ANDREW, APOSTLE

                          ANDREW, APOSTLE

                                by

                         Harriet Shikoski

To my readers:

     Many details included in this story of Andrew originated in the visions of Ven. Anne Catherine Emmerick (1774-1824).  She was a German Augustinian nun who was told in vision that she was privileged to receive more visions of Jesus and His followers than had any other person in history.  Her visions were recorded by Clemens Brentano, arranged and edited by the Very Reverend Carl E. Schmoger, C.SS.R. and translated from German into English.  In my turn I have also picked and arranged the material.

     How true are the details acquired in this fashion?  Even conceding that the private revelations to Sr. Anne Catherine were accurate, it would be a miracle indeed if they retained such accuracy after passing through so many human minds.  Bible references are included, not as proof of this writing, but to help you compare the two sources of information.

     Though the total accuracy may be questioned, I still believe that the following story of St. Andrew captures his true character and helps us to understand him, his life and his times.

                         ANDREW, APOSTLE

     Andrew and his brother, Simon Peter, were sons of a man named John.  They had a half-brother named Jonathan.  They had grown up by the Sea of Galilee near Bethsaida where John had owned a fishing business.  John was surnamed Zelotes because he had gained his point in a dispute with the Romans concerning the right of navigation on the lake, the Sea of Galilee.  By the time that John the Baptist came out of the desert preaching, Peter and Andrew had taken over the fisheries from their father.

     Peter had several fishing boats, a large one and two smaller ones.  The large vessel had, around the lower part of its mast, decks, formed like terraces, or galleries, one above the other.  These decks were supported by posts placed at regular intervals, so that a view could be had from side to side between the posts and under the decks.  They were furnished with canvas curtains that could be drawn so as to form separate compartments like little cells.  The poles supporting the mast had projecting rounds to facilitate climbing.  Attached to either side of the vessel were floating chests, or casks, like wings or fins, to prevent the boat from being overturned in a storm.  They could be filled with water or emptied, according as it was necessary for the ship to ride more lightly or sink to a greater depth.  Sometimes the fish that had been caught were preserved in water in these casks.  At either end of the vessel were movable planks which, on being shoved out, facilitated access to the casks, to neighboring boats, or to the nets.  When not in use for fishing purposes, the vessels were held in readiness to transport caravans and travellers across the Sea.

    
The sailors and servants of the fishermen were, for the most part, pagan slaves.  Peter owned some.

     Andrew owned a smaller fishing boat.  His house, though smaller than Peter's, was by no means a small one.  It had a courtyard, was surrounded by walls, and was situated at one side of the city of Bethsaida.  He was married, had at least one child and was one of the oldest of the Apostles.  He sometimes worked with Peter.  Andrew and Peter were friends of Zebedee and Zebedee's sons, John and James.  The Zebedee family also lived near Bethsaida and were engaged in fishing.

     When John the Baptist left the desert to appear before men, he made a great impression.  He was tall, strong and muscular.  Though emaciated by fasting and corporal mortification, he presented an extraordinary pure and noble appearance.  His manner was simple, straight forward and austere.  He allowed nothing to hinder him.  He walked boldly up to all he met, and spoke of one thing only, penance and the near coming of the Lord.  Andrew was greatly attracted to him and became one of his first disciples.

     In Capharnaum Jesus taught in the school.  Crowds came from all sides to hear Him, among them Peter, Andrew and many others who had already been baptized by John.  When Jesus left Capharnaum, the future Apostles who had heard Him left without exchanging words with Him, and went back again to the Sea.

     Jesus taught in a place consisting of only a few houses and a school.  He spoke again of John's baptism and the fulfilling of the Promise.  Coming to hear Him were Peter, Andrew, James Alpheus and Philip, all disciples of John and future Apostles of the Lord.

Jesus had not yet spoken to any of them in particular.  The holy women from Nazareth were present.  With them were Peter's wife and the wives of some of the other future Apostles.   

     Jesus arrived in Capharnaum with some of His disciples.  They talked with Mary, and then two of the disciples went to Bethsaida for Peter and Andrew.  James Alpheus, Simon Zelotes, Thaddeus, John and James Zebedee were already present.  Some spoke of the mildness, meekness and wisdom of Jesus, while the followers of John the Baptist proclaimed with enthusiasm the austere life of their master, and declared that they had never before heard such an interpreter of the Law and the Prophets.

     The next day these disciples and others were going to John's place of baptism at Ainon.  Peter and Andrew particularly distinguished themselves by the zeal with which they talked of the Baptist.  He was, they said, of a noble priestly race (Luke 1:13), he had been educated by the Essenians in the wilderness.  He would suffer no irregularity around him.  He was as rigorous as he was wise.

     Then Jesus' disciples praised the mildness and wisdom of their Master, to which the others retorted that many disorders arise from such condescension.  Jesus' disciples replied that their Master had also been educated by the Essenians, and that He had lately returned from traveling.

     They started together for the place of baptism, but after a few hours took different directions.

     Simon, James and Thaddeus, the sons of Mary Cleophas by her deceased husband Alpheus, and Joses Barsabas, her son by her second husband, Sabas, were baptized by John at Ainon.  Andrew, Philip, and many other disciples had already been baptized, but in going to the baptism place Andrew had travelled with the disciples and adherents of the Lord rather than those of the Baptist.

     The multitude gathered at Ainon was very great.  John, being engaged in vehement and zealous preaching, had not baptized anyone for several days.  In Jerusalem the Sanhedrin had held a great consultation about John, the result of which was that nine messengers were dispatched to him from three different authorities:  Annas sent Joseph of Arimathea, Simeon's son, and a priest whose office was to inspect the sacrifices; the council sent three of its members; and three private citizens were chosen for the mission.  Their instructions were to question John as to who he was, and to summon him to appear in Jerusalem, for if his mission was authorized, he should have first presented himself at the Temple.  They had also found fault with his unseemly raiment, and moreover with his administering the cleansing rite of baptism to the Jews, when it was customary to do so only to the heathens!

     Andrew and John the Evangelist were already with the Baptist.  Also present were many of the future disciples and most of the Apostles excepting Peter, who had already been baptized, and Judas the Traitor who was in Capharnaum inquiring around about Jesus at this time.

     Herod's cavalcade consisting of himself, Salome the daughter of Herodias, her female attendants, and about thirty followers marched toward the Jordan.  Herod and the women rode in a chariot.  He sent a courier to John the Baptist, who refused to let Herod come to the baptismal place.  John regarded him as man who, with his women and followers, would defile the sacred ceremonies.  Therefore he suspended the baptism and, followed by his disciples, went to the place established for preaching.  Here he spoke boldly on the question which Herod intended to propose.  He said that Herod should wait for the One Who was to come after him, for he himself would not baptize there much longer, for he must make way for Him whose precursor he was.  John's words were so pointedly directed against Herod that the latter could not fail to see that his design was known.  However he caused a large roll of writings on the subject of his suit to be presented to John.  But John would not pollute the hand so often raised in baptism to come in contact with these writings, and so they were laid before him.  Then Herod and his train indignantly left the place, though he left behind some of his followers with the writings to compel John to give his sanction to Herod's adulterous marriage, but in vain.  After Herod's departure, John returned to the place of baptism.

     A three days festival was celebrated at the stone on which the Ark of the Covenant had rested when It had been carried across the Jordan River.  Here John the Baptist had erected his teaching tent.  John's disciples adorned the place with branches of trees, garlands and flowers.  Peter, Andrew, Philip, James Alpheus, Simon and Thaddeus were there, as well as many of the subsequent disciples of Jesus.  This spot had always been regarded as sacred by the devout among the Jews, but at this time it was rather dilapidated.  John had repaired it.  He and some of his disciples were in priestly robes.  Before the stone upon which the Ark of the Covenant had rested stood a small altar.  John burned several kinds of herbs, also spices and some wheat on this portable altar of incense.  John gave a long and vehement discourse.  He spoke about the Savior who had sent him and whom he had never seen, and about the passage of the Ark through the Jordan.  The whole festival lasted three days including the Sabbath.

     With great animation John preached of the nearness of the Messiah, and of penance, and that the moment was approaching for him to retire from his teaching.  A crowd more numerous than usual had assembled.  Jesus was standing in the throng of listeners.  John felt His presence.  It fired him with zeal and filled his heart with joy, but he did not on that account interrupt his discourse, and when he had finished he began to baptize.  He had already baptized many when Jesus in His turn came down among the aspirants to the pool of baptism.  John bowed low before Him saying, "I ought to be baptized by You, and You come to me?"  Jesus answered, "Suffer it to be so now, for it becomes us to fulfil all justice that you baptize Me and I by you be baptized."  He also said, "You shall receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and of blood."  Then John asked Him to follow him to the island.  The Savior now went with John and His two disciples, Andrew and Saturnin, across the bridge to the island in the center of the baptism pool.  At the far end of the bridge the people stood on the shore in great crowds.  On the bridge itself three could stand abreast.  One of the foremost in the latter position was Lazarus.  Sodded steps led down into the water.  In the water off the southern shore, sunk close to the margin of the basin, was the red, triangular, sparkling stone on which the Ark of the Covenant had rested.  The flat side of the stone lay toward the center of the well, the point toward the land.  The island was not quite level.  It was rather elevated toward the center and in some parts rocky.  It was covered with moss and in the middle of it was a wide spreading tree.

     The nine disciples that were always with Jesus during His last days went down into the well with Him and took their stand on the ledge around it.

     Jesus descended into the well, and stood in the water up to His breast.  His left arm encircled the tree, His right hand was laid on His breast.  The loosened ends of the white linen binder floated out on the water.  On the southern side of the well stood John, holding in his hand a shell with a perforated margin, through which the water flowed in three streams.  He stooped, filled the shell, and then poured the water in three streams over the head of the Lord, one on the back of the head, one in the middle and a third one over the forepart of the head and on the face.

