nothing!» «You have... Yourself. I am talking of the real thieves, of those who hate You. And Your life is quite enough for them. You are not going to be killed like... like... thus, I mean, in a cowardly ambush. You would give Your enemies the opportunity to invent goodness knows what story to divert the crowds also from Your doctrine» insists Peter. «Simon of Jonah is right; Master. They would be quite capable of getting rid of Your body and then saying that You have fled because You had realised that You had been unmasked. Or... they could even take You to places of evil fame, to the house of a prostitute, and then say. “See where and how He died? In a quarrel over a prostitute.” You quite rightly said: “To persecute a doctrine is to increase its power” and I noticed that Gamaliel's son, whose sight I never lost, was nodding assent while You were saying so. But it is also right to say that to hold a saint and his doctrine up to ridicule is the safest weapon to confute his doctrine and make him lose the esteem of the crowds» says Judas Thaddeus. «Of course. And that must not happen to You» concludes Bartholomew. «Don't lend Yourself to the tricks of Your enemies. Consider that not only You would be damaged, but also the Will of Him Who sent You would be made void by such imprudence, and one would see that the children of Darkness have defeated, at least temporarily, the children of Light» adds the Zealot. «That's right! You always say, and You pierce our hearts, that You will be killed. I remember when You reproached Simon Peter and I will not say to You: “Let that never happen.” But I do not think that I am Satan if I say: “At least let that be to Your glorification, as unequivocal seal of Your Holiness, and definite conviction of Your enemies. So that the crowds may know and have valid reasons to distinguish and believe.” At least that, Master. The holy mission of the Maccabees never appeared so holy as when Judas, the son of Mattathias, died as a hero and saviour in the battlefield. Do You want to go up Mount Adomin? We will come with You. We are Your disciples! Where You go as our Head, we will come as Your ministers» says Thomas, and I have seldom heard him speak with such solemn eloquence. «That is very true! And if they attack You, they will have to attack us first» several of them say. «Oh! They will not attack us so easily! They are curing the smart of Claudia's words and... they are very... too cunning! They must certainly consider that Pontius would know whom to punish for Your death. They have betrayed themselves in the eyes of Claudia and they will ponder over that and think of traps more reliable than vulgar aggression. Perhaps it is foolish of us to be afraid. We are no longer the poor unknown people of the past. There is Claudia now!» says the Iscariot. «Very well... But don't let us run any risk. What do You want to do on Mount Adomin?» asks James of Zebedee. «I want to pray and find a place where you can all pray in the next days, to be ready for fresh fiercer and fiercer struggles.» «Against our enemies?» «Also against our egos. I am in great need of being fortified.» «But did You not say that You wanted to go to the borders of Judaea and beyond the Jordan?» «Yes, and I will. But after praying. I will go to Achor and then to Jericho via Doco.» «No, Lord! They are inauspicious places for the saints of Israel. Don't go there. I tell You, I can feel it! There is something within me that tells me. Don't go! In the name of God, don't go!» shouts John, who seems to be on the point of losing consciousness, as if he were seized by ecstatic fear... They all look at him in amazement, as they have never seen him thus before. But no one sneers at him. They all feel that they are in the presence of a supernatural fact and they respectfully remain silent. Jesus also is silent until He sees John regain his normal composure and hears him say: «O my Lord! How much I suffered!» 378.Towards Mount Adomin. 375 «I know. We shall go to Mount Cherith. What does your spirit say?» I am deeply impressed by the respect with which Jesus addresses His inspired apostle... «You are asking me, Lord? You, the Most Holy Wisdom, are asking a poor foolish boy!» «Yes, I am asking you. The least is the greatest when he humbly communicates with his Lord for the welfare of his brothers. Tell Me.» «Yes, Lord. Let us go to Mount Cherith. There are gorges there where we can safely collect our thoughts in meditation, and the roads to Jericho and Samaria are not far. We will descend the mountain to gather those who love You and hope in You and we will bring them to You, or take You to them, and we will also nourish our souls with prayer... And the Lord will descend and speak to our spirits... and will open our ears, which hear the Word but do not fully understand Him... and above all will inflame our hearts with His fire. Because only if we are aflame, shall we be able to bear the torments of the Earth. Because only if we first suffer the sweet martyrdom of total love, shall we be ready to suffer the torture of human hatred... Lord... what have I said?» «My words, John. Be not afraid. Let us stop here then, and tomorrow at dawn we will go up the mountains.»

377. Jesus Speaks at Bethany

 377. Jesus Speaks at Bethany. 6th February 1946. The vision dated 14th August 1944: The sheep in the fold at the feet of the Good Shepherd, is to be put before this chapter. ------------------- Jesus is at Bethany and the fertile country is full of blossoms and flowers in this beautiful month of Nisan, which is so serene and clear that creation seems to have been cleansed of all filthiness. But the crowds who have been looking for Him in Jerusalem and do not wish to go away without hearing Him, to take away in their hearts His words, soon find Him. And they are so numerous that Jesus orders His disciples to gather them all together, so that He may teach them. And the twelve apostles and the seventy-two disciples, who have formed a group of approximately that number with the new disciples who joined them recently, spread out in all directions to carry out His instructions. In the meantime Jesus, in Lazarus' garden, takes leave of the women, and particularly of His Mother, as they are all going back to Galilee, as instructed by Him, escorted by Simon of Alphaeus, Jairus, Alphaeus of Sarah, Marjiam, Susanna's husband and Zebedee. They greet one another and weep. Many wish they did not have to obey. A desire brought about by their love for the Master. But the power of their perfect love for the Most Holy Word, being entirely supernatural, is stronger, and that power makes them obey and accept the painful separation. The one who speaks least is Mary, His Mother. But Her countenance is more eloquent than all the words of the others put together. Jesus understands Her grief, and He reassures and comforts Her, overwhelming Her with caresses, if a mother, and particularly that Mother, can ever be overwhelmed, as She is full of love and in great distress for Her persecuted Son. And the women depart at last, turning round several times to greet the Master, their sons and the lucky Judaean women disciples who are still staying with the Master. «They have suffered in going away...» remarks Simon Zealot. «But it is better that they have gone, Simon.» «Do You foresee sad days?» «Troubled, at least. Women cannot bear fatigue as we do. In any case, now that I have almost as many Judaeans as Galileans, it is better if they are divided. They will have Me in turns, and in turns they will have the joy of serving Me, and I the consolation of their holy love.» The crowds are continuously increasing in numbers. The orchard between Lazarus' house and that which belonged to the Zealot is swarming with people. There are people of all castes and conditions, as well as Pharisees from Judaea, members of the Sanhedrin and veiled women. The members of the Sanhedrin who on Passover Sabbath had called on Lazarus in Jerusalem, come out of Lazarus' house, with other people, in one group, close to a litter in which Lazarus is carried. When passing by, Lazarus waves his hand and smiles happily at Jesus. And Jesus returns the salutation, while He follows the little procession to where the people are waiting for Him. The apostles join Him and Judas Iscariot, who has been exulting for some days, in a very happy mood, turns his very dark bright eyes here and there and reports to Jesus what he discovers. «Oh! look! There are also some priests!... Look! There is also Simon of the Sanhedrin. And there is Helkai. What a liar! Only a few months ago he used to speak evil of Lazarus, and now he pays his respects to him as if he were a god!... And Doro the Elder and Trison are over there. See? He is greeting Joseph. And Samuel the scribe with Saul... And Gamaliel's son! And over there there is a group of Herodians... And that group of women with veils... must be the Roman ladies... They are standing on one side, but look how they are watching where You are going, so that they can change place and hear You! I recognise them notwithstanding their large mantles. See? Two are tall, one is broader than taller, the others are of middle height, but well shaped. Shall I go and greet them?» «No. They have come here as strangers, as anonyms who wish to hear the word of the Rabbi. We must consider them as such.» «As You wish, Master. I wanted to remind... Claudia of her promise...» «It is not necessary. And even if it were, we must never become beggars, Judas. Is that right? Heroism in faith is to be perfected among difficulties.» 377.Jesus Speaks at Bethany. 370 «It was for Your sake, Master.» «And for your everlasting idea of a human triumph. Do not cherish false hopes, Judas. Neither with regard to My future behaviour, nor with regard to promises you have received.. You believe in what you say to yourself. But nothing will be able to change the thought of God, which is, that I am Redemeer and King of a spiritual Kingdom.» Judas does not reply. Jesus is now in His place, in the middle of the apostles. Lazarus is in his little bed, almost at His feet. Not far from Him there are the Judaean women disciples, that is Lazarus' sisters, Eliza, Anastasica, Johanna with the children, Annaleah, Sarah, Marcella, Nike. The Roman ladies, or at least those pointed out by Judas as such, are a little behind, almost at the end, mingled in a group of common people. Members, of the Sanhedrin, Pharisees, scribes, priests are in the first row, which is unavoidable. But Jesus begs them to make room for three small litters with sick people, whom Jesus asks questions, but He does not cure them at once. Jesus, as a starting point for His speech, draws the attention of the audience to the large number of birds that nestle in the trees in Lazarus' garden and in the orchard where His listeners are gathered. «Watch them. Some are indigenous, some exotic, they are of all breeds and sizes. And when it gets dark, they will be replaced by night birds, which are also very numerous, although we are inclined to forget about them, because we do not see them. Why so many birds here? Because they find what they need to live happily: sunshine, peace, plenty foodstuff, safe shelter, cool water. And they gather coming here from east and west, north and south, if they are migrant birds, and they stay here permanently if they are indigenous. So? Shall we thus see that the birds of the air exceed the sons of man in wisdom? How many of these birds are the young ones of birds that are now dead, but last year or farther back in time, built their nests here and were happy here. They told their little ones, before dying. They showed them this place and the young ones obeyed and came here. The Father, Who is in Heaven, the Father of all men, did He perhaps not tell His saints the truth, did He not give them all the necessary instructions for the welfare of His children? All the instructions: those concerning the welfare of the body and those concerning the welfare of the spirit. But what do we see? We see that while what was taught for the health of the body − from the hide tunics, which He made for the First Parents, stripped in their own eyes of the dress of innocence, which was torn by sin, to the latest discoveries made by man through the light of God − is remembered, handed down and taught, the rest, which was taught, ordered and pointed out for the spirit, is not kept, or taught or practised.» Many people of the Temple begin to whisper. Jesus calms them with a gesture. «The Father, Whose goodness exceeds by far man's understanding, sent His Servant to remind men of His teaching, to gather birds in healthy places, to give them clear knowledge of what is useful and holy, to establish the Kingdom, where every angelical bird, every soul, will find grace and peace, wisdom and health. And I solemnly tell you that as the birds born in this place, in springtime will say to the birds of other places: “Come with us, because there is a good place where you will enjoy peace and the bounty of the Lord”, and thus next year new birds will be seen gathering here, in the same way, we shall see numerous spirits rush from every part of the world, as predicted by the prophets, towards the Doctrine, which has come from God, and towards the Saviour, the founder of the Kingdom of God. But the day-birds are mixed in this place with night-birds, which are birds of prey, disturbers and quite capable of terrifying and killing the good little birds. And those birds have been such for years, for generations, and nothing can flush them, because they work in darkness and in places impenetrable by man. They work in darkness, with their cruel eyes, their silent flights, their voracity, their cruelty and unclean as they are, they spread filth and sorrow. To whom shall we compare them? To those who in Israel do not want to accept the Light that has come to illuminate darkness, the Word that has come to teach, Justice that has come to sanctify. I have come for them in vain. Nay, I am the cause of sin for them, because they persecute Me and My faithful believers. So what shall I say? What I have already said many a time: “Many will come from east and west and will sit with Abraham and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven. But the children of this kingdom will be thrown out into the dark.”» «The children of God in the dark? You are blaspheming!» shouts one of the hostile members of the Sanhedrin. It is the first sprinkle of the slaver of the reptiles, who have been silent for too long and who can no longer be quiet, otherwise they would be drowned in their own poison. «Not the children of God» replies Jesus. 377.Jesus Speaks at Bethany. 371 «You said so! You said: “The children of this kingdom will be thrown out into the dark.”» «And I repeat it. The children of this kingdom. The kingdom that is ruled by flesh, blood, avarice, fraud, lust, crime. But that is not My Kingdom. My Kingdom is the Kingdom of Light. Yours is the kingdom of darkness. Righteous spirits, including those that at present are heathens, idolaters, despised by Israel, will come to the Kingdom of Light from east and west, north and south. And they will live in holy communion with God, having accepted the light of God within themselves, while waiting to ascend to the true Jerusalem, where there are no tears, no sorrow and above all no falsehood. The Falsehood that now rules over the world of darkness and gluts its children to such extent that they cannot hold a tiny beam of the divine Light. Oh! Let the new children come and replace the disowning children! Let them come! And wherever they come from, they will be enlightened by God and will reign forever and ever!» «You have spoken to insult us!» shout the hostile Judaeans. «I spoke to tell you the truth.» «Your power lies in Your language, by which You, the new snake, allure and mislead the crowds.» «My power is the strength that comes to Me by being One with My Father.» «Blasphemer!» shout the priests. «Saviour! You, who are lying at My feet, what are you suffering from?» «I broke my spine when I was a child and I have been lying on my back for thirty years.» «Rise and walk! And what are you suffering from, woman?» «My legs have been hanging lifelessly since my son, who now carries me about with my husband, was born» and she points at a young man who is at least sixteen years old. «Rise, too, and praise the Lord. And why is that child not walking by himself?» «Because he was born feeble-minded, blind, deaf and dumb. He is a lump of breathing flesh» explain those who are with the poor child. «In the Name of God, have intelligence, speech, sight and hearing. I want it!» And after working the third miracle, He turns to His enemies and asks: «What do you say now?» «Dubious miracles. Why do You not cure Your friend and supporter, if You can do anything?» «Because God wants otherwise.» «Ah! Ah! God! A fine excuse! If we bring You a sick man, nay, two, will You cure them?» «I will, if they deserve it.» «Wait then» and they go away quickly, grinning sarcastically. «Be careful, Master! They may set a trap for You» some say. Jesus makes a gesture as if He wanted to say: «Let them do as they like!» and He bends to caress the children, who little by little have approached Him, leaving their relatives. Some mothers imitate them, taking to Him those who are not yet steady in their first steps or sucklings. «Bless our children, Blessed One, because we are lovers of the Light!» say the mothers. And Jesus imposes His hands, blessing them. That brings about a bustle in the crowd. All those with children want the same blessing and they push and shout to make their way through the crowd. The apostles, both because they have been irritated by the usual mischievousness of scribes and Pharisees, and because they feel pity for Lazarus, who risks being carried away by the wave of relatives taking their little ones to the divine blessing, become impatient and shout reproaching and pushing back this one and that one, particularly the little children who have come by themselves. But Jesus says kindly and lovingly: «No, do not do that! Never prevent children from coming to Me, nor their relatives from bringing them to Me. Because the Kingdom is of these innocent souls. They will not be guilty of the great Crime, and they will grow up in My Faith. Let Me therefore consecrate them to it. Their angels are leading them to Me.» Jesus is now in the middle of a crowd of children looking at Him ecstatically; so many little faces looking up at Him, so many innocent eyes, so many little smiling mouths... 377.Jesus Speaks at Bethany. 372 The veiled ladies take advantage of the confusion to go round at the rear of the crowd and come behind Jesus, as if they were urged by curiosity to do so. The Pharisees and scribes come back with two sick people who seem to be suffering from severe pain. One particularly is moaning in his little litter, and is completely covered with a mantle. The other one, apparently, is not so seriously ill, but is certainly very ill, because he is reduced to a skeleton and is panting. «Here are our friends. Cure them. They are really ill. Particularly that one!» and they point to the moaning one. Jesus lowers His eyes and looks at the sick people, He then looks up at the Jews. He darts a dreadful look at His enemies. Standing behind the group of innocent children, who do not reach up to His groin, He seems to be rising from a wreath of purity, to be the Avenger, as if from that purity He were drawing the strength to be so. He opens His arms and shouts: «Liars! That man is not ill! I tell you! Uncover him! Or he will be really dead in a moment, for attempting to deceive God.» The man jumps out of his litter shouting: «No, no! Don't strike me! Here, you cursed ones, take your money!» and he throws a purse at the feet of the Pharisees and takes to his heels... The crowds howl, laugh, boo, applaud... The other sick man says: «And what about me, Lord? They forced me out of my bed and they have been using violence on me since this morning... But I did not know that I was in the hands of Your enemies...» «Be cured, poor son, and may you be blessed!» and He imposes His hands on him, after making His way through the children. The man lifts for a moment the blanket covering his body and he looks at I do not know what... He then stands up. He is nude from his thighs downwards. And he shouts and shouts until he becomes hoarse: «My foot! My foot! But who are You, Who can give back what was lost?» and he throws himself at Jesus' feet. He then stands up, jumps precariously on his little litter shouting: «My disease was eating away my bones. The doctor had torn off my toes, he had cauterised my flesh and had cut me up to the bone of my knee. Look! Look at the scars. But I was going to die just the same. And now... It is all cured! My foot has been restored... It is no longer painful! I feel well... strong... My chest is free... My heart is sound! Oh! mother! I am coming to share my joy with you!» He begins to run away. But gratitude stops him. He goes back to Jesus and he kisses His blessed feet repeatedly, until Jesus, caressing his head, says to him: «Go! Go to your mother and be good.» He then looks at His enemies, who have been held up to ridicule and says: «And now? What should I do to you? What should I do, people, after this ordeal?» The crowds shout: «Let the offenders of God be stoned! Death to them! No more snares for the Holy One! May you be cursed!» and they begin picking up lumps of earth, branches, little stones, ready to throw them. Jesus stops them. «That is the word of the crowds. That is their answer. Mine is different. I say: Go away! I will not soil My hands striking you. The Most High will take care of you. He is My defence against the wicked.» The culprits, instead of being silent, do not hesitate to offend the Master, and although they are afraid of the people, they shout foaming with anger: «We are Judaeans and we are powerful! We order You to go away. We forbid You to teach. We banish You. Go away! Enough of You. The power is in our hands and we are making use of it; and we will use it more and more, persecuting You, cursed usurper...» They are about to say more in a tumult of cries, tears, hisses, when the tallest veiled woman comes forward, placing herself between Jesus and His enemies with swift imperious movement, with even more imperious countenance and voice; she uncovers her face and her sentence drops sharper and more lashing than a whip on galley-slaves or an axe on a neck: «Which of you is forgetting that he is a slave of Rome?» She is Claudia. She lowers her veil again. She bows lightly to the Master. She goes to her place. It was enough. The Pharisees calm down at once. One only, on behalf of everybody, says with creeping servility: «Forgive us, domina! But He is upsetting the old spirit of Israel. As you are powerful, you should forbid Him and get the brave just Proconsul to forbid Him to do so; long life and health to him!» «That does not concern us. It is enough that He does not disturb the order of Rome. And He does not!» replies scornfully the patrician, who then gives a sharp order to her companions and goes away towards a thicket of trees at the end of the path and disappears behind it. She reappears in a creaky covered wagon, all the curtains of which she has ordered to be lowered. «Are You happy now that You had us insulted?» ask the Judaeans, Pharisees, 377.Jesus Speaks at Bethany. 373 scribes and their companions, making a fresh attack. The crowds shout contemptuously. Joseph, Nicodemus and all those who have proved to be friends − among them there is Gamaliel's son, who has not joined them but has spoken the same words − feel that they must interfere and reproach the others for passing all bounds. The altercation thus passes from Jesus' enemies to the two opposite groups, leaving out the One most interested in it. Jesus is silent, with arms folded, listening, and I think that He emanates a power to hold the crowds back and particularly the apostles, who are beside themselves with rage. «We must defend ourselves and other people» shouts a hot-headed Jew. «We are tired of seeing fascinated crowds run after Him» says another one. «We are the powerful ones! Nobody else! We are the only ones to be listened to and followed» cries a scribe. «Away from here! Jerusalem is ours!» shouts a priest as red as beetroot. «You are wicked!» «You are more than blind!» «The crowds have left you, because you deserve it.» «Be holy if you want to be loved. If you vex and insult people, you lose your power, which is based on the reputation of the people for its governors!» shout those of the opposite party and many of the crowd. «Silence!» orders Jesus. And when there is silence, He says: «Oppression and imposition cannot change love or the consequences of good received. I gather what I gave: love. By persecuting Me, you only increase such love, which compensates Me for your indifference. In all your wisdom, do you not know that to persecute a doctrine serves no other purpose but to increase its power, particularly when the doctrine in actual fact corresponds to what it teaches? Listen to a prophecy of Mine, people of Israel. The more you persecute the Rabbi of Galilee and His followers, trying to destroy by violence His Doctrine, which is divine, the more you will help it to thrive and spread throughout the world. Every drop of blood of the martyrs killed by you, hoping to triumph and reign with your corrupt hypocritical laws and precepts, which no longer correspond to the Law of God, every tear of saints oppressed by you, will become the seed of future believers. And you will be defeated just when you think that you are going to triumph. Go. I am going as well. Those who love Me should look for Me at the borders of Judaea and beyond the Jordan, or they can wait for Me there, because like lightning flashing from east to west, so fast will be the movement of the Son of man, until He ascends the altar and the throne, new Pontiff and King, and will remain there firmly in the presence of the world, of creation and of Heaven, in one of His many epiphanies, which only good people can understand.» The hostile Pharisees and their companions have gone. All the others have remained. Gamaliel's son struggles against himself to come to Jesus, but he goes away without speaking... «Master, You will not hate us because we belong to the same castes as they do?» asks Eleazar. «I never strike with anathema a single person only because his class is guilty. Be not afraid» replies Jesus. «They will now hate us...» whispers Joachim. «That will be an honour for us!» exclaims John, the member of the Sanhedrin. «May God fortify wavering souls and bless strong ones. I bless everybody in the name of the Lord» and opening His arms He gives the Mosaic blessing to all the people present. He then takes leave of Lazarus, his sisters, Maximinus, the women disciples, and He sets out... The green country on the sides of the road to Jericho receives Him while its green is growing red in a glorious sunset.