     The words John used in baptizing Jesus were something similar to "May Jehovah through the ministry of His Cherubim and Seraphim pour out His blessing over You with Wisdom, Understanding and Strength!"  They were expressive of three gifts; for the mind, the soul, and the body, respectively.  In them was contained all that was needed to convert every creature renewed in mind, in soul, and in body, to the Lord. (Matt 3:11 & Acts 19:2-6)

     While Jesus ascended from the depths of the baptismal well, Andrew and Saturnin, who were standing to the right of the Baptist around the triangular stone, threw about Him a large linen cloth with which He dried His person.  They then put on Him a long white baptismal robe.  After this Jesus stepped on the red triangular stone which lay to the right of the descent into the well.  Andrew and Saturnin each laid one hand upon His shoulder, while John rested his upon His head.  They were about to mount the steps when the Voice of God came over Jesus who was still standing alone and in prayer upon the stone.  There came from heaven a great rushing wind like thunder.  All trembled and looked up.  A cloud of white light descended and a winged figure of light descended and flowed over Him like a stream.  The heavens opened.  An apparition of the Heavenly Father in the figure of an ancient prophet appeared and in a voice of thunder proclaimed, "This is My Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."  Jesus was perfectly transparent, entirely penetrated by light, one could scarcely look at Him.  Angels surrounded Him. (Matt 3:13-17 & Mark 1:9-11 & Luke 3:21-22)

     Jesus ascended the steps.  Saturnin brought to Jesus His garments which Lazarus had been holding all this time.

     John in joyous tones addressed the crowd and bore witness that Jesus was the promised Messiah.  John referred also to the sacred memories that embalmed the spot upon which they were standing on account of the Ark of the Covenant having rested here when Israel was journeying to the Land of Promise.  Now, he continued, they had seen the realization of the Covenant witnessed by His Father, the Almighty God Himself.

     Then Jesus spoke, confirming in plain simple words the truth John had proclaimed.  He told them that He would withdraw from them for a short time, after which all the sick and afflicted should come to Him and He would heal and console them.  They should in the meantime prepare themselves by penance and good works.  He would withdraw for awhile, and then return to lay the foundations of that Kingdom which His Father had given Him.  Jesus made use of a parable when thus addressing the crowd, that of a king's son who, before taking possession of his throne, withdrew into solitude, there to prepare himself and implore the assistance of his father.

     Among the numerous listeners were some Pharisees who received His words with ridicule.  "Perhaps after all," they said, "He is not the carpenter's son, but the supposed child of some king.  Is He now about to return to His kingdom?  Will He assemble His subjects and march upon Jerusalem?"  The idea appeared to them foolish and absurd.

     At the end of Jesus' forty day fast in the desert angels ministered to Him.  They appeared under different forms and belonged to different hierarchies.  At the instant of their disappearance all kinds of supernatural consolation descended upon the friends of Jesus, those of His own time and those of after ages.  Peter, Andrew and all the others were strengthened and consoled.  Many of the future Apostles were consoled, their heart filled with heavenly desires.

     At break of day Jesus went over the Jordan at the same narrow place which He had crossed forty days before.  He proceeded along the east bank of the river up to a point directly opposite John's place of baptism.  John at that moment was busy teaching and baptizing.  Pointing straight across the river he exclaimed, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world."  Jesus then turned away from the shore and returned to Bethabara.

     Andrew and Saturnin, who had been standing near John, hurried over the river by the same way that Jesus had passed.  They were followed by one of the cousins of Joseph of Arimathea and two of John's disciples.  They ran after Jesus who turned to meet them, asking what they wanted.  Andrew, overjoyed at having found Him once more, asked Him where He dwelt.  Jesus answered by bidding them to follow Him, and He led them to an inn near the water and outside Bethabara.  There they entered and sat down.  Jesus stayed all this day with the five disciples in Bethabara and took a meal with them.  He talked of His teaching mission about to begin and of His intention to choose His disciples.  Andrew mentioned many of his own acquaintances whom he recommended as suitable for the work, among others Peter, Philip and Nathanael. (John 1:35-40)

     Next morning Jesus went with the disciples from Bethabara to a group of houses that stood near the river ferry.  Here He taught in the presence of a small group.  After that He crossed the river and taught about an hour's distance from Jericho.  Crowds of neophytes and John's disciples kept coming and going to hear His words and report them to the Baptist.

     Andrew had not yet been formally received as a disciple of Jesus.  He had come of himself, had offered himself, for he would gladly be near Jesus.  He was more eager to serve, more ready to offer service than Peter.  Peter was ever ready to quiet himself with the thought, "Oh, I am too weak for that!  That is beyond my strength!" and so he continued on about his own affairs.  Saturnin and the two nephews of Joseph of Arimathea, Aram and Themeni, like Andrew, followed Jesus of their own accord.

     Jesus and His followers traveled and preached, drawing great crowds.  Andrew and Saturnin baptized the crowds that succeeded one another.  Most of those receiving baptism at this time were under the jurisdiction of the Tetrach Philip.

     Jesus went westward to Bethjesimoth on the sunny side of a mountain.  Andrew, Saturnin and some others of John's disciples met Him on the way.  Jesus spoke to them of the children of Israel who had formerly encamped here, and of Joshua and Moses who had instructed them, applying it to the present time and to His teaching.  Just as Jesus arrived some demoniacs who had been confined together in a house were led out into the open air.  All at once they began to rage and cry out, "Here He comes, the Prophet!  He will drive us out!"  Jesus turned, enjoined silence upon them, commanded their fetters to fall and that they should follow Him to the Synagogue.  Their chains fell miraculously and the poor creatures became quite calm.  They cast themselves down before Jesus, thanked Him, and followed Him to the Synagogue.  There He taught in parables of the culture of the vine and its fruitfulness, after which He visited and cured many sick in their homes.  Jesus healed here for the first time since His return from His forty days' fast in the desert.

     When Jesus, with Andrew, reached the neighborhood of Tarichaea, He put up near the lake at a house belonging to Peter's fishery.  Andrew had previously given orders for preparations to be made for Jesus' reception.  Jesus did not go into the city.  Simon, who here had some employment here, had with Thaddeus and James Alpheus, his brothers, gone for a feast to Gennabris where James and John Zebedee were.  Lazarus, Saturnin and Simeon's son came here to meet Jesus, as did also Nathanael, the bridegroom of Cana, who invited Jesus and all His company to his marriage.

     The principal motive that led Jesus to pass a couple of days in the vicinity of Tarichaea was that he desired to give the future Apostles and disciples time to communicate to one another the reports circulating about Himself, and especially what Andrew and Saturnin had to relate.  He wanted them to understand one another.  While Jesus lingered in the country around Tarichaea, Andrew remained in the house.  He was busy writing letters with a reed upon strips of parchment.  The writings could be rolled into a little hollow, wooden cylinder and unrolled at pleasure.  Men and youths frequently entered the fishery house seeking employment.  Andrew engaged some of them as couriers to convey his letters to his half-brother Jonathan, and also to Philip, Peter and the others at Gennabris.  These messages notified them that Jesus would to go Capharnaum for the Sabbath, and asked them to meet Him there.

     Meanwhile a messenger arrived from Capharnaum begging Andrew to entreat Jesus to go there right away, for a messenger from Cades had been there waiting Him for the past few days.  This man wanted to ask Jesus for help.  Accordingly, with Andrew, Saturnin, Obed and some of John's disciples, Jesus set out from Tarichaea to Capharnaum.  Jesus and His companions went in separate groups.  Andrew with his half-brother Jonathan and Philip, both of whom had come in answer to his notification, walked together.

     Jonathan and Philip had not yet met Jesus.  Andrew spoke enthusiastically to them.  He told them all that he had seen of Jesus and declared that He was indeed the Messiah.  If they desired to follow Him, he added, there was no need of their presenting to Him a formal petition to that effect, all they had to do was to regard Him attentively, and He, seeing their earnest wish, would give them a hint, a word to join His followers.

     There were many relatives and friends of the Holy Family who had been invited to Cana for the wedding.  They celebrated the Sabbath at Capharnaum because they had been notified that Jesus was expected to be there.  Jesus along with Andrew, Saturnin, some of John's disciples, Lazarus and Obed, stopped at a house belonging to the bridegroom Nathanael.  Nathanael's parents were dead.  They had left a large patrimony to their son.

     The future disciples experienced a certain shyness in Jesus' company.  They were moved in this by the thought of the wonderful things they had heard about Jesus from Andrew and some others of John's disciples.  They were restrained also by their own natural bashfulness, and likewise by the remembrance of what Andrew had told them; namely, that they were not to make advances themselves, but merely pay attention to the teaching of Jesus, for that would be sufficient to make them decide to follow Him.

     Jesus taught under a tree.  Andrew, who was full of zeal for his Master's interests, rejoiced at the happy impression made upon the disciples by the teaching of Jesus on the preceding Sabbath.  He saw them convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, and his own heart was so full he lost no opportunity to recount to them again and again all that he had seen at Jesus' baptism, also the miracles He had wrought.

     Andrew, Saturnin, Aram, Themeni and Eustachius were sent by Jesus to the great baptismal place on the Jordan on the Capharnaum side of Jericho.  It had been abandoned by John, who had moved his activity to another area, and Jesus' disciples were now to baptize there.

     Herod frequently went to John the Baptist, but John always treated him with contempt as an adulterer.  Herod interiorly acknowledged that John was right, but his wife was furious against him.  John baptized no more.  Now "Jesus" was the whole subject of his preaching.  All the candidates for baptism he sent across the Jordan River to Jesus.

     At the place of baptism, located on the west side of the Jordan, about an hours journey from Jericho, many changes had been made by the disciples sent there from Cana, and all in accordance with Jesus' orders.  It now presented a festal appearance, and things were better arranged than when John was there.  Jesus commanded Andrew, Saturn and the other disciples to take turns baptizing in the spot where Jesus had been baptized.  The little island of His baptism was covered with a large awning.  While the disciples baptized, Jesus taught and prepared the aspirants for baptism.

     The pool in which Jesus had been baptized was now very much changed.  The five canals leading from the Jordan into the pool, which had at first been covered, were now uncovered, and the four stones from the center, as well as the large, three-cornered, red-veined one at the edge upon which Jesus was standing when the Holy Spirit came upon Him, had all been removed.  They had been taken to the new place of baptism, located across the Jordan on its east side near Bethabara.

     The facts that the spot upon which Jesus had been baptized was the same spot as that upon which the Ark of the Covenant had stood, and that the stones in the baptismal pool were those upon which It had rested in the bed of the Jordan, were facts known only to Jesus and John, and of which neither had spoken.  So too the Lord was the only one that knew that these stones now formed the base of the baptismal place near Bethabara.  The Jews had long ago forgotten the resting place of these stones, and it was not known to the disciples.

     Andrew had hewn a circular basin in the three-cornered stone which rested on the four others in the pool filled with water which surrounded the stones like a canal.  This water surrounding the stones, as also the water in the basin of the three cornered stone, had been brought from the pool of Jesus' baptism, and Jesus had blessed it.  When the aspirants stood in the canal around the triangular basin, the water reached up to their breast.

     Near the place of baptism was a kind of altar upon which lay the baptismal garments.  Two of the disciples imposed hands on the shoulders of the neophytes while Andrew or Saturnin, or sometimes another, dipped the hollow hand three times into the basin and poured the water over their head baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  The baptizers as well as those that imposed hands, wore long white robes girdled, and from their shoulder hung long white strips like broad stoles.  John the Baptist was accustomed to baptize from a triple-channelled shell from which the water flowed in three streams, and the words he used were of Jehovah and of Him that had been sent, somewhat different from those now uttered by the disciples at baptism.

     Jesus and Andrew, Peter, the sons of Mary Cleophas, and the sons of Zebedee were conducted by Nathanael Chased to Gennabris, his own dwelling place.  Nathanael had established there an inn for Jesus.  Jesus did not enter Nathanael's house which however He passed on the way to the city.  Nathanael the bridegroom of Cana and his wife also visited Capharnaum and Jezrael at this time.

     At about three in the afternoon Jesus arrived in Chisloth, which was about three hours distant at the foot of Mount Thabor.  Andrew and the others had preceded Him in order to arrange the inn.  A great multitude from the whole country around had gathered at Chisloth, among them numbers of shepherds with their crooks, and merchants on their way from Sidon and Tyre.  Jesus' miracles and preaching were already spoken about throughout the land.  All crowded to places where He taught, and when it became known that He proposed celebrating the Sabbath at Chisloth, they flocked there to hear Him.

     The day after the Sabbath Jesus taught in the school of Chisloth.  Andrew instructed the children in an adjacent hall, and recounted to the strangers crowding in, all that he had seen and heard of Jesus.  Jesus took for His subject vanity and presumption.  He performed no cures that day because, as He said, they thought themselves better than others, and attributed to their own merit His coming to teach in their city; whereas He would have them know that He had been led there by His knowledge of their misery and His desire to humble and convert them.

     All the traveling expenses, as well as the alms were up to this time furnished by Lazarus.  Simeon's son, Obed, kept the accounts.

     Jesus' relatives and disciples from Bethsaida, including Andrew and Nathanael, took leave of Him in order to visit their homes.

     Jesus went to Ulama.  Here as elsewhere the concourse of people were very great, for they knew that Jesus was about to celebrate the Sabbath in Ulama.  Several of the disciples had rejoined Jesus.  Among them Andrew's half-brother Jonathan, Andrew, Peter, James Alpheus, Nathanael Chased and Nathanael the bridegroom, twenty in all.  Jesus directed them to come that they might hear His instructions and assist Him in His ministrations to the sick, rendered difficult by the turbulence of the multitude.

     There was a great windstorm in the Holy Land.  Jesus was with many others in prayer.  He prayed with outstretched hands that danger might be averted.  At the Sea of Galilee, which was lashed by the tempest, the ships of Peter, Andrew and Zebedee were in distress.  The Apostles were asleep in Bethania, their servants being alone on the ships.  As Jesus was praying an apparition of Him was there on the ships, now on one, now on another, and then again upon the raging billows.  It was as if He were laboring among them holding back the vessels, warding off the danger.  He was not there in person but He stood above the sufferers.  He hovered on the waves.  The sailors did not see Him for it was His spirit assisting them in prayer.  None of them knew anything about His being there, though He was really helping them.  The sailors believed in Him and had called on Him for help.

     The Pasch was approaching.  Mary and the other holy women left Capharnaum to go to Jerusalem.  Their route lay toward Nazareth and passed Thabor from which district other women came to join them.  They were preceded by the disciples from Galilee and were followed by the servants with the baggage.  Among the disciples were Andrew, Peter, their half-brother Jonathan, the sons of Zebedee, the sons of Mary Cleophas, Nathanael Chased and Nathanael the bridegroom.

     Jesus was again at the Temple.  At this period no one feared to be seen in company with Jesus for hatred against Him had not yet been manifested.  He continued to show Himself still more freely and boldly throughout Jerusalem, addressing the people on the streets and in the Temple.  He went with Obed even to the place between the altar of sacrifice and the Temple, where an instruction was being delivered to the priests relative to the Pasch and its ceremonies.  The disciples had not followed Him but had remained back in the court of Israel.  The Pharisees were greatly annoyed at seeing Him present at that instruction.

     Jesus went from Ono with the disciples to the middle place of baptism, that above Bethabara and opposite Gelgal.  There He permitted Andrew, Saturnin, Peter and James Alpheus to baptize.  Immense crowds were coming and going, causing fresh excitement among the Pharisees.  They dispatched letters to the Elders of all the synagogues throughout the country, directing them to deliver Jesus wherever He might be found, to take the disciples into custody, to inquire into their teachings, and to inflict punishment upon them.  But Jesus, accompanied by only a few disciples left the place of baptism and journeyed to Tyre.  The rest of the disciples separated and returned to their homes.  About the same time Herod ordered His soldiers to bring John the Baptist to Callirrhoe, where he confined him for about six weeks in a vault of his castle.  Then he set him free.

     Jesus had to endure great privations on this hurried journey to the coast.  He had to steep the hard crust of bread in water in order to eat it.  He came over a high mountain ridge and put up at an inn in Tyre.  Saturnin and another disciple was with Him.  Andrew, Peter, James, Thaddeus, Nathanael Chased and all the disciples that had been with Him at the marriage feast of Cana followed.  They had traveled in separate bands, and met Jesus in the Jewish meeting house.  They were very joyous at seeing Him again.  He delivered to them a long instruction, after which they told Him all that had happened to them.  Some of the disciples in Jerusalem, and some in Gennabris, were called to account by the Pharisees before large assemblies on the subject of Jesus, His doctrine and designs, and their own association with Him.  They were molested in many ways.  Once Andrew, Peter and John had had their hands bound, but with a slight effort burst their bonds asunder, as if by a miracle.  They were then allowed to return to their homes in peace.  Jesus exhorted them to constancy and to begin to free themselves more and more from their occupations, and to spread as far as they could His doctrine among the people of their district.  He added that soon He would be with them again, and that He would resume His public teaching when He would have rejoined them in Galilee.  After His instruction they took a meal together consisting of bread, fruit, honey and fish which the disciples had brought with them.

     Jesus with some disciples and Jews went to Seleucia.  He and His party were received by the most distinguished men of the city, and a luncheon served for their refreshment.  After that they were conducted into the city and Jesus saluted and instructed the heathen women, who had assembled in a square not far from the gate in order to see Him.  They were clothed like Jewesses, though not so modestly veiled.

     Jesus entered a large public hall where a banquet had been prepared in His honor.  Jesus, the disciples, and the Jews sat by themselves at one of the tables.  At first the Jews were unwilling to partake of the feast, but Jesus told them that what entered the mouth did not sully the man, and added that they who would not eat with Him would not follow His doctrine.  He taught unwearily during the whole of the entertainment.

     The heathens used tables higher than those of the Jews and also small single ones.  They sat cross-legged on cushions.  The viands consisted of fish, herbs, honey, fruit, also flesh meat roasted brown.

     Jesus so impressed them by His teaching that they were very much grieved when He had to leave.  They begged Him so earnestly to remain with them that He allowed Andrew and Nathanael to do so.  The heathens were very curious when there was question of novelty.  It was already dusk when He left them.

     In Seleucia Jesus also spoke of the baptism as of a purification, and when they wished to retain Him longer, He told them that they were at present incapable of understanding more.

     From Seleucia Jesus returned to Adama.  In the synagogue a feast of thanksgiving was celebrated by the newly baptized who occupied the places of Honor and chanted canticles of praise.  Numbers of others were baptized when Andrew and Nathanael returned from Seleucia.

     Jesus spent the night on a hill in the shed of a public inn where He took some refreshment brought from Galilee by the disciples who had come there to meet Him.  They were Andrew, the bridegroom Nathanael, and two servants of the so called Centurion of Capharnaum.  They urged Jesus to hurry as the man's son was so ill.  Jesus replied that He would go at the right time.

     This centurion was a retired officer who had once been Governor of a part of Galilee under Herod Antipas.  He was a well disposed man, and in the late persecution had protected the disciples against the Pharisees.  He had also provided them with money and other necessities.  As yet, however, he was not quite believing, although he put faith in the miracles.  He was very desirous of one in behalf of his son, both through natural affection, and also to put the Pharisees to shame.  The disciples likewise were eager for it saying, "Then the Pharisees will be furious!  Then they will see who He is that we follow!"

     It was in this spirit that Andrew and Nathanael had undertaken the commission to Jesus, who knew well the bottom of their heart.  He gave another instruction the next morning at which the two servants of the centurion were converted.  They were pagan slaves and had brought food with them.  They now returned with Andrew and Nathanael to Capharnaum.

     Jesus continued to preach and cure in Engannim and in Naim. He journeyed on to Cana where He put up near the synagogue with a Doctor of the Law.  He had been teaching the whole morning, when the chief officer of the Centurion of Capharnaum with several companions arrived mounted on mules.  He was in a great hurry and wore an air of anxiety and solitude.  He vainly sought on all sides to press his way through the throng to Jesus, but could not succeed.  After several fruitless attempts, he began to cry out lustily, "Venerable Master, let Your servant approach You!  I come as the messenger of my lord of Capharnaum.  In his name and as the father of his son, I implore You to come with me at once, for my son is very sick and nigh unto death."  Jesus appeared not to hear him, but encouraged at seeing some who were directing Jesus' attention to him, the man again sought to press through the crowd.  Not succeeding, he cried out again, "Come with me at once, for my son is dying!"