376. Mary Has Chosen the Better Part.

 376. Mary Has Chosen the Better Part. 14th August 1944. I realise at once that we are still dealing with the Magdalene, because she is the first person I see, wearing a plain pink lilac dress like the mallow flower. She is not wearing any precious ornament, her hair is plaited and collected at the back of her neck. She looks younger than when she wore sumptuous dresses. Her eyes are no longer shameless, as when she was a «sinner», neither are they discouraged as when she was listening to the parable of the lost sheep, or shameful and shining with tears as when she was in the hall of the Pharisee... Her eyes are now peaceful and they have become as clear as those of a boy and they shine with a calm look. She is leaning against a tree near the border of the Bethany property, looking towards the road. She is waiting. She then utters a cry of joy. She turns towards the house and shouts loudly − to be heard by everybody − in her earnest unmistakable voice: «He is arriving!... Martha, they told us the truth. The Rabbi is here!» and she runs to open the heavy creaking gate. She does not give the servants time to open it and she runs out onto the road, with her arms stretched out, as does a boy towards his mother, and with a cry of loving joy: «O Rabboni!» (I am writing «Rabboni» because I see that it is spelt so in the Gospel. But every time I hear Mary call Him, she seems to be saying «Rabboni», with an 'm' and not with an 'n') she prostrates herself at Jesus' feet, kissing them in the dust of the road. «Peace to you, Mary. I have come to rest under your roof.» «O my Master!» repeats Mary, looking up with an expression of respect and love, which is so meaningful... it is thanksgiving, joy, an invitation to come in, happiness because He is entering... Jesus has laid His hand on her head and seems to be absolving her once again. Mary stands up and walking beside Jesus she goes into the enclosure of the property. In the meantime servants and Martha have arrived, the servants with amphoras and cups. Martha with just her love, which is so great. The apostles, who are warm, take the fresh drinks poured by the servants. They would like to give some to Jesus first, but Martha has forestalled them. She has taken a cup full of milk and has offered it to Jesus. She must be aware that He likes it very much. After the disciples have taken some refreshments, Jesus says to them: «Go and inform the believers. I will speak to them this evening.» The apostles scatter in various directions as soon as they are out of the garden. Jesus proceeds between Martha and Mary. «Come, Master» says Martha. «While waiting for Lazarus have a rest and take some refreshment.» While they are entering a cool room which opens onto the shady porch, Mary, who had gone away quickly, comes back. She is carrying a pitcher of water and is followed by a servant with a washhand basin. But it is Mary who wants to wash Jesus' feet. She unlaces His dusty sandals and hands them to the servant to be cleaned, together with His mantle, which needs brushing. She then dips His feet in the water, which some spices have made pale pink, she dries them and kisses them. She then changes the water, and offers it to Jesus for His hands. And while waiting for the servant with the sandals, crouching on the carpet at Jesus' feet, she caresses them, and before putting His sandals on, she kisses them once again saying: «O holy feet, which have walked so far looking for me!» Martha, who is more practical in her love, considers the human side and asks: «Master, is anybody else coming, besides Your disciples?» 376.Mary Has Chosen the Better Part. 367 And Jesus replies: «I am not sure, as yet. But you can prepare for five more people in addition to the apostles.» Martha goes away. Jesus goes out into the cool shady garden. He is wearing His dark-blue tunic only. His mantle, which Mary has carefully folded, is lying on a chest in the room. Mary goes out with Jesus. They walk along well-kept paths, among blooming flowerbeds, as far as the fish-pond, which looks like a mirror lying in the greenery. The very clear water is rippled here and there by the silvery wriggling of fish and by the drizzle of a very tall slender jet in the centre of the pond. There are seats around the wide basin, which looks like a little lake with irrigation canals departing from it. Actually I think that one of the canals feeds the pond, while the other smaller ones discharge the water for irrigation purposes. Jesus sits on a seat placed against the border of the pond. Mary sits at His feet, on the green well-kept grass. At first they do not speak. Jesus is clearly enjoying the silent restful cool garden. Mary delights in looking at Him. Jesus plays with the clear water of the pond. He dips His fingers into it, He combs its surface forming little wakes and then He immerses His whole hand in the pure cool water. «How lovely this clear water is!» He says. And Mary: «Do You like it so much, Master?» «Yes, Mary. Because it is so limpid. Look. There is not the least trace of mud. The basin is full of water, but it is so clear that it does not seem to contain anything, as if the water were not a material but a spiritual element. On the bottom we can read the words which the little fish whisper to one another...» «As one can read in the depth of pure souls. Is that right, Master?» and Mary sighs with secret regret. Jesus perceives the stifled sigh and reads her regret disguised by a smile and He at once relieves Mary's grief. «Mary, where do we find pure souls? It is easier for a mountain to walk than it is for a human being to be pure with the three purities. Too many things stir and ferment around adults. And it is not always possible to prevent them from penetrating inside. Only children have angelical souls, which their innocence preserves from knowledge liable to change into mud. That is why I love them so much. I can see in them a reflection of the Infinite Purity. They are the only ones who have within themselves this remembrance of Heaven. My Mother is the Woman with a child's soul. Even more. She is the Woman with an angel's soul. As Eve was when the Father made her. Can you imagine, Mary, what the first lily in bloom in the earthly garden was like? Also these ones, which lead to this water are beautiful. But the first one, which came out of the hands of the Creator! Was it a flower or a diamond? Were they petals or plates of the most pure silver? And yet My Mother is purer than that first lily that scented the winds. And Her scent of inviolate Virgin fills Heaven and Earth, and good people will follow it in future centuries. Paradise is light, perfume, harmony. But if in it the Father did not delight in contemplating the Most Beautiful Lady Who changes the Earth into a paradise, if Paradise in future should not have the living Lily in Whose bosom are the three pistils of fire of the Divine Trinity, the light, perfume and harmony, which are the delight of Paradise, would be halved. The purity of My Mother will be the gem of Paradise. But Paradise is boundless! What would you think of a king who had but one gem in his Treasure? Even if it were the pre-eminent Gem? When I open the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven... − do not sigh, Mary, I have come for that − many souls of just people and children will come in, like a brilliant immaculate wake, behind the purple of the Redeemer. But they will be too few to populate Heaven with gems and form the citizens of the eternal Jerusalem. And later... after My Doctrine of truth and holiness has become known to men, after My Death has restored Grace to men, how could men conquer Heaven, if the poor life of men is continuously soiled with mud, which makes them impure? So, will My Paradise be populated only by children? Oh! no! One must learn how to become like a child. The Kingdom is open also to adults. Like children... That is purity. See this water? It looks so limpid. But watch: if I only stir its bottom with this rush, it becomes muddy. Waste and mud come to the surface. From clear it becomes yellowish and no one would drink it any more. But if I remove the rush, it settles and little by little it becomes once again limpid and beautiful. The rush: sin. The same applies to souls. It is repentance, believe Me, that cleanses...» Martha arrives panting: «Are you still here, Mary? And I am so busy!... Time is flying. The guests will soon be here and there is so much to be done. The maids are busy baking bread, the servants flaying and cooking. I am preparing drinks, dishes and I am laying the tables. But the fruit is still to be picked and the honey and mint water is to be prepared...» Mary does not pay much attention to her sister's complaints. Smiling blissfully 376.Mary Has Chosen the Better Part. 368 she continues to look at Jesus, without moving from her position. Martha begs Jesus' help: «Master, look how hot I am. Do You think that I should be the only one to be so busy? Tell her to help me.» Martha is really annoyed. Jesus looks at her smiling half kindly and half ironically, or rather jokingly. Martha becomes rather impatient: «I really mean it. Look how idle she is while I am so busy. And she sees...» Jesus becomes serious: «It is not idleness, Martha. It is love. It was idleness previously. And you wept so bitterly because of that worthless idleness. Your tears lent wings to My efforts to save her and bring her back to your honest love. Do you want to forbid her to love her Saviour? Would you prefer her to be far from here, so that she would not see you work, but would be far also from Me? Martha, Martha! Have I to say that she (and Jesus lays His hand on her head) who has come from so far, has excelled you in love? Have I to say that she, who did not know one word of love, is now learned in the science of love? Leave her to her peace! She was so ill! She is now convalescent and she is recovering by drinking what fortifies her. She was tormented so violently... Now that she has come out of her nightmare, she looks around and within herself and finds herself new and discovers a new world. Let her become certain. With her “new ego” she has to forget her past and conquer what is eternal... And the latter will not be conquered only through work, but also through adoration. He who gives a piece of bread to an apostle and a prophet will receive his reward. But double reward will be given to him who will forget to feed himself in order to love Me, because his soul will be greater than his body, a soul that will cry even louder than human needs, also when the latter are lawful and right. You worry and fret about too many things, Martha. She is concerned with one only. That which is sufficient for her soul and above all for her and your Lord. Forget useless things. Imitate your sister. Mary has chosen the better part, which will never be taken from her. When all virtues become superfluous, because they are no longer necessary to the citizens of the Kingdom, Charity alone will remain. It will last forever. Alone and supreme. That is what Mary has chosen and has taken as her shield and pilgrim's staff. Through it, as if she were flying with angelical wings, she will come to My Heaven.» Martha, who feels mortified, lowers her head and goes away. «My sister loves You very much and is anxious to honour You...» says Mary to excuse her. «I know, and she will be rewarded for that. But she needs to be purified of her human way of thinking, as this water was purified. Look how limpid it has become again, while we were speaking. Martha will be purified by the words I spoke to her. You... through the sincerity of your repentance.» «No, through Your forgiveness, Master. My repenting was not sufficient to wash my great sin...» «It was and will be sufficient for the sisters who will imitate you. It will be sufficient for all the poor whose souls are diseased. Sincere repentance is a purifying filter; love, then, preserves from further defilement. Thus, those who through life become adults and sinners, will be able to become as innocent as children again and enter My Kingdom like them. Let us go home now. So that Martha may not be left too long in her grief. Let us go and smile at her as Friend and sister.» _________ Jesus says: «No comment is required. The parable of the water is the comment on the repenting action of hearts. You have thus seen the complete cycle of the Magdalene. From her death to the Life. Of all the resurrected people of My Gospel she is the greatest. She was raised from seven deaths. She was reborn. You have seen her raise the stalk of her new flower higher and higher above the mud of the earth, like a flowery plant, and then bloom and smell sweetly for Me, and die for Me. You have seen her when she was a sinner, then when, thirsty, she approached the Fountain, then when she repented, then when she was forgiven, then you saw her as a lover, then as a pitiful woman bent over the slain Body of her Lord, then as a servant of My Mother, Whom she loves because She is My Mother; and finally you have seen her as a repentant soul at the threshold of her Paradise. O souls who are afraid, learn not to be afraid of Me by reading the life of Mary of Magdala. O souls who love, learn from her how to love with seraphic ardour. O souls who have erred, learn from her the Science that will prepare you for Heaven. I bless you all to help you to rise. Go in peace.»