     When he cried so impatiently, Jesus turned His head toward him and said loud enough for people to hear, "If you do not see signs and wonders you do not believe.  I know your case well.  You want to boast of a miracle and glory over the Pharisees, though you have the same need to be humbled as they.  My mission is not to work miracles in order to further your designs.  I stand in no need of your approbation.  I shall reserve My miracles until it is My Father's will that I shall perform them, and I shall perform them when My mission calls for it!"  Thus Jesus went on for a long time, humbling the man before all the people.  He said that that man had been waiting for Him to cure his son, that he might boast of it before the Pharisees.  But miracles, Jesus continued, should not be desired in order to triumph over others, and He exhorted His hearers to believe and be converted.

     The man listened to Jesus' reproaches without being disturbed.  Not at all diverted from his design, he again tried to approach nearer, crying out, "Of what use is all that, Master?  My son is in the agony of death!  Come with me at once, he may perhaps be already dead!"  Then Jesus said to him, "Go, your son lives!"  The man asked, "Is that really true?"  Jesus answered, "Believe Me, he has in this very hour been cured."  Thereupon the man believed and, no longer importuning Jesus to accompany him, mounted on his mule and hastened back to Capharnaum.  Jesus remarked that He had yielded this time, at another He would not be so condescending.

     This man came not so much as invested with the royal commission, but as himself the father of the sick boy.  He was the chief officer of the Centurion of Capharnaum.  The latter had no children, but had long desired to have one.  He had, consequently, adopted as his own a son of this confidential servant and his wife.  The boy was now fourteen years old.  The man came in quality of messenger, though he himself was the true father and, indeed, almost the master.  These details were not publicly known.  When the danger had become imminent, messages had been sent to Samaria by means of the holy women, while Andrew and Nathanael had been sent to Engannim, and at last the father and steward himself rode to Cana where he found Jesus.  Jesus had delayed to grant his prayer, in order to punish what was evil in his intentions.

     The man hastened back to Capharnaum.  Some of his servants met him and told him the boy was cured.

     The Centurion's name was Zorobabel.  He earnestly besought Jesus to stay with him while at Capharnaum and to accept a feast in His honor.  But Jesus refused, still reproaching him with his desire to see a miracle in order to vex others.  He said, "I should not have cured the boy, had not the faith of the messenger been so strong and urgent.  Thereupon Jesus went His way. (John 4:46-53)

     The news of the miracle soon spread throughout Capharnaum.  Zorobabel sent an account of it to the Mother of Jesus and the Apostles.  The news was also taken to Peter's mother-in-law who was then lying sick.

     Jesus went around Capharnaum to His Mother's dwelling, where about five women together with Peter, Andrew, James and John were assembled.  There were great rejoicing at His coming and His miracles.

     The stream of Capharnaum flowed along by Peter's house.  He could in his little boat, in the middle of which was a seat, sail down to the Sea with his fishing gear.

     From Mary's home Jesus went with the disciples along the north side of the valley to the declivity of the mountain which stretched on to Bethsaida not quite an hour distance.  The holy women also left Peter's house and went to that of Andrew at the northern extremity of Bethsaida.  It was in good condition, though not as large as Peter's.

     The inhabitants of Bethsaida were made up for the most part of fishermen, blanket weavers and tent makers.  They were simple and untutored people.  The blankets were made of goat and camel hair.  The long hairs from the camel's neck and breast fell over the edges and shone so beautifully that they looked like fringe and lace.

     Jesus taught in the synagogue which was not a very large building.  When Jesus was through teaching and healing, He went with His disciples to Andrew's to get something to eat, but He did not go in.  He said He had another kind of hunger.  Taking with Him Saturnin and another disciple, they went up the shore of the Sea about seven minutes' walk from Andrew's.  There in a lonely hospital were some poor lepers, simpletons and other miserable, forlorn creatures languishing, quite forgotten by the rest of the world, some of them entirely nude.  No one from Bethsaida followed Jesus for fear of contracting impurity.  The cells of these poor creatures were built around a court.  They never left them, their food being given them through an aperture in the door.  Jesus commanded the superintendent of the hospital to bring out the miserable patients.  The two disciples covered all in need with the clothing they had brought with them.  Jesus instructed and consoled them, healing many by the imposition of His sacred hands.  The cured sank on their knees before Him, giving thanks with abundant tears.  Jesus took the superintendent back to Andrew's to dine with Him.  As they were leaving the hospital, some of the Bethsaida relatives of the cured arrived bringing clothes to the cured.  They joyfully took their relatives first to their homes, and then to the synagogue to give thanks to God.

     There was a grand dinner prepared at Andrew's consisting of fine large fish.  They ate in an open hall, the women at a separate table.  Andrew himself served.  His wife was very active and industrious, rarely leaving the house.  She carried on a trade of net-weaving, employing a number of poor girls for the work.  The greatest system and order reigned throughout her establishment.  Among those so employed were some poor, fallen women, once honorable wives, but afterward repudiated for misconduct.  They had no place of refuge, and so the good mistress, pitying their distress, gave them work, instructed them in their duty, and prevailed upon them to implore the mercy of God.

     That evening Jesus taught in the synagogue and then resumed His journeying with the disciples.

     Jesus went to the shore of the Sea and down to the spot where Peter's men were waiting for Him with a boat.  It was late.  The sailors made use of lights when they embarked about half an hour below Bethsaida-Julias.  Peter and Andrew with the help of their servants had built, especially for His use, the little boat in which Jesus had crossed.  They were not only mariners and fishermen, but ship builders also.  Peter owned three vessels, one of them very large, as long as a house.  Jesus' little boat held about ten men.  It was oval in form, almost like an egg.  In the forepart and stern were enclosed places for storage, and for affording accommodations for washing the feet.  In the center rose the mast with poles extended from it to the sides of the vessel for support; above and around these poles swung the sails.  The seats were ranged around the mast.  Jesus often taught from this little bark, which He used likewise to cross from point to point and to sail among the other ships.

    

     Jesus landed above Bethsaida not far from the house of the lepers where Andrew, Peter, John, his brother James, James Alpheus, and Philip were awaiting Him.  They went together to Peter's house where Mary and the other women were assembled.  During the meal the conversation turned to the fact that from the several most famous schools in Judea and Jerusalem fifteen Pharisees had been sent to Capharnaum to spy on Jesus' actions.  From the larger places, two had been sent, from Sephoris only one, and from Nazareth came that young man who had several times begged Jesus to be admitted to His disciples, and whom Jesus had again rejected at His last visit to His native city.  He had married lately, and was now appointed Scribe of the commission.  Jesus said to the disciples, "Behold, for whom you interceded!  He desired to become My disciple, and yet he is now come to lay snares for Me!"  This young man wanted to join Jesus through a motive of vanity and, not being allowed to do so, he took part with Jesus' enemies.  Of those that came in pairs, one returned to report, the second remained to spy Jesus' conduct and teaching.  They had already held a meeting before which the Centurion Zorobabel, the son and the father had to appear and answer interrogations respecting the boy's cure and Jesus' doctrine.

     Jesus' friends and relatives did not want Him to teach in Capharnaum on the Sabbath.  Even His Mother was full of anxiety, and she expressed her opinion that it would be more advisable for Him to go to the other side of the Sea.  From such objections Jesus turned aside with a few brief words and without explanations.

     Jesus had said to Peter that he should leave the fishery and help Him to fish after men, soon He would call upon him to quit entirely.  Peter obeyed but not without some embarrassment.  He was always of the opinion that life with the Master was too high for him, he could not understand it.  He believed in Jesus, he saw His miracles, he shared freely his material substance with the other disciples, he did willingly all that was enjoined upon him, but yet he felt unfit for such a vocation.  He thought himself too simple, too unworthy.  To this was added a secret anxiety for the welfare of his business, and those who depended upon it.  All this made it a struggle for Peter, since, though full of faith and love, he was not at that time so enthusiastic, so zealous as Andrew and the other disciples.  He was timid and humble, attached to his ordinary occupations, and in his simplicity would have preferred being left in the peaceful discharge of them.

     Jesus went through Bethsaida.  It was crowded with people.  He cured in the different inns and along the streets.  Refreshments had been prepared in Andrew's house.  There were children there; Peter's step-daughter and some other little girls about ten years old, two others between eight and ten, and Andrew's little son who wore a yellow tunic with a girdle.  There was also some women of advanced age.  All were standing on a covered porch outside the house, speaking of the Prophet, asking whether He would soon come, and running from side to side to see whether He was in sight.  They had assembled here in order to get a glimpse of Him, though ordinarily the children were kept under greater restraint.  At last Jesus passed, turned His head toward them and gave them His blessing.

     Toward evening Jesus left the synagogue.  He found a great crowd of sick waiting for Him.  Some were lying on litters over which awnings had been stretched.  Jesus, followed by His disciples, went from one to another curing them.  There were paralytics, consumptives, the deaf, the dumb and the dropsical with tumors or scrofulous swellings on their neck.  Jesus healed all, one after another, by the imposition of hands, though His manner and touch were different in different cases.  But there were so many sick that Jesus could not go around among them all.  The disciples lent their aid in lifting and supporting them, and removing their wrappings and covers.  At last Jesus laid His hands on the heads of Andrew, of John and of Judas Barsabas, took their hands in His own and commanded them to go and, in His name, do to some of the sick as He had done.  They instantly obeyed and cured many.

     From Ennon Jesus went with twelve disciples to the Jabok and the neighboring places.  Andrew, James, John, and some other disciples remained at Ennon in order to baptize at the pool of baptism, east of the hill.  The water ran down from the hill into the baptismal basin, formed a little lake behind it, watered some meadows as a little brook, and then fell into a reservoir on the north of Ennon from which it could be turned at pleasure into the Jordan.

     During the feast Jesus went to visit the pagans.  Companies of travellers of Jews and gentiles came in uninterrupted succession from all the places at which Jesus had been since He left Ennon.  They came to Ennon to receive baptism from the disciples who had been left there for that purpose.  Andrew, James Alpheus, John and disciples of John the Baptist were all busy administering baptism.  Messengers were constantly going and coming between them and the imprisoned Baptist.

     Jesus returned to Ennon along a pleasant road, enlivened by the camps of the caravans and the pilgrims going to baptism.  It was already lined with long rows of tents, covered with foliage, and the people were still busied with the preparations, because with the close of the coming Sabbath, the Feast of the Tabernacles began.

     Lazarus, Joseph of Arimathea, Veronica, Simeon's sons, and some disciples from Jerusalem, had come here for the Sabbath.  Andrew, John and some of the Baptist's disciples were still here, but James Alpheus had gone back.  The Baptist had again sent messengers to Jesus urging Him to go to Jerusalem and to say openly before the whole world who He was.  John was now so impatient, so anxious, because though so powerfully impelled to announce Jesus, he was unable to do so.

     There were many sick outside the synagogue, and although it was not customary for them to enter on the Feast of Tabernacles, yet Jesus directed the disciples to bring them into the corridor between the sacred building and the dwelling of the Doctors.  At the close of the feast, the whole synagogue having long before been lighted with lamps, He went out in the corridor and cured many of them.  The curing of the sick was followed by an entertainment in honor of the feast.

     Jesus gave instructions at the place of baptism, cured the sick and visited the Gentiles.  Jesus received the confessions of many and granted them absolution from their sins, a power He had imparted to some of the older disciples, for instance, Andrew.  John Zebedee did not yet baptize.  He acted as a witness and sponsor.

     Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee.  Peter and Andrew were just about to launch out on the deep to let down their nets when Jesus called to them, "Come, follow Me!  I will make you fishers of men!"  They instantly abandoned their work, landed their boat and came on shore.  Jesus went a little farther up the shore to the ship of Zebedee, who with his sons, John and James, were mending his nets on the ship.  Jesus called the two sons to Him.  They obeyed immediately and came to land, while Zebedee remained on the ship with his servants. (Matt 4:18-22 & Mark 1:16-20)

          Jesus had indeed at an earlier period informally called the fishermen from their occupations, but with His consent they had always returned to them.  So long as they themselves were not engaged in teaching, it was not necessary for them to follow Him constantly.  When after the last Pasch they had for a longer time been with Jesus, they had indeed taught here and there, and had even wrought some miraculous cures.  In these, however, they were not always successful on account of their want of faith.  They had also suffered persecution at this early stage of their apostolic careers.  Andrew had followed the Lord longer, and he was already more detached from worldly affairs than his brother Peter.  James and John up to this period were accustomed to return at intervals to their parents.  Now Jesus called them to a complete dedication of their lives.

     Some of the Apostles were married.  Peter, Andrew and Matthew had lived normal married lives before following Jesus, but when they accepted His formal calls they gave up ALL for Christ, even their families, and became celibate. (Matt 10:37-38)  This does not mean that their families were left abandoned to fend for themselves, but by mutual consent their wives and children became active members of the Community, and the Community supported them according to their need.  Many women devotedly followed the example of the Blessed Virgin.

     After Jesus formally called them, He sent Peter, Andrew, James and John into the mountains where the heathens were encamped, with the order to baptize all that desired it.  He Himself had prepared them for it during the two preceding days.  With Saturnin and the other disciples Jesus went in another direction.  They were to meet again that evening at Matthew's.  While He was calling the four disciples, the others were waiting for Him at a little distance up the road, but when He commissioned those four to go and baptize, they were all together.

     Peter, Andrew, James and John went to the pagan encampment, and there Andrew baptized.  Water was brought from the brook in a large basin.  The neophytes knelt in a circle, their hands crossed upon their breast.  Among them were boys from three to six years.  Peter held the basin and Andrew, scooping up the water with his hand three different times, sprinkled the heads of the neophytes three at a time and repeated the words of baptism.  The other disciples went around outside the circle laying their hands on the newly baptized.  The newly baptised then withdrew, and their places were immediately filled with others.  The ceremony was discontinued at intervals, and then the Apostles recounted the parables they had learned from their Master.  They spoke of Jesus, His doctrine, and His miracles, and explained to the pagans points of which they were still ignorant regarding the Law and the Promises of God.

     That evening when all were assembled at Matthew's, the crowd was very great and pressed around Jesus.  To escape the throng He went on board Peter's bark with the twelve Apostles and Saturnin, and commanded them to row toward Tiberias.

     Jesus and some Apostles returned to the mount upon which He had already several times before taught about the Eight Beatitudes.  He found the multitude assembled.  The other Apostles had arranged the sick in sheltered places.  Jesus and the Apostles began to heal, instruct and baptize.  The Mother of Jesus had come with the other women, and she now helped among the sick women and children.  Teaching and healing went on until after four o'clock, and all this time the listening crowds had nothing to eat.  They had now followed from the day before, and the scanty provisions they had brought with them were exhausted.  Many among them were quite weak and languishing for nourishment.  The Apostles noticing this, approached Jesus with the request that He close the instruction that the people might hunt up lodgings for the night and procure food.

     There was in the crowd a servant who had been sent by his master with five loaves and two fish as a present to the Apostles.  Andrew told this to Jesus with the words, "But what is that among so many?"  Jesus ordered the loaves and fish to be brought.  Jesus said, "Let the people be seated, the most famished by fifties, the others in groups of a hundred, and bring Me the baskets you have at hand."  The disciples set before Him a row of shallow baskets woven of broad bark such as were used for bread.  Then they scattered among the people.

     On a high mossy bank Jesus directed a large napkin to be spread, upon which were deposited the five loaves and the two fish.  Another man brought a couple of honey combs, and they too were laid on the napkin.

     Jesus cut the five loaves with a bone knife.  The fish He divided in cross pieces.  He took one of the loaves in His hands, raised it on high and prayed.  He did the same with one of the fish.  Jesus then blessed the bread, the fish and the honey, and began to break the cross sections into pieces, and these again into smaller portions.  Each portion immediately increased to the original size.  The food was placed in the flat baskets which were carried away to those in most need.  Those who sat in fifties were served first.  As soon as the empty baskets were brought back they were exchanged for full ones.

     When all had satisfied their hunger, Jesus bade the disciples to go around with baskets and gather up the scraps, that nothing might be lost.  They collected twelve baskets full. (Matt 14:15-21 & Mark 6:35-44)

     Jesus with His Apostles and disciples paused in the region of Giskala.  He placed the Twelve in three separate rows, and revealed to each his own peculiar disposition and character.  Peter, Andrew, John, James Zebedee and Matthew stood in the first row.  Each heard his own thoughts and hopes revealed to him by Jesus, and all were strongly affected.  Jesus delivered at the same time a lengthy discourse upon the hardships and sufferings that awaited them.  The three different rows established no subordination among the Apostles, one to another.  The Twelve were classed merely according to their disposition and character.  As they stood around Jesus, rays darted toward them of different colors according to the nature of the gifts received and the particular disposition of each recipient.  They felt themselves imbued with strength.  Each now knew what he had to do in every case to effect a cure.

     From the inn Jesus went to the citadel or stronghold of Regaba.  A great multitude besides many from a caravan had gathered.  The citadel had been hewn out of rock.  Around it stood rows of houses and a synagogue.  Six of the Apostles joined Jesus here.  They were Peter, Andrew, John, his brother James, Philip, and James Alpheus.  There were also many Pharisees there.  The synagogue was so crowded that even standing room was occupied.  Jesus took His text from Jeremiah.  He said that now they were eager to see and hear Him, but the time would come when they would all abandon Him, mock and maltreat Him.

     The Pharisees began a violent dispute with Jesus.  They brought forth their charge that He drove out the devil through the power of beelzebub.  Jesus called them children of the father of lies and told them that God no longer desired bloody sacrifices.  He spoke of the Blood of the Lamb, of innocent blood they would soon pour out, of which the blood of animals was only a symbol.  With the sacrifice of the Lamb their religious rites would come to an end.  All they that believed in the sacrifice of the Lamb would be reconciled to God, but they to whom He was addressing Himself should, as murderers of the Lamb, be condemned.  He warned His disciples in the presence of the Pharisees to beware of them.  This so enraged these men that Jesus and His disciples had to withdraw and hurry off into the desert.  Among the listening crowd were some men with cudgels.  Jesus had never before attacked His aggressors so boldly.  He and His disciples passed the night in the desert and then went to Corozain.

     There was in Bethsaida an aged man blind from his birth whom Jesus had refused to cure before.  Now, however, he was brought to Him again and when Jesus and the disciples were about to return to the ship, the man cried out to Him for help.  Jesus took him by the hand, led him outside the city and there before His Apostles and disciples, touched his eyes.  The man stared around saying, "I see people as large as trees walking about."  Jesus laid His hand once more on his eyes, and asked Him again to look around.  Now he saw perfectly.  Jesus told him to go home and thank God, but not to go about the city boasting of his cure. (Mark 8:22-26)

     Toward evening Jesus and His Apostles rowed to the opposite shore of the Sea and landed.  On this journey Jesus spoke of His approaching arrest and of the dangers that menaced, whereupon the Apostles implored Him not to send them away any more, that they might be near Him.

     Before day break the Twelve stood around Jesus.  On His right were first John, then James Zebedee and third Peter.  The disciples stood outside the circle, the oldest nearest to the Apostles.  Then Jesus, as if resuming the discourse of the preceding night asked, "Who do men say that I am?"  The Apostles and the oldest disciples repeated the various conjectures they had heard.  Some said that He was the Baptist, some said He was Elias, and some said He was Jeremiah who had risen from the dead.  There was a short pause.  Jesus was very grave and they fixed their eyes upon His countenance with some impatience.  At last He said, "And you, for whom do you take Me?"  No one felt compelled to answer.  Only Peter, full of faith and zeal, taking one step forward into the circle, with hand raised like one solemnly affirming, exclaimed loud and boldly as if of the voice and tongue of all, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!"  Jesus replied with great earnestness, His voice strong and animated, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of John, because flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in Heaven, and I say to you, you are a rock and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, that whatever you shall bind upon earth it shall be bound also in Heaven and whatever you shall loose upon the earth it shall be loosed also in Heaven!"  Jesus made this response in a manner both solemn and prophetic.  He appeared to be shining in light and was raised some distance upon the earth.  Peter was deeply impressed, but the other Apostles appeared troubled as they glanced from Jesus to Peter. (Matt 16:13-19)  Peter alone understood the meaning of all this.  The other Apostles thought that Jesus intended to bestow on Peter the office of High Priest in His Kingdom.  Jesus now told the Apostles in plain words that He was the Messiah.