375. The Sabbath of the Unleavened Bread.

 375. The Sabbath of the Unleavened Bread. 4th February 1946. Many disciples, both men and women, have taken leave and have gone back to the houses where they are guests, or have set out for home again. On this wonderful afternoon in late April only the true and proper disciples, and particularly those more devoted to preaching, have remained in Lazarus' house. That is, the shepherds, Hermas and Stephen, John the priest, Timoneus, Ermasteus, Joseph of Emmaus, Solomon, Abel of Bethlehem in Galilee, Samuel and Abel of Korazim, Agapo, Aser and Ishmael of Nazareth, Elias of Korazim, Philip of Arbela, Joseph the boatman from Tiberias, John of Ephesus, Nicolaus of Antioch. Besides the well-known women disciples, also Annaleah, Dorcas, Judas' mother, Myrtha, Anastasica and Philip's daughters have remained. I do not see Mirjiam of Jairus any longer or Jairus himself. Perhaps they have gone back to the house that offered them hospitality. They are walking slowly in the courtyards, or on the terrace of the house, while almost all the women and all the old women disciples are around Jesus, Who is sitting near Lazarus' little bed. They are listening to Jesus Who is speaking to Lazarus, describing the villages they have been through during the last weeks before their Passover trip. «You arrived just in time to save the little one» remarks Lazarus after hearing the story of the castle of Caesarea Philippi, pointing at the baby who is sleeping peacefully in his mother's arms. And Lazarus adds: «He is a lovely boy! Woman, will you let me see him here, near me?» Dorcas stands up and silently but triumphantly she offers her child to the admiration of the sick man. «A lovely boy! Really lovely! May the Lord protect him and make him grow healthy and holy.» «And faithful to his Saviour. I would rather see him dead now, than know that he is not faithful to Him. I can stand anything, but I could not bear my son to be ungrateful to the Lord Who saved him» says Dorcas resolutely, going back to her seat. «The Lord always arrives in time to save» says Myrtha, the mother of Abel from Bethlehem. «My son was just as close to death, and what a death!, as Dorcas' baby. But He came... and He saved. What a frightful moment!...» The very memory makes Myrtha go pale. «So You will come in time also for me, will You not? To give me peace...» says Lazarus, caressing Jesus' hand. «But are you not feeling a little better, brother?» asks Martha. «As from yesterday you look somewhat relieved...» «Yes, I do. And I am surprised myself. Perhaps Jesus...» «No, My dear friend. The fact is that I instill My peace into you. Your soul is sated with it and that dulls the pain of your body. It is God's decree that you must suffer.» «And die. You may as well say so. Well... may His will be done, as You teach us. From now on I will not ask to be cured or relieved. I have received so much from God (and he unintentionally looks at Mary, his sister) that it is just that I should repay for what I had with my submission... .» «Do more than that, My dear friend. It is a great thing to be resigned and bear sorrow. But you can give it greater value.» «Which, my Lord?» «Offer it for the redemption of men.» 375. The Sabbath of the Unleavened Bread. 362 «I am a poor man myself, Master. I cannot aspire to be a redeemer.» «You say so, but you are wrong. God became Man to help men. But men can help God. The deeds of the just will be united to Mine in the hour of Redemption. Of the just who died ages ago, who are still alive, or will live in future. Add yours, as from now. It is so beautiful to merge with the infinite Bounty by adding to it what we can give of our limited bounty and say: “I am cooperating too, Father, to the welfare of my brothers.” There can be no greater love for the Lord and for our neighbour, than this ability to suffer and die to give glory to the Lord and eternal salvation to our brothers. To save ourselves for our own sake? It is very little. It is the “least” degree of holiness. It is beautiful to save other people, by sacrificing ourselves, to love to such an extent as to become a sacrificing fire to save our neighbour. Love is then perfect. And great will be the holiness of such generous souls.» «How beautiful that is, isn't it, sisters?» exclaims Lazarus with a dreamy smile on his thin face. Martha, deeply moved, nods assent. Mary, who is sat on a cushion at Jesus' feet, in her usual posture of humble ardent worshipper, says: «Am. I perhaps costing my brother such suffering? Tell me, Lord, that my anguish may be complete!...» Lazarus exclaims: «No, Mary, no... I was to die of this. Do not pierce your heart.» But Jesus, Who is sincere to the utmost, says: «Yes, Mary, you most certainly are! I heard the prayers and the heart-throbs of your good brother. But this must not cause a dull anguish to you, on the contrary it must urge your will to become perfect, for what you cost. And rejoice! Rejoice because Lazarus, for snatching you from the demon...» «Not I! You did, Master.» «... for snatching you from the demon, has deserved from God a future reward, whereby peoples and angels will speak of him. And as for Lazarus, they will speak of other people, and particularly of other women, who through their heroism have snatched the prey from Satan.» «Who are they?» ask the women curiously, each hoping to be one. Mary of Judas does not speak. But she looks at the Master... Jesus also looks at her. He could beguile her, but He does not. He does not mortify her, but He does not deceive her. He replies to them: «You will know in Heaven.» Judas' mother, who is still full of anguish asks: «And if she should not succeed, although she is willing, what will her destiny be?» «As her good soul deserves.» «Heaven? But, Lord, a wife, a sister, or a mother who should fail in saving those whom she loves and should see that they are damned, could she enjoy Paradise, even if she were in Paradise? Do You not think that she will never be able to rejoice because... the flesh of her flesh and the blood of her blood have deserved eternal damnation? I think that she will not be able to rejoice seeing her beloved ones in dreadful pain...» «You are wrong, Mary. The vision of God, the possession of God are the sources of such infinite beatitude that no grief can exist for the blessed souls. While they are active and diligent in helping those who can be saved, they no longer suffer for those who are separated from God, and consequently from themselves who are in God. The Communion of saints is for the saints.» «But if they help those who can still be saved, it means that those who are helped are not yet saints» objects Peter. «But they have a will, at least a passive will, to be saints. The saints of God help also in material needs, to make them pass from a passive to an active will. Do you understand Me?» «I do and I don't. For instance, supposing I were in Heaven and I saw, let us say, a fleeting kind attitude in... Eli, the Pharisee, what would I do?» «You would find all the means to increase his kind attitude.» «And if it did not help in any way? Then?» «Then, when he were damned, you would be unconcerned about him.» «And if he deserved to be damned, as he does now, but he were dear to me − which will never be the case − what should I do?» «First of all, you had better know that you are in danger of being damned by saying that he is not dear to you and never will be; secondly you must know that, if you were in Heaven, you would pray for him and for his salvation, until the moment of his judgement. There will be souls that will be saved at the last 375. The Sabbath of the Unleavened Bread. 363 moment, after a whole life of prayer for them.» A servant comes in saying: «Manaen has come. He wishes to see the Master.» «Let him come. He certainly wishes to speak of some grave matter.» The women withdraw discreetly, followed by the men. But Jesus calls back Isaac, John the priest, Stephen and Hermas, Matthias and Joseph, who are all shepherd-disciples. «It is better for you to be informed as well, since you are disciples» He explains. Manaen enters and bows to Jesus. «Peace to you» greets Jesus. «Peace to You, Master. The sun is setting. My first step after the Sabbath is for You, my Lord.» «Did you have a good Passover?» «Good!! There can be no good where there is Herod and Herodias! I hope it was the last time that I ate the lamb with them. At the cost of my life I will not stay any longer with them!» «I think you are making a mistake. You can serve the Master by remaining...» objects the Iscariot. «That is true. And that is what has kept me there so far. But how nauseating! Chuza could replace me...» Bartholomew points out to him: «Chuza is not Manaen... He wangles. He would never denounce his master. You are more sincere.» «That is true. And what you say is true. Chuza is a courtier. He is spellbound by royalty... Royalty! What am I saying!? By the mud of royalty! But he thinks that he is a king, by being with the king... And he is terrified of royal disfavour. The other evening he looked crestfallen, when he almost crept before Herod who had sent for him after he had heard the complaints of Salome, whom You had chased away. Chuza was in dire difficulty. His desire to get out of trouble, at all costs, even by accusing You, stating that You were wrong, was clearly visible on his face. But Herod... wanted only to laugh at the girl behind her back, as he loathes her, now, as he loathes her mother. And he laughed like a madman on hearing Chuza repeat Your words. He kept saying: “Such words are by far too kind for that young... (and he uttered such an obscene word that I will not repeat it to You). He should have trodden on her lustful breast... But He would have become contaminated!” and he laughed. Then he became grave and said: “But... the insult deserved by the woman cannot be allowed with regard to the crown. I am generous (it is his fixed idea that he is, and as nobody tells him, he does so himself) and I will forgive the Rabbi, also because He told Salome the truth. But I want Him to come to Court so that I may forgive Him completely. I want