     Jesus, the Apostles and some of the disciples went to Bethsaida.  Other disciples arrived, some of them came from missions, some from their homes.  Most of them came from the other side of the Sea, from Decapolis and Gerasa.  They were very much fatigued and stood in great need of care and attention.  They were affectionately received on the shore by their fellow disciples who embraced them and served them in every way.  They were conducted to Andrew's, their feet washed, baths made ready for them, fresh garments supplied and a meal prepared.

     Jesus was very busy helping them.  Peter entreated Him to desist.  "Lord," he said, "Are you going to serve?  Leave that to us."  Jesus replied that He had been sent to serve, and that what was done for these disciples was done for His Father.  He again turned His teaching to humility, stating that he that is the least, he that serves all others, he shall be the greatest.  But whoever does not serve from a motive of charity, whoever lowers himself to help his neighbor, not in order to comfort a needy brother, but in order to gain distinction at that cost, he is a double dealer, a server to the eye.  He already has his reward, for he serves himself and not his brother.  There were on this occasion perhaps seventy disciples present, and there were still some others in and around Jerusalem.

     All this took place during and after the Sabbath.  Some of the disciples put up in Capharnaum, some at Peter's outside the city.  All expenses were defrayed out of the common purse.  It was almost like a religious Community.

     The day after the Sabbath Jesus went with the disciples northward from Capharnaum.  He journeyed about two hours among the shepherds, sometimes instructing the people, at other times the disciples.

     It was just harvest time.  During pauses for rest Jesus instructed the laborers.  He questioned them as to how much they sowed, how much they reaped, to whom the grain belonged, what kind of soil, how they worked it, etc.  Around these questions He wove parables relating to sowing, to seeds, to the little grains of wheat, to the judgement and the consuming of the tares by fire.  He also taught the disciples also how they should teach.  He explained the spiritual signification of the harvest, called them His sowers and reapers, and told them they must collect the seed grain for the treasure of a coming harvest, since He would not now be with them long.  The disciples became anxious and asked if He would not remain with them until Pentecost.  Jesus said to them, "What will become of you when I am no longer with you?"

     To the shepherds Jesus also asked questions to introduce His discourse.  "Is this your own flock?  Are these sheep of several flocks?  How do you guard them?  Why do your sheep wander around dispersed?" etc.  In this manner He linked His parables of the lost sheep, the good shepherd, etc,.

     He journeyed through valleys and solitary places teaching now the reapers and shepherds, now the disciples.  He spoke of the duties of a good shepherd and applied them to Himself, since He was about to give up His life for His sheep.  He thereby indicated to the disciples how they should treat with such people whom they found in out-of-the-way districts deprived of spiritual assistance, and should sow good seed among them.

     In Great Corozain Jesus taught on the Sabbath in the synagogue.  Peter, Andrew and Philip were with Him.  Many people gathered around Jesus, some belonging to the city, others from a distance.  Some were sick and looking for a cure, others in search of consolation.  He satisfied some at once but to others He held out the promise of future assistance.

     On the evening of the Sabbath Jesus took leave of the inhabitants outside the synagogue, and proceeded with Andrew, Peter and Philip up to where the Jordan empties into the Sea, in order to cross to the other side.  The ferry was higher up the river and that made the journey much longer.  They crossed the Jordan on a kind of raft formed of beams laid one over another like a grating.  In the center on a raised platform was a coop, or a little half-tub, into which water could not penetrate and there the baggage of the passengers was deposited.  The raft was propelled by means of long poles.  The shore of the Jordan was not very high in this place.

     Jesus and the three Apostles travelled by moonlight.  Outside of Bethsaida, as was customary at the entrance to the cities of Palestine, stood a long shed which the travellers used to ungird their garments and brush off the dust of travel before entering the city.  When Jesus and His Apostles arrived, some attendants were there to wash their feet.  After this they went to Andrew's home.  Peter and Philip accompanied the Lord, but Andrew had gone on ahead.  They were served a meal of honey, rolls, and grapes.    There were in all twelve men present at the meal, and at the end of it six women came to hear Jesus' teaching.  The next day He left Bethsaida with the three Apostles.

     From Ephron Jesus dispatched the disciples, Eliud, Silas and Eremenzear, to meet the holy women who had reached the rented inn near Jericho.  Awaiting His coming near a cetain well were the Blessed Virgin, Magdalen, Martha, Peter's wife and step-daughter and two others.  Jesus with Peter, Andrew and John met all of them about two hours before sundown.  The women cast themselves on their knees before Him and kissed His hand.  Mary also kissed His hand, and when she arose, Jesus kissed hers.  Magdalen stood somewhat back.  At the well the three disciples washed Jesus' feet, also those of the Apostles.  In the inn all partook of a repast.  The women ate alone and when their meal was over took their places at the lower end of the dining hall to listen to Jesus' words.  He did not remain at the inn but went with the three Apostles to Jericho, where the rest of the Apostles and disciples were assembled along with numerous sick.  The women followed Him.  He went into many of the houses curing the sick, after which He Himself unlocked the school and ordered a chair to be placed in the center of the hall.  The holy women were present in a retired part.  They had a lamp to themselves.  Mary was with them.  After the instruction the holy women went back to their inn and on the following morning returned to their homes.

     Jesus with John, Andrew and James Alpheus went by a very circuitous route to the house of a son of Andrew's half-brother, whose daughter lay ill.  They reached the well belonging to the house about noon.  The master of the house, a robust man engaged in the manufacture of wicker screens, washed their feet and led them to his home.  He had a great many children, some of them still quite small.  Two grown sons from sixteen to eighteen years of age were not at home, but at the fishery on the Sea of Galilee, in Andrew's dwelling place.  Andrew had sent messengers to tell them that Jesus had returned, and to come to meet Him.

     After a repast, the man led Jesus and the Apostles to his sick daughter, a girl about twelve years old.  For a long time she had been lying upon her bed perfectly pale and motionless.  She had the green-sickness, and she was also a simpleton.  Jesus commanded her to arise.  Then with Andrew He led her by the hand to the well where He poured water over her head.  After that, at the Lord's command, she took a bath under a tent and returned to the house cured.  She was a tall child.  When Jesus with the Apostles left the place the father escorted Him a part of the way.  Before the hour of the Sabbath, Jesus reached a little city.

     The day after His return to Bethania, Jesus repaired to the Temple to teach.  His holy Mother accompanied Him a part of the way.  He was preparing for His approaching Passion.  The next day, after the Jews had left the Temple, Jesus began to teach in it openly and very earnestly.  All the Apostles were in Jerusalem, but they went to the Temple separately and by different directions.  On the next Sabbath Jesus taught in the Temple from morning until evening, part of the time in a retired apartment in the presence of the Apostles and disciples only, and at another time in the lecture hall where the lurking Pharisees and other Jews could hear Him.  He foretold to the Apostles and disciples, though in general terms, much of what was to happen to them in the future.

     When the Apostles and disciples alone were standing around Jesus, He touched upon many things that would take place after His return to the Father.  To Peter He said he would have much to suffer, but he should not fear, he should stand firm at the head of the Community (the Church), which would increase wonderfully.  For three years he should with John and James Alpheus remain with the faithful in Jerusalem.  Then He spoke of the youth who was to be the first to shed his blood for Him, but without mentioning Stephen by name.  He also spoke of the conversion of Stephen's persecutor who would afterward do more in His service than many others.  Here too, He did not give Paul's name.  He also predicted the persecutions that would arise against Lazarus.

     Jesus began to organize His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  Covers and mantles were brought to prepare the ass for the Lord to ride.  Jesus arranged His procession.  The Apostles were ordered to precede Him two by two, all carried palm branches.  Jesus wore a fine white wool festal robe and a wide stole that reached to His knees.  Two disciples helped Jesus to mount the cross seat on the ass, which had no bridle.  The animal was almost as large as his dam who ran along his side. (Matt 21:5)  Neither wore a bridle.  Eliud and Silas walked on either side of the Lord, and Ermenzear behind Him.  Then followed the disciples two and two.  The holy women, two and two, with the Blessed Virgin at their head, brought up the rear.  As the procession moved forward all began to sing.  Foliage and garlands decorated their way.  When the news spread that He was approaching, crowds came pouring out to meet Him with songs and canticles.  Several aged priests in the insignia of their office stepped out into the road and brought the procession to a standstill.  The unexpected movement silenced the singing.  The priests called upon Jesus to say what He meant by such proceedings, and why He did not prohibit this noise and excitement.  Jesus answered that if His followers were silent, the stones on the road would cry out.  At these words the priests retired. (Luke 19:37-40)

     Many among the crowd not only broke off branches from the trees and strewed them in the way, but snatched off their mantles and spread them down, singing and shouting all the while.  Children rushed from their schools and ran rejoicing with the crowd.  Jesus wept, as did the Apostles also when He told them that many who were now shouting acclamations of joy would soon deride Him, and that a certain one would even betray Him.  He looked upon the city and wept over its approaching destruction.  The nearer the Temple the more magnificent was the ornamentation of the road. (Luke 19:41-44)

     The next day Jesus returned to the Temple.  While He was there teaching, some strangers of distinction from Greece dispatched their servants from the inn to ask Philip how they could converse with the Lord without mingling with the crowd.  Philip passed the word to Andrew, who in turn transmitted it to the Lord.  Jesus replied that He would meet them on the road between the city gate and the house of John Mark when He would leave the Temple to return to Bethania.  After this interruption, Jesus continued His discourse.  He spoke of the coming completion of His mission, stating that unless a grain of wheat fall to the ground and die, it remains just a grain of wheat, but if it dies it brings forth much fruit.  He that loves his life shall loose it, but he who hates his life in this world keeps it in life eternal.  He was very much troubled when, with folded hands, He raised His eyes to Heaven.  He would not ask His Father to save Him from suffering because it was for that reason that He came into the world.  He asked His Father to "Glorify Your Name."  A flash of light descended upon Him from a resplendent cloud and a loud report was heard.  A voice from heaven boomed, "I have glorified it and I will glorify it again."  The people glanced up frightened and began to whisper to one another, but Jesus went on speaking.  He said, "This voice came not for My sake, but for yours.  Now is come the judgement of the world.  If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all things to Myself."  Among other things Jesus declared, "I come into the world as a light, that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness," and "I come not to judge the world, but to save the world."  The flash of light and thunder glorifying God was repeated several times while Jesus spoke.  When He had finished Jesus came down from the teacher's chair, mingled with the disciples in the crowd and left the Temple (John 12:20-47).