to see Him, hear Him and make Him work miracles. Let Him come and I will be His protector.” That is what he said the other evening. And Chuza did not know what to say. Hi did not want to say no to the monarch and he could not say yes. Because You certainly cannot yield to Herod's whims. Today he said to me: “You are certainly going to see Him... Tell Him what I want.” I have told You but I already know the answer. However, tell me, so that I may refer to him.» «No!» A thundering no. «Will You not make him a powerful enemy against You?» asks Thomas. «He may become My executioner. But I can only reply: “no”.» «He will persecute us...» «Oh! In three days' time he will have forgotten all about it» says Manaen shrugging his shoulders. And he adds: «They have promised him... some pantomime dancers... They are arriving tomorrow... And he will forget everything!...» The servant comes back: «Nicodemus, Joseph, Eleazar and other Pharisees and leaders of the Sanhedrin are here, Master. They wish to greet You.» Lazarus looks at Jesus inquiringly. Jesus understands: «Let them come! I will be happy to greet them.» Joseph comes in shortly afterwards with Nicodemus, Eleazar (the just man at Ishmael's banquet), John (the guest at the remote banquet of Joseph of Arimathea), another man whose name I hear is Joshua, a Philip, a Judas and lastly a Joachim. They seem to go on greeting forever. The room is fortunately a large one, otherwise there would be no room for so much bowing, embracing and rich vestments. But although it is so large, it becomes so full that the disciples clear out. Only Lazarus remains with Jesus. The disciples perhaps can hardly believe that they are not being looked up and down by the eyes of so many members of the Sanhedrin! 375. The Sabbath of the Unleavened Bread. 364 «We heard that you were in Jerusalem, Lazarus. And we came» says the one whose name is Joachim. «I am amazed and happy. I had almost forgotten what your face looks like...» replies Lazarus somewhat ironically. «Well... you know... We always wanted to come. But... You disappeared...» «And you could not believe that it was true! It is in fact rather difficult to visit an unhappy fellow!» «No! Don't say that. We... respected your desire. But now that... now that... is that right Nicodemus?» «Yes, Lazarus. Old friends come back. Also to hear your good news and venerate the Rabbi.» «What news have you brought me?» «H'm... Well... The usual things... The world... Of course...» they cast sidelong glances at Jesus, Who is sitting erect on His seat, rather engrossed in thought. «How come you are all together today, when the Sabbath is just over?» «We had a special meeting.» «Today?! What was so urgent?...» The visitors look at Jesus furtively and significantly. But He is engrossed... «There were many reasons...» they eventually reply. «And do any concern the Rabbi?» «Yes, Lazarus. Him as well. But we also passed judgement on a grave fact, while we were all gathered in town for the festivity...» explains Joseph of Arimathea. «A grave fact? Which?» «An... error of youth... H'm. Of course! A nasty discussion because... Rabbi, listen to us. You are among honest people. Although we are not Your disciples, we are not Your enemies. In the house of Ishmael You told me that I am not far from justice» says Eleazar. «That is true. I confirm it.» «And I defended you against Felix at Joseph's banquet» says John. «That is also true.» «And these people are of the same opinion as we are. Today we were summoned to decide... and we are not happy about the decision. Because we were defeated by a majority verdict. As You are wiser than Solomon, we ask You to listen to us and let us have Your opinion.» Jesus pierces them with a deep glance. He then says: «Speak.» «Are we sure that no one can hear us? Because it is... a dreadful thing...» says the man whose name is Judas. «Close the door and draw the curtain, and we will be in a grave» replies Lazarus. «Master, yesterday morning You told Eleazar of Annas that for no reason whatsoever he was to become contaminated. Why did You tell him?» asks Philip. «Because it was to be said. He does become contaminated. I do not. The holy books tell us.» «That is true. But how do You know that he is contaminated? Did the girl perhaps speak to You before she died?» asks Eleazar. «Which girl?» «The girl who died after she was raped and her mother died with her, and it is not known whether grief killed them, or they committed suicide, or they were poisoned to prevent them from speaking.» «I know nothing about that. I saw the corrupt soul of Annas' son. I smelt the stench of him. I spoke. I did not know or see anything else.» «But what happened?» asks Lazarus with deep concern. «Eleazar, the son of Annas, saw a girl, the daughter of a widow and... he called her saying that he had some work to give her, because they earned their living doing needlework, and... he seduced her. The girl died three days later, and her mother died, too. But before dying they told their only relative everything, notwithstanding that they had been threatened not to... And their relative went to Annas, to accuse his son, and as he was not satisfied, he told Joseph, me and other people... Annas had him arrested and put into prison. From there he will be 375. The Sabbath of the Unleavened Bread. 365 taken to the scaffold or he will never be free again. Today Annas wanted to have our opinion on the matter» says Nicodemus. «He would not have asked us, if he had not known that we were already aware of the fact» grumbles Joseph between his teeth. «Of course not... Well, with sham voting and counterfeited justice, judgement was passed on the honour and life of three unhappy people and on the punishment for the culprit» concludes Nicodemus. «So?» «So! It is obvious. We, who had voted for the freedom of the man and punishment for Eleazar, were threatened and expelled as being unjust. What do You say?» «That I am horrified at Jerusalem and that the Temple is the most fetid bubo there is in Jerusalem» says Jesus slowly and fearfully. And He concludes: «And you may relate that to those of the Temple.» «And what did Gamaliel do?» asks Lazarus. «As soon as he heard of the fact, he covered his face and went out saying: “May the new Samson come soon to crush corrupt Philistines.”» «He was right. And he will soon come.» There is silence. «And was no mention made of Him?» asks Lazarus pointing at Jesus. «Yes. Before everything else. Someone reported that You had said that the kingdom of Israel is “Mean”. So they said that You are a blasphemer, nay, a sacrilegious person. Because the kingdom of Israel comes from God.» «Did they? And what did the Pontiff say the seducer of a virgin is? He who disgraces his ministry? Tell Me!» asks Jesus. «He is the son of the High Pontiff. Because Annas is the real king in there» says Joachim, who is frightened by the stateliness of Jesus, Who is standing in front of him, with His arm stretched out... «Yes. The king of corruption. And shall I not call “mean” a Country in which we have a filthy and murderous Tetrarch, a High Pontiff who is the accomplice of a seducer and murderer?...» «Perhaps the girl committed suicide or died of grief» whispers Eleazar. «Still murdered by her seducer... And are they not preparing now the third victim in the relative who has been imprisoned so that he may not speak? And is the altar not being desecrated by those who approach it with so many crimes? And is justice not being hushed up by enjoining silence on the too rare just members of the Sanhedrin? Yes, let the new Samson come and destroy this desecrated place, let him exterminate in order to reform!... As this wretched Country makes Me feel sick, I not only say that it is mean, but I am going away from its corrupt heart, full of nameless crimes... the very den of Satan... I am going away. Not because I am afraid of death. I will prove to you that I am not afraid. I am going away because My hour has not yet come and I do not give pearls to the swine of Israel, but I will take them to the humble people scattered in hovels, in the mountains and valleys of poor villages, where they still know how to believe and to love, if there is someone to teach them, where under coarse garments there are souls, whilst here sacred vestments and even more so the Ephod and the Pectoral cover up filthy carrions and conceal murderous weapons. Tell them that in the name of the True God I consecrate them to their condemnation and as a new Michael I drive them out of Paradise. forever. As they wanted to be gods, whereas they are demons. It is not necessary for them to die to be judged. They are already judged. With no forgiveness.» The imposing members of the Sanhedrin and the Pharisees seem to become smaller, and in fact they cower before the dreadful wrath of the Christ, Who, on the contrary, seems to become a giant, so dazzling is His appearance and so domineering His attitude. Lazarus moans: «Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!» Jesus hears him and changing His tone and appearance He asks: «What is the matter, My dear friend?» «Oh! Be not so terrible! It's no longer You! How can one hope in mercy, if You appear so dreadful?» «And yet I will be thus, and even more, when I judge the twelve tribes of Israel. But cheer up, Lazarus. He who believes in the Christ is already judged...» And He sits down once again. There is silence. At last John asks: «As we preferred to be insulted rather than make a false statement against justice, how will we be judged?» 375. The Sabbath of the Unleavened Bread. 366 «With justice. Persevere and you will reach the place where Lazarus already is: God's friendship.» They stand up. «Master, we are going. Peace to You. And to you, Lazarus.» «Peace to you.» «What was said in here, is to remain here» some of them say imploringly. «Be not afraid! Go. May God always guide you.» They go out. Jesus is left alone with Lazarus. After a short while the latter says: «How horrible!» «Yes. How horrible!... Lazarus, I am going to arrange our departure from Jerusalem. I will be your guest at Bethany until the end of the Unleavened Bread.» And He goes out..