     It was still bright daylight when Jesus and His followers reached the neighborhood of John Mark's house.  Here the Greeks stepped up and Jesus spoke to them some minutes.  The strangers had some women with them, but they remained standing back.  These people were converted.  They were among the first to join the disciples at Pentecost and to receive baptism.

     Before daybreak Jesus called Peter and John, spoke to them at some length upon what they should order, what preparations they should make in Jerusalem for the eating of the Paschal lamb.  It was to take place in a dining hall of a spacious old house owned by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, secret disciples of Jesus.  The large building containing the dining hall had been used in King David's time by his valiant heroes and generals to exercise themselves in arms.  The Ark of the Covenant had been deposited in this building for a long time before the building of the Temple.  When a great part of Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians, this house was spared.  It was now the property of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea who arranged the principal building in a very suitable manner and let it out as a guest house for strangers coming to Jerusalem for the Pasch.

     Peter and John reached this supper place, later  called the Cenacle, bringing with them the chalice which they had received from Veronica.  They draped the walls of the supper room, opened the apertures in the roof and prepared three hanging lamps.  This done they went out to the Valley of Josaphat and summoned the Lord and the other nine Apostles who were with Him.

     Simeon's son held the lamb's head up while Jesus stuck it in the neck with a knife, which He then handed to Simeon's son that he might complete the slaughter.  Jesus appeared timid in wounding the lamb, as if it cost Him pain.  His movement was quick, His manner grave.  The blood was caught in a basin.  Jesus dipped a branch of hyssop into it and signed the two door posts and the lock with blood.

     Simeon's son prepared the lamb, fixed it upon a spit and placed it in the oven to roast.

     Jesus gave the Apostles an instruction upon the Paschal lamb and the fulfillment of what it symbolized.  As the time was drawing near and Judas had returned, they began to set the tables.  They put on the travelling robes of ceremony and changed their footwear.  Each took a staff in his hand and walked in pairs to the table.  Each stood in his place with his arms raised, the staff resting on one of them.  The table was narrow and only high enough to reach slightly above the knee of a man standing next to it.  In form it was like a horseshoe.  Opposite Jesus, in the inner part of the half circle, there was a space left free for the serving of the dishes.  John, James Zebedee and James Alpheus stood on Jesus' right, then came Bartholomew still on the right but more toward the narrow end of the table, and around the corner stood Thomas and next to him Judas Iscariot.  On Jesus' left were Peter, Andrew and Thaddeus, then came Simon and then Matthew and Philip.

     After prayer the master of the feast laid on the table before Jesus the knife for carving the Paschal lamb.  The Lord cut up the Paschal lamb.  The Apostles in turn reached their little loaves and received each one a share.  They ate it in haste, not only the lamb but the garlic and green herbs, first dipping them in the sauce.  They ate standing. (Matt 26:17-19 & Mark 14:12-20 & Luke 22:7-13)

     Jesus, standing in the midst of the Apostles, spoke to them long and solemnly.  He spoke of His Kingdom, of His going to His Father, and He told them that He would, before leaving them, give over to them all that He possessed.  He gave them instructions upon penance, the knowledge and confession of sin, contrition and justification.  All, with the exception of Judas, acknowledged their sins with sorrow.  When this discourse was ended, Jesus sent John and James Alpheus to bring water to the anteroom and directed the others to place the seats in a half-circle.  Meanwhile He Himself retired to the anteroom to lay aside His mantle, gird up His robe and tie around Him a towel, one end of which He allowed to hang.  Jesus then washed the feet of His Apostles.  He next delivered an instruction upon humiliation.  He told them that he, who was the greatest among them, should be the servant of all, and that for the future they should in humility wash one another's feet.  Jesus then resumed the garments that He had laid aside, and the Apostles let down theirs that had been girded up for the eating of the Paschal lamb. (John 13:1-20)

     At the command of the Lord the master of the feast again set out the table which he raised a little higher.  Peter and John now brought forth from the back of the hall the chalice they had brought from Veronica's house.  They placed it on the table before Jesus.  The plate with the ribbed Paschal loaves, thin and whitish, stood near.

     Jesus place was between Peter and John.  The doors were closed, for everything was conducted with secrecy and solemnity.  Jesus explained the Last Supper to the Apostles, and also the ceremonies that were to accompany it.  He elevated the plate of bread with both hands, raised His eyes toward heaven, prayed, offered, set it down on the table and again covered it.  Then taking the chalice He received into it wine poured by Peter and water poured by John.  He blessed the chalice, raised it on high, praying and offering, and set it down again.

     During all this time, Jesus was becoming more and more recollected.  He said to the Apostles that He was now about to give them all that He possessed, even His very Self.  He seemed to be pouring out His whole Being in love.  He became perfectly transparent.  He looked like a luminous apparition.

     Again Jesus taught and prayed.  He took up the plate of bread and said, "Take and eat.  This is My Body which is given for you."  While saying these words, He stretched forth His right hand over it, as if giving a blessing, and as He did so, a brilliant light emanated from Him.  His words were luminous as also the Bread, which as a Body of Light entered the mouth of the Apostles.  It was as if Jesus Himself flowed into them.

     Jesus next raised the chalice by its two handles to a level of His face and pronounced the words of consecration.  While doing so, He was wholly transfigured and, as it were, transparent.  He was as if passing over into what He was giving. (Matt 26:20-29 & Luke 22:14-38 & Mark 14:21-26)

     Jesus poured the remains of the Sacred Blood left in the chalice into the small cup that would fit into the chalice.  Then holding his fingers over the chalice, He asked Peter and John to pour water and wine upon them.  This ablution He gave to the two to drink from the chalice, and, pouring what remained into the smaller cups, passed it down among the rest of the Apostles.  Then Jesus wiped out the chalice, placed in it the cup which held what was left of the Sacred Blood, laid upon it the plate with the remains of the consecrated Paschal Bread, replaced the cover, and wrapped the whole in a linen cloth.

     Jesus now gave to the Apostles an instruction full of mystery.  He told them how they were to preserve the Blessed Sacrament in memory of Him until the end of the world, taught them the necessary forms for making use of and communicating It, and in what manner they were by degrees to teach and publish the Mystery.  He instructed them upon the priesthood, the Sacred Unction and the preparation of the Chrism and the Holy Oils.  After that Jesus anointed Peter and John.  From the center of the table where He was standing, Jesus stepped a little to one side and imposed hands on Peter and John, first on their shoulders and then on their head.  During this action they joined their hands and crossed their thumbs.  As they bowed low before Him the Lord anointed the thumb and forefinger of each of their hands with Chrism and made the sign of the cross with it on their heads.  He told them that this anointing would remain with them to the end of the world.  James Alpheus, Andrew, James Zebedee and Bartholomew were likewise consecrated.  The Lord twisted crosswise over Peter's breast the narrow scarf that he wore around his neck, but the scarves on the others He drew across the breast over the right shoulder and under the left arm.

     Jesus at this anointing communicated to the Apostles something essential, something supernatural.  He told them also, that after they should have received the Holy Spirit, they were to consecrate bread and wine for the first time, and anoint the other Apostles.  All that Jesus did at the institution of the Blessed Eucharist and the anointing of the Apostles was done very secretly, and was later on taught as a mystery.  It has to this day remained essentially in the Church, though She has, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, developed it according to her needs.

     When Jesus left the Cenacle with The Eleven, His soul was already troubled and His sadness on the increase.  He led The Eleven to the Mount of Olives by an unfrequented path through the Valley of Josaphat.  He said to them, "All you shall be scandalized in Me this night.  For it is written, 'I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be dispersed.'  But after I shall be risen again, I will go before you into Galilee." (Matt 26:30-32 & Mark 14:27)  The Apostles were still full of enthusiasm and devotion inspired by the reception of the Most Holy Sacrament, and the loving, solemn discourse of Jesus afterward.  They crowded eagerly around Him and expressed their love in different ways, protesting that they never would, they never could abandon Him.

     It was about nine o'clock when Jesus reached Gethsemani with the disciples.  Jesus was very sad.  He announced to the Apostles the approach of danger, and they became very uneasy.  Jesus bade eight of them to remain in the Garden of Gethsemani, where there was a kind of summer house built of branches and foliage.  He added "Remain here while I go to My own place to pray." (Matt 26:36-46 & Mark 14:32-33)

     Judas wanted to separate from the soldiers and go forward alone to Jesus as if He were a friend returning after an absence.  The soldiers held him fast.  When they caught sight of the eight Apostles, who at the sound of the noise came forth from the Garden of Gethsemani, they called up four of the archers to their assistance.  Peter wished to repel them by force.  He exclaimed, "Lord, the Eight from Gethsemani are close at hand.  Let us make an attack on the archers!"  But Jesus told him to keep his peace.

     Peter more impetuous than the rest seized a sword and struck Malchus, the servant of the High Priest, who was trying to drive them back, and cut off a piece of his ear.  Jesus said, "Peter, put up your sword.  Do you think that I cannot ask My Father to send Me more than twelve legions of angels?  Shall I not drink the chalice that My Father has given Me?  How will the Scriptures be fulfilled if it shall not thus be done?"  Then He added, "Let Me heal the man," and going to Malchus He touched his ear and prayed.  At the same moment the ear was healed. (Matt 26:51-54 & Luke 22:49-51 & John 18:10)

     Some of the disciples were wandering around timidly, showing themselves only here and there in the distance.