374. Preparation Day. The Evening.

 374. Preparation Day. The Evening. 3rd February 1946. When Jesus enters the palace, He sees that it is crowded with servants from Bethany, who are busy making preparations. Lazarus, who is lying on a little bed and is suffering very much, greets the Master with a faint smile. He hastens towards him, bending kindly over the little bed and asking: «You have suffered a great deal, My dear friend, because of the jolting of the wagon, have you not?» «Very much, Master» replies Lazarus, so exhausted that the very memory of what he felt makes tears well up in his eyes. «Through My fault! Forgive Me!» Lazarus takes one of Jesus' hands up to his face, rubs his skinny cheek against it, kisses it and whispers: «Oh! It was no fault of Yours, Lord! I am so happy that You are celebrating Passover with me... my last Passover!...» «With God's will, notwithstanding everything, you will celebrate many more, Lazarus. And your heart will always be with Me.» «Oh! I am a finished man! You are consoling me... but it is all over. And I am sorry...» He weeps. «See, Lord? Lazarus does nothing but weep» says Martha compassionately. «Tell him not to cry. He wears himself out!» «The body still has its rights. It is painful to suffer, Martha, and the flesh weeps. And it needs relief. But the soul is resigned, is it not, My friend? Your just soul is willing to do the will of the Lord...» «Yes... But I weep because, since You are so persecuted, You will not be able to assist me at the hour of my death... I shudder at the thought of death, I am afraid to die... But if You were here, I would not feel thus. I would take shelter in Your arms... and I would fall asleep like that... What shall I do? How shall I be able to die without feeling that I do not want to obey the dreadful Will?» «Cheer up! Do not let that worry you! See? You are making your sisters weep... The Lord will help you so paternally that you will not be afraid. Sinners must be afraid...» «But You, if You can, will You come to me when I am in agony? Promise me!» «I promise that and even more.» «While they are preparing, tell me what You have done this morning...» And Jesus, sitting on the edge of the little bed, holding one of Lazarus' skinny hands in His own, tells him in detail what happened, until Lazarus, who is exhausted, falls asleep. Jesus does not leave him even then. He remains still in order not to disturb his refreshing slumber and makes signs to make the least possible noise, so much so that Martha, after bringing a refreshment to Jesus, withdraws on tiptoe, drawing the heavy curtain and closing the solid door. The noise of the busy house is thus deadened to a barely perceptible low sound. Lazarus is sleeping. Jesus is engrossed in prayer and meditation. 374. Preparation Day. The Evening. 357 Some hours pass thus, until Mary of Magdala brings a small lamp, because it is getting dark and the windows are closed. «Is he still sleeping?» she whispers. «Yes. He is very calm. It will do him good.» «He has never slept so long for months... I think that the fear of death made him restless. With You close to him he is not afraid of anything... He is fortunate!» «Why, Mary?» «Because he will be able to have You beside him when he dies. But I...» «Why not?» «Because You want to die... soon. And who knows when I will die. Let me die before You, Master!» «No, you will have to serve Me for a long time yet.» «So I am right in saying that Lazarus is fortunate!» «All the beloved ones will be as fortunate as he is, even more so...» «Who are they? The pure, are they not?» «Those who know how to love totally. You, for instance, Mary.» «Oh! My Master!» Mary throws herself down, on the multi-coloured mat that covers the floor of this room, and she remains there, adoring her Jesus. Martha, who is looking for her, looks into the room. «Come on, then! We must prepare the red hall for the supper of the Lord.» «No, Martha. Give that room to the most humble guests, to Johanan's peasants, for instance.» «Why, Master?» «Because each poor man is Jesus and I am in all of them. Always love the poor whom no one loves, if you want to be perfect. Prepare for Me in the entrancehall. If you leave open the doors of the many rooms opening on to it, everybody will be able to see Me and I shall see everybody.» Martha, who is not very happy, objects: «What? You in the entrance-hall?... It is not worthy of You!...» «Go, do as I say. It is most worthy to do what the Master advises.» Martha and Mary go out noiselessly and Jesus remains patiently to watch His friend who is resting with a distribution of the guests, which -------------------- Supper has now begun, from a human point of view is not very just, but with a superior view aiming at giving honour and love to those who are usually neglected by the world. Thus Johanan's peasants with Marjiam, Isaac and other disciples, to make up the ritual number, are sitting in the splendid regal red hall, the vault of which is supported by two columns of red porphyry, between which a long table has been placed. In the hall where they had supper the previous evening there are some more of the most humble disciples. In the white hall, a dream of white splendour, there are the virgin-disciples, and with them, only four in number, there are Lazarus' sisters and Anastasica and other young women. But the queen of the feast is Mary, the preeminent Virgin. In the next room, which is perhaps a library because all around the walls there are tall dark bookcases, which perhaps contain or contained rolls, there are the widows and the wives and they are looked after by Eliza of Bethzur and Mary of Alphaeus. And so on. But what strikes one is to see Jesus in the marble entrance-hall. It is true that the refined taste of Lazarus' sisters has turned the square entrance into a large hall, which is brighter, more embellished and splendid than any hall. But it is still the entrance! Jesus is with the Twelve, but Lazarus is beside Him. And with Lazarus there is also Maximinus. The supper proceeds according to the rite... and Jesus shines with joy and pleasure being in the centre of all His faithful disciples. When the supper is over, the last chalice has been consumed and the last psalm sung, all those who were in the different rooms crowd into the entrance. But they cannot all go in, because the table takes up much room. «Let us go into the red hall, Master. We will push the table against the wall and we will all be around You» suggests Lazarus beckoning to the servants to do so. Jesus, Who is sitting in the centre, between the two precious columns, under the bright chandelier, on a tall pedestal formed with two bed-seats used for the supper, now really looks like a king on a throne in the midst of His courtiers. 374. Preparation Day. The Evening. 358 His linen tunic, which He put on before supper, shines as if it were woven with precious threads, and looks even whiter against the opaque red of the walls and the bright red of the columns. And His countenance is really divine and regal while He speaks or listens to those around Him. Even the most humble ones, whom He wanted near Him, speak confidently, mentioning their hopes, their worries with simplicity and faith, as they feel that they are loved in a brotherly way by the others. But the happiest among so many happy people is Marjiam's grandfather! He does not part from his grandson even for one moment, and he delights in looking at him and listening to him... Now and again, as he is sitting beside Marjiam, who is standing, he rests his white head on the chest of his grandson, who caresses it. Jesus sees him do this several times and He asks him: «Father, is your heart happy?» «Oh! very happy, my Lord! I cannot believe that it is true. I have but one desire now...» «Which?» «The one I mentioned to my son. But he does not approve of it.» «What is your desire?» «I would like to die, if possible, in this peace. Soon, at least. Because I have already received the greatest blessing. No human being can have more on the Earth. I want to go... suffer no more... go... How rightly You spoke in the Temple, Lord! “Offering sacrifice from the property of the poor is as bad as slaughtering a son before his father's very eyes.” Only his fear of You prevents Johanan from emulating Doras. He is forgetting what happened to the other one, his fields are thriving and he fertilises them with our perspiration. Is perspiration not the property of the poor workman, his very self that is worn out with work exceeding his strength? He does not beat us, he gives us enough to enable us to work. But does he not exploit us more than his oxen? Will you tell Him, o my companions...» Johanan's new and old peasants nod assent. «H'm! I think that... Yes, that Your words have made him a greater vampire... to their detriment... Why did You say them, Master?» asks Peter. «Because he deserved them. What do you say, you workers of his fields?» «Oh! yes! The first months... it was all right. But now... it is worse than before» avers Micah. «The bucket of the well is pulled down by its own weight» declares John the priest. «Yes, and a wolf soon grows weary of looking like a lamb» confirms Hermas. The women, who are deeply moved, whisper to one another. Jesus looks at the poor peasants with eyes wide with pity, and He is anguished at not being able to relieve them. Lazarus says: «I offered absurd amounts of money to have those fields and give these men peace. But I did not succeed in getting them. Doras hates me, he is exactly like his father.» «Well... we shall die thus. It is our destiny. But the time for us to rest in Abraham's bosom will certainly come!» exclaims Saul, another peasant of Johanan's. «In God's bosom, son! In God's bosom. Redemption will be completed, Heaven will be open and you will go to Heaven and...» Somebody hammers at the main door, which resounds loudly. The guests become agitated. «Who is it?» «Who goes about in Passover evening?» «Soldiers?» «Pharisees?» «Herod's soldiers?» But while the agitation spreads, Levi, the caretaker of the palace, appears. «Forgive me, Rabbi» he says «there is a man who wants You. He is in the entrance. He looks very depressed. He is old and looks like a man of the people. He wishes to see You at once.» «Hey! This is no evening for miracles! Tell him to come back tomorrow...» says Peter. «No. Every evening is the hour for miracles and mercy» says Jesus standing up 374. Preparation Day. The Evening. 359 and descending from His seat to go towards the hall. «Are You going alone? I will come with You» says Peter. «No, stay where you are.» He goes out with Levi. Near the heavy main door, at the other end of the entrance, which is now in halfdarkness as all the lights have been put out, there is a very excited old man. Jesus approaches him. «Stop, Master. I have perhaps touched a dead body and I do not want to contaminate You. I am the relative of Samuel, Annaleah's fiance. We were eating our supper and Samuel drank all the time... as it is not right to do. But the young man seems to have become mad for some time. It's remorse, Lord! He was half-drunk and while drinking again he was saying: “So I cannot remember whether I told Him that I hate Him. Because, I must tell you that I cursed the Rabbi.” And he looked like Cain to me, because he went on repeating: “My wickedness is too great. I do not deserve to be forgiven! I must drink! I must drink to forget. Because it is written that he who curses his God will carry his sin and must die.” He was raving like that when a relative of Annaleah's mother came into the house to ask about the repudiation. Samuel, who was almost drunk, replied with coarse words and the man threatened to take him to justice for the damage he was causing to the family honour. Samuel slapped his face. They came to blows... I am old, my sister is old, the servant and the maid are also old. What could the four of us and the two girls, Samuel's sisters, do? All we could do was to shout and try to separate them! Nothing else... And Samuel took the hatchet with which we had prepared the firewood for the lamb and hit the man on the head with it... He did not split his head, because he hit him with the butt-end and not the blade. The man staggered babbling and fell... We did not shout any longer... as we did not wish to attract the attention of people... We bolted the door... We were terrified... We poured some water on the man's head hoping he would come round. But he babbled all the time. He was certainly dying. At times he seemed dead. So I ran here to call You. His relatives will be looking for him tomorrow, perhaps earlier. And they will come to us, because they certainly know that he came. And they will find him dead... And Samuel, according to the Law, will be killed... Lord! Lord! Disgrace is already on top of us... We don't want that! For the sake of my sister, Lord, have mercy on us! He cursed You... But his mother loves You... What shall we do?» «Wait for Me here. I will come» and Jesus goes back to the hall and from the door He calls: «Judas of Kerioth, come with Me.» «Where, Lord?» asks Judas obeying promptly. «You will see. All of you stay here in peace and love. We shall soon be back.» They go out the hall, through the entrance and leave the house. Through deserted dark roads they soon reach the tragic house. «Samuel's house?! Why?...» «Be quiet, Judas. I brought you with Me, because I rely on your common sense.» The old man has made himself known. They go in. They go upstairs, to the supper room, where they dragged the injured man. «A dead man?! But Master, we will be contaminated!» «He is not dead. You can see that he breathes and you can hear him groan. I will now cure him...» «But his head has been struck! It's a crime! Who committed it?... And on the day of the lamb!» Judas is terrified. «It was he» says Jesus pointing at Samuel, who is curled up in a corner, closer to death than the dying man, panting for breath with terror as the other man has the death-rattle in his throat, with part of his mantle over his head not to see and not to be seen, looked at with terror by everybody, except his mother, who with horror at the crime feels the torture of a guilty son already condemned by the rigid law of Israel. «Do you see to what result a first sin leads? To this, Judas! He began by perjuring himself over the girl, then over God; he then became slanderer, liar, blasphemer, then he took to drinking and now he is a murderer. That is how one becomes subject to Satan, Judas. Always bear it in mind...» Jesus is dreadfully solemn while He points at Samuel with His arm outstretched. He then looks at Samuel's mother, who clinging to a shutter can hardly stand up and struck with terror seems to be dying, and He sadly says: «Judas, that is how poor mothers are killed by no weapon other than the crimes of their sons!... I feel sorry for her. I feel sorry for mothers! I, the Son, Who will see no mercy for His Mother...» Jesus weeps... Judas looks at Him in bewilderment... Jesus bends over the dying man and lays His hand on his head. He prays. 374. Preparation Day. The Evening. 360 The man opens his eyes. He looks stunned and amazed... but he soon revives. He sits up helping himself with his arms. He looks at Jesus and asks: «Who are You?» «Jesus of Nazareth.» «The Holy One! Why are You here with me! Where am I! Where is my sister and her daughter? What happened?» He tries to remember. «Man, you called Me the Holy One. So, do you believe that I am such?» «Yes, Lord. I do. You are the Messiah of the Lord.» «So, is My word sacred to you?» «Yes, Lord, it is.» «Then...» Jesus stands up. He is imposing: «Then I, as Master and Messiah, order you to forgive. You came here and You were insulted...» «Ah! Samuel! Of course!... The hatchet! I will denounce...» he says getting up. «No. Forgive in the name of God. That is why I cured you. You care for Annaleah's mother because she has suffered. Samuel's mother would suffer even more. So forgive.» The man hesitates somewhat. He looks at the injurer with evident ill-feeling. He looks at the anguished mother. He looks at Jesus Who commands him... He cannot make up his mind. Jesus stretches His arms towards him, and draws him to His chest saying: «For My sake!» The man begins to weep... To be thus in the arms of the Messiah, to feel His breath in his hair and a kiss where the wound was!... He weeps... Jesus says: «Yes, is that true? You forgive him for My sake? Oh! blessed be the merciful! Weep, do weep on My Heart. Let all ill-feeling come out with your tears! All new! All pure! There you are! Be meek! Oh! meek, as a child of God ought to be...» The man looks and, still weeping, says: «yes. Your love is so sweet! Annaleah is right! I now understand her... Woman, do not weep any more! Let bygones be bygones. No one will learn anything from my mouth. Enjoy your son, providing he can give you joy. Goodbye woman. I am going back to my house» and he is on the point of going out. Jesus says to him: «I am coming with you, man. Goodbye, mother. Goodbye, Abraham. Goodbye, girls.» Not a word to Samuel, who finds no word either. His mother tears the mantle off his head, and as a result of what she suffered, she rushes upon her son: «Thank your Saviour, you heartless man! Thank Him, you worthless man!...» «Leave him, woman. His word would be of no value. Wine makes him silly and his soul is dull. Pray for him... Goodbye.» He goes downstairs, in the street He joins Judas and the other man, He frees Himself from old Abraham, who wants to kiss His hands, and He begins to stride out in the early moonlight. «Do you live far from here?» He asks the man. «At the foot of Moriah.» «Then we must part.» «Lord, You have preserved me for my children, my wife, my life. What shall I do for You?» «Be good, forgive and be quiet. Never, for any reason whatsoever, are you to say one word on what happened. Will you promise?» «I swear to it on the Sacred Temple! However, I regret I cannot say that You saved me...» «Be just, and I will save your soul. And you will be able to say that. Goodbye, man. Peace be with you.» The man kneels down greeting Him. They part. «How dreadful!» says Judas now that they are alone. «Yes. Horrible. Judas, you are not to speak either.» «No, Lord, I will not. But why did You want me with You?» «Are you not happy to have My confidence?» «Oh! Very! But...» «But because I wanted you to ponder on what falsehood, greed for money, orgy 374. Preparation Day. The Evening. 361 and the lifeless practice of a religion, which is no longer felt and practised spiritually, can lead to. What did the symbolic supper mean to Samuel? Nothing! A guzzling. A sacrilege. And through it he became homicidal. Many in future will be like him, and with the taste of the Lamb in their mouths, not of a lamb born of a sheep, but of the divine Lamb, they will commit crimes. Why? How? Are you not inquiring why? I will tell you just the same: because they will have prepared that hour through previous deeds performed carelessly first, and stubbornly later. Remember that, Judas.» «Yes, Master, I will. But what shall we tell the others?» «That a man was seriously ill. It is the truth.» They turn the corner of a street and I no longer see them.

373. Preparation Day. In the Streets of Jerusalem.

 373. Preparation Day. In the Streets of Jerusalem. 2nd February 1946. They come out of the Temple, overcrowded with people and plunge into the swarming streets, where everybody is making haste in the last preparations for Passover and late-comers are anxiously looking for a room, a hall, any place at all, to use as a supper-room, where to consume the lamb. It is thus easy to meet people but it is also easy not to recognise one another in the dense agitated crowd, as one sees faces of all ages, of all the regions where there are Israelites, and where the pure blood of Israel, through mixture of blood or simply through mimicry, has become like other races. One can thus see Jews who are like Egyptians or look like Nubians because of their thick prominent lips, snub noses and facial angle; others with small fine features, slender bodies, witty eyes make one understand that they come from the Greek colonies or are crossed with Greeks; whereas tall robust men, with rather square faces, clearly show that they are connected with the Latin race; and there are many who modem people would say are Circassians or Persians with a resemblance of Mongolian or Indian eyes in the very white faces of the former and the olivehued faces of the latter. A beautiful kaleidoscope of faces and garments! The result is that one's eyes become tired and one ends up by looking without seeing. But what escapes one is noticed by another. It is therefore understandable that what escapes the Master, Who is always absorbed in thought when He is left in peace, without being asked questions, is noticed by this one or that one of His followers. And the apostles, those who are closer to Jesus, point out to one another what they see and talk to one another in low voices making worldly comments... on the people they Point out. One such biting comment on an ex-disciple who passes by haughtily, pretending he does not see them, is heard by Jesus, Who asks: «To whom were those words referred?» «To that blockhead over there» says James of Zebedee. «He pretended he did not see us, and he is not the only one to do so. But when he wanted to be cured and was looking for You, he did see us! I hope he gets a malignant pustule!» «James!! Are you standing beside Me with such feelings while you are getting 373. Preparation Day. In the Streets of Jerusalem. 353 ready to consume the lamb? In actual fact you are more inconsistent than he. He went away openly when he felt he could not do what I said. You, instead, have remained but you do not do what I say. Are you not perhaps a greater sinner than he?» James blushes so deeply that he looks congested, and he withdraws behind his companions, as he is humiliated. «It hurts to see them behave like that, Master!» says John to support his brother who has been reproached. «Our love rebels seeing their estrangement...» «Of course. But do you think that you can bring them back to love by so doing? Discourteous acts, bad words, insults have never brought a rival or a man of different opinion to where he should be led. It is through kindness, patience, charity, persevering notwithstanding refusals, that you achieve your purpose. I understand and pity your hearts, which suffer seeing that I am not loved. But I would like to see and know that you are more supernatural in your acts and means to make Me loved. Come on, James, come here. I did not speak to humiliate you. Let us love and understand one another, at least among ourselves, My dear friends... There is already so much incomprehension and sorrow for the Son of man!» James, who is cheerful again, goes back beside Him. They walk for some time in silence, then Thomas bursts into a thundering exclamation: «But it's really a shame!» «What?» asks Jesus. «The meanness of so many people! Master, don't You see how many pretend they do not know You?» «So what? Will their behaviour change one iota of what has been written about Me? No, it will not. Only with regard to themselves what could be written will change. Because in the eternal books it could be said of them: “Good disciples”, whereas it will be written: “They were not good, the coming of the Messiah meant nothing to them.” Dreadful words, you know? Worse than: “Adam and Eve sinned.” Because I can cancel that sin. But I will not be able to cancel the sin of those who deny the Word Saviour... Let us go this way. I will stop with My brothers, with Simon Peter and James in the suburb of Ophel. Judas of Simon also will remain with Me. But Simon Zealot, John and Thomas will go to Gethsemane to get the bags...» «Yes, so Jonah's lamb will not go down his throat the wrong way» says Peter, who is still angry. The others laugh... «Be good! There is no reason to be astonished if he is afraid. You might feel the same tomorrow.» «Me, Master? The sea of Galilee is more likely to turn into wine than I am to be afraid» states Peter confidently. «And yet... the other evening... Oh! Simon! You did not look so brave on the staircase of Chuza's palace» remarks Judas of Kerioth pungently, without being too ironic... but sufficiently sarcastic to bite Peter. «I was afraid for the Lord, that is why I was worried! For no other reason.» «Very well! Let us hope that we shall... never be afraid, so that we may not cut a bad figure, eh!» replies Judas of Kerioth, clapping him on his shoulder, protectingly and maliciously... At any other moment his behaviour would have given rise to a reaction. But Peter, since the previous evening, is full of... admiration for Judas and puts up with him in everything. Jesus says: «Philip and Nathanael with Andrew and Matthew, please go to Lazarus' palace and tell them that we are coming.» The four apostles part and the others proceed with Jesus. The disciples, with the exception of Stephen and Isaac, go with the apostles sent to the palace. At the Ophel suburb there is a further parting. Those bound for Gethsemane go away quickly with Isaac. Stephen remains with Jesus, the sons of Alphaeus, Peter, James and the Iscariot and to avoid stopping at the cross-roads, they proceed slowly in the same direction as those who have gone to Gethsemane. They go along the same little street along which Jesus will be taken by His torturers on the evening of Holy Thursday. Now, about midday, it is empty. After a short distance they come to a little square with a fountain shaded by a fig-tree, which is opening its little tender leaves above the calm water. «There is Samuel of Annaleah» says James of Alphaeus, who must know him well. The young man is about to enter a house carrying a lamb... and other foodstuffs. «He is preparing the Passover supper also for his relative» remarks Judas of 373. Preparation Day. In the Streets of Jerusalem. 354 Alphaeus. «Has he settled here now? Had he not gone away?» asks Peter. «Yes, he has settled here. They say that he is flirting with the daughter of Cleopas, the sandal-maker. She is wealthy...» «Ah! So why does he say that Annaleah left him?» asks the Iscariot. «That's a lie!» «Man often makes use of lies. And he does not realise that by doing so he takes the wrong path. The first step, one step, is enough, and one can no longer get free... It is birdlime... it is a labyrinth... a snare... A sloping snare...» says Jesus to Judas of Kerioth. «What a pity! He seemed such a good man last year!» says James of Zebedee. «Yes. I really thought that he would imitate his girl-friend devoting himself entirely to You and forming a couple of married angels and Your servants. I would have sworn to it!...» says Peter. «My dear Simon! Never swear on the future of man. It is the most uncertain of all things. No element, existing at the time of the oath, can guarantee a safe oath. There are criminals who become saints, and there are just people, or apparently just, who become criminals» Jesus replies to him. Samuel in the meantime, after going into the house, has come out once again to draw water at the fountain... He thus sees Jesus. He looks at Him with obvious contempt and hurls at Him what is certainly an insult, although I do not understand it, as it was spoken in Hebrew. The Iscariot jumps forward all of a sudden, he catches him by the arm, shaking him like a tree from which one wants ripe fruit to drop: «Is that how you speak to the Master, you sinner? Down, on your knees, at once! Apologise to Him, you foul tongue of a dirty pig! Down! Or I'll break your neck!» Handsome Judas is furious in his sudden violence! His countenance has changed fearfully. Jesus tries to calm him in vain. He does not release his hold until he sees the sinner kneeling on the muddy earth around the fountain. «Forgive me» says the unlucky fellow between his teeth, feeling Judas' fingers torture him like pincers. But he says so badly, only because he is forced to it. Jesus replies: «I am not angry. But you still are, notwithstanding what you say. Words are useless unless they are uttered with one's heart. But you are still cursing Me in your heart. And you are thus twice guilty. Because you accuse Me and you hate Me for a reason, which your conscience, from its very depth, tells you is not true. And because you are the only one who is at fault, not Annaleah, not I. But I forgive you everything. Go and try to become honest and pleasing to God. Let him go, Judas.» «I am going. But I hate You! You have led Annaleah astray, and I hate You...» «But you have found consolation with Rebecca, the sandalmaker's daughter. And you have sought consolation since Annaleah was your fiancee, and although ill, she thought of you only...» «I was a widower... I thought I already was... and I was looking for a wife... I have now gone back to Rebecca because... because Annaleah does not want me» says Samuel to justify himself, when he realises that his mischief has been discovered. Judas Iscariot concludes: «... and because Rebecca is very rich. She is as ugly as an old worn-out sandal... and as old as a sole lost along the way... but rich, oh! very rich!...» and he laughs sarcastically, while the other runs away. «How do you, know?» asks Peter. «Oh!... it is easy to find out where there are virgins and money!» «Well! Shall we go along this little street, Master? This square is as hot as an oven. It is shaded and windy» implores Peter who is perspiring. They walk slowly, waiting for the others to come back. The street is deserted. A woman comes out of a door and prostrates herself at Jesus' feet weeping. «What is the matter?» «Master!... Are You already purified?» «Yes. Why are you asking Me?» «Because I wanted to tell You... But You cannot approach him. He is all rotten... The doctor says that he is infected. I will call the priest after Passover... and... Hinnom will receive him. Don't say that it is my fault. I did not know... He worked at Joppa for many months and he came back saying that he had injured himself. I have used balms and I have bathed him with aromatic herbs... But they do not help. I applied to a herbalist. He gave me some powders for the 373. Preparation Day. In the Streets of Jerusalem. 355 blood... I separated the children... the bed... because I was beginning to realise. He got worse. I sent for the doctor. He said to me: “Woman, you know what your duty is and I know mine. It is an injury caused by lust. Separate him from yourself, I will separate him from the people, the priest from Israel. He should have thought about it when he was offending God, you and himself. Let him expiate now.” He promised not to say anything until after the Feast of the Unleavened Bread. But if You had mercy on the sinner, on me who love him and on the five innocent children...» «What do you want Me to do for you? Do you not think that he who sinned should expiate?» «Yes, Lord! But You are the Living Mercy!» All the faith of which a woman is capable is in her voice, in her eyes, in her kneeling attitude, with her arms stretched out towards the Saviour. «And what are his feelings?» «He is disheartened... What else could he be, Lord?» «A supernatural feeling of repentance, of justice would be sufficient to obtain mercy!...» «Justice?» «Yes. He should say: “I have sinned. My sin deserves this and much more, but I ask those whom I offended to have mercy on me.”» «I have already had pity on him. You, God, have mercy on him. I cannot say to You: come in... I am not touching You myself either... But if You want I will call him and I will make him speak from the terrace.» «Yes, do.» The woman, with her head inside the door of the house, shouts in a loud voice: «Jacob! Jacob! Go up to the roof. Look out. Don't be afraid.» A few moments later the man appears at the parapet of the terrace. His face is yellowish and swollen, his neck and one hand are bandaged... the wreck of an infected man... He looks with the watery eyes of a man affected by dishonourable diseases. He asks: «Who wants me?» «Jacob, the Saviour is here...» The woman says no more but she looks as if she wanted to hypnotise the sick man and instill her thoughts into him... The man, whether he perceives her thoughts, or through a spontaneous act, stretches his arms and says: «Oh! free me! I believe in You! It is terrible to die like this!» «It is terrible to fail in one's duty. You did not think of that! You did not think of your children!» «Have mercy, Lord... On them, on me... Forgive me!» And he leans on the low wall weeping. His bandaged hand is protruding as well as his arm, which is uncovered as his sleeve is pulled up and is spotted with pustules, and swollen: a repulsive sight... The man, in his present position, is like a macabre puppet or a corpse abandoned there and about to decay. A pitiful and disgusting sight at the same time. The woman is weeping, still on her knees, in the dust. Jesus seems to be waiting for a further word. At last it is heard among sobs: «I implore You with contrition in my heart! At least assure me that they will not starve... and then... I will go with resignation... But save my soul, o Blessed Saviour! At least that!» «Yes, I will cure you. For the innocent children's sake and to give you the opportunity to become just. Do you understand? Remember that the Saviour cured you. God will absolve you of your sins according to how you respond to this grace. Goodbye. Peace to you woman.» And He almost runs away to meet those who are coming from Gethsemane. Not even the shouts of the man who feels and sees that he has been cured can stop Him, or those of his wife... «Let us go along this lane, to avoid passing there again» says Jesus after He has joined the others. They walk along a miserable lane, which is so narrow that two people can hardly go along it walking side by side and if one should meet a donkey with a pack-saddle, one would have to stick to the wall like a stamp. The light is very faint because the roofs almost touch each other. It is a solitary, silent, bad smelling lane. They proceed in single file to the end of it. Then at a little square, crowded with boys, they all get together. «Why did You say those words to that man? You never said them before...» asks Peter curiously. «Because that man will be one of My enemies. And his future sin will aggravate his present fault.» 373. Preparation Day. In the Streets of Jerusalem. 356 «And You cured him?!» they all ask with surprised countenance. «Yes. For the innocent children's sake.» «H'm! He will fall ill again...» «No, he will take care of his body, after the fright he had and what he suffered. He will not be taken ill again.» «But he will sin against You, as You said. I would have let him die.» «You are a sinner, Simon of Jonah.» «And You are too good, Jesus of Nazareth» replies Peter. They disappear in a central street and I no longer can see them. -------------------- A note of mine. I have recognised both the man who was cured and Samuel. The former is the man who hit Jesus' head with a stone at His Passion. I recognise him better than his wife, who was sorrowful then as she is now and I recognise the house, which has a characteristically tall door with three steps. Likewise, notwithstanding the mask of hatred that transforms him, I recognise in Samuel the young man who kills his mother with a kick in order to be able to go and strike the Master with a cudgel.