     Joseph of Arimathea had asked Pilot for permission to bury Jesus.  His body was taken down from the cross and prepared for burial. (Matt 27:57-60 & Mark 15:43-46)

     The men laid the sacred body on a leather litter, placed over it a brown cover and ran two poles along the sides.  Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea carried the front ends on their shoulders; Abenadar and John carried the other ends.  Following them were the holy women.  The procession moved on singing Psalms in a low plaintive tone through the valley to the garden of the tomb.  James Zebedee was on a hill on the other side of the valley.  He watched the procession and then went off to tell the other disciples who were hiding in the caves of Gethsemani. (John 19:38-42)

     Peter, James Zebedee and James Alpheus met Joseph and Nicodemus in the city.  All wept.  They were quite beside themselves with sorrow.  They agreed that the door of the Cenacle should be opened upon their knocking.  They then separated in order to seek the other disciples who were scattered in various directions, and tell them that the Cenacle would be opened to them.

     The men in the Cenacle began celebrating the Sabbath (on the evening of Good Friday), taking a meal.  They were clothed in long white garments girdled at the waist, and were gathered together under a hanging lamp.  When they separated after eating, some went to take their rest in adjoining apartments, others to their homes.  During the Sabbath (Holy Saturday) most of them remained quietly in the house, assembling at intervals for prayer and reading, and occasionally admitting some newcomer.

     In the open entrance hall outside that of the Last Supper, Nicodemus prepared a repast for the Apostles, the holy women and the disciples.  All that took place at this feast was in strict accordance with Jesus' instructions.  During the Last Supper He had given Peter and John detailed instructions relative to the Blessed Sacrament, with the command to impart the same to the other Apostles.

     Early in the morning Peter & John went with Andrew into the hall of the Last Supper and vested in their priestly robes while the other Apostles entered the ante-hall.  Pushing aside the folds of woven tapestry, the three Apostles entered the Holy of Holies, which was curtained off so as to form a little chamber.  The ceiling, which was not so high as that of the hall, could be opened by a hanging cord ornamented with tassels, to admit light from the windows in the roof of the hall.  The Holy Communion table stood there.  The chalice with the remains of the Sacred Blood that Jesus had consecrated and the plate with what was left of the Consecrated Bread, were standing in the compartment formed like a tabernacle in a niche in the wall.  A lamp was hanging, one branch of it lighted, before the Blessed Sacrament.  They lighted the lamp of sacrifice that was suspended in the center of the hall, placed the Blessed Sacrament on the table, and extinguished the lamp in the Holy of Holies.  The other Apostles took their places around the table.  Peter uncovered the Blessed Bread.  Andrew and John were standing behind him in prayer.  Peter and John, bowing reverently, received the Blessed Sacrament.  Then Peter sent the plate around and each one communicated himself.  Into the chalice in which there was not much of the Wine consecrated by Jesus, they poured some wine and water and drank It.  After that they sang Psalms and prayed, covered the chalice and carried it along with the table back to its place.  This was the first divine service celebrated after the crucifixion.

     Peter went with the other Apostles, the disciples and many of the people to an elevated region which had on the north side an extraordinary fertile valley.  Even in the depth of winter it was covered with beautiful tall grass, for there was a brook running through it.  But in hot weather it was parched.  Up on this plateau was a hill around which lay houses with gardens behind them extending up its sides.  The hill was not much higher than the houses themselves.  Five pathways planted with hedges and trees ran up the hill, whose summit afforded ample space for about a hundred people to walk about freely.  From it the view extended far around the country and over the Galilean Sea.  It was very beautiful.  Not too far away arose the mountain of the multiplication of the loaves, and it was in this region that Jesus delivered His Sermon on the Mount.  The well of Capharnaum was at the base of this elevated plateau.  All of the Apostles, many of the disciples and the holy women were here, including the Blessed Virgin and Veronica.  Peter's wife and daughter and the wives of Andrew and Matthew had come down from Bethsaida along with many others.  The Apostles and disciples knew that they were to meet here.  They scattered around, some under sheds, some in the open air.  Peter related to the Apostles and the women the miraculous draught of fish, and then went with them up the mountain upon which the people had already been ranged by some of the disciples.

     There was on it a hollow place in which center stood a teacher's pillar overgrown with moss.  One could mount into it as into a pulpit.  The hollow in which the pillar stood was furnished with steps in tiers, so that the numerous audience could see over one another.  Peter stood on the pillar in the center.  All could not hear Peter because of the size of the crowd.  He placed five Apostles, one on each of the five different pathways which led up the mountain.  They taught the people who were too far away to hear Peter himself.

       The other Apostles, disciples and many of the people gathered around Peter.  He proclaimed the passion, the resurrection, the apparitions of the Lord and the obligation of following Him.

     The resurrected Jesus approached by the same route that Peter had come.  He went up the mountain.  The holy women, who were standing on one of the paths prostrated before Him and He spoke to them as He passed.  As, resplendent with light, He stepped in through the crowd, many shuddered and became alarmed.  These did not remain faithful.  Then Jesus went to the pillar on which Peter was standing.  Peter resigned his place and took up a position opposite Jesus who now addressed the multitude.  He spoke of abandoning one's relatives, of following Him, and of the persecution that they would have to endure.  About 200 of His hearers withdrew when they heard Him talking of such things.  He had spoken to them mildly in order not to scandalize the weak, but He uttered some very grave words upon the sufferings and persecution of those that would follow Him upon the earth, and He alluded to their eternal reward.  He addressed these remarks to the Apostles and disciples as He had once before done in His last instruction in the Temple.  He told them that they should at first remain in Jerusalem.  After He would send them the Spirit, they should baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and should at once establish a Community.  Then He told them how they should disperse, form distant communities, meet together once more, again separate for far-off countries and receive at last the baptism of blood. (Matt 28:16-20)

     While Jesus was speaking, the spirits of the ancient Patriarchs encircled the whole assembly, though invisibly.  Jesus vanished.  His disappearance was like a light suddenly extinguished in their midst.  Many fell prostrate on their faces.  Peter again taught and prayed.  This was Jesus' principal apparition in Galilee where He taught and gave proof of His resurrection to all.  The other apparitions were more private.

     Jesus communicated with the Apostles quite naturally in those last days.  He ate and prayed with them, walked with them and repeated all He had told them before.  Some unbelievers perceived His apparition and were terrified.  They ran to hide themselves or shut themselves up in their homes.  He scattered blessings everywhere, and they that saw Him believed and joined the Apostles and disciples.

     The night before His wonderful ascension, Jesus was in the inner hall of the Last Supper house with the Blessed Virgin and The Eleven.  Toward morning matins were solemnly recited as usual under the lamp.  Jesus again imparted to Peter jurisdiction over the others.  Before leaving the house, Jesus presented the Blessed Virgin to the Apostles and disciples as their Mother, their Mediatrix, and their Advocate.  She bestowed upon Peter and all the rest her blessing which they received bowing very low.

     At dawn of day Jesus left the House of the Last Supper with The Eleven.  The Blessed Virgin followed closely, the disciples at some little distance.

     The day grew brighter; their hearts grew lighter, and they began to think that Jesus would still remain with them. 

     New crowds of believers arrived and began following, ascending by different paths that encircled the mount.  At each instant Jesus shone brighter and His motions became more rapid.  The disciples hurried after Him, but it was impossible to overtake Him.  When He reached the top of the mountain, He as was resplendent as a beam of white sunlight.  A shining circle, glancing in all the colors of the rainbow, fell from Heaven around Him.  He raised His right hand, turned slowly around blessing the whole world, vanishing as He arose, and disappeared, as if dissolving into the light from Heaven. (Luke 24:50-53)

     Many, stunned by grief and amazement, fell to the earth.  When the glare had entirely died away they arose again.  It was past noon before the crowd entirely dispersed.  The Apostles now felt themselves alone, but by the soothing presence of the Blessed Virgin, they were comforted.

     The Apostles kept themselves very much aloof.  They guarded more against persecution, and gave themselves up to more earnest and well regulated prayer than did the disciples, who went in and out more.

     On the eve of Pentecost the whole interior of the Last Supper room was decorated with green bushes and flowers.  Only the gate of the outer court was closed.  After midnight there arose a wonderful movement in all nature.  Stillness pervaded the house and silence reigned throughout the whole enclosure.  Toward morning a glittering white cloud came down from above the Mount of Olives and drew near to the house.  Coming nearer it looked larger and floated over the city like a luminous mass of fog until it stood above Zion and the house of the Last Supper.  It seemed to contract and to shine with constantly increasing brightness until at last with a rushing, roaring noise as of wind, it sank like a thunder cloud floating low in the atmosphere.  It was like a warm breeze full of power to refresh and invigorate.  It descended low over the house and with the increasing sound, the light became brighter.  There shot from the rushing cloud streams of white light.  In that same instant, the whole house and its surroundings were penetrated through and through with light.  The five-branched lamp no longer shone through the brilliance.  The assembled faithful were ravished with ecstasy.  Each involuntarily threw back his head and raised his eyes eagerly on high, while into the mouth of everyone there flowed a stream of light like a burning tongue of fire.  It looked as if they were breathing, as if they were eagerly drinking in the fire, as if their ardent desire flamed forth from their mouth to melt the entering flame.  The sacred fire was poured forth also upon the disciples and the women present in the antechamber, and thus the resplendent cloud gradually dissolved as if in a rain of light. (Acts 2:1-4)

     Baptism at the Pool of Bethsaida had been arranged by Jesus Himself for this day.  The whole pool had been out of use, for it, as well as its surroundings, had been allowed to fall into decay.  It was quite neglected.  Only some poor people with lively faith still held it in veneration and visited it.  After the healing of the paralytic by Jesus, the pool was again more frequented, though all the more hateful to the Pharisees. (John 5:1-9)  Now all was repaired.  The fallen walls were partly replaced by moveable screens and, from the pool to the synagogue, a covered tent-way was raised.  The old synagogue had also fallen into disrepair.  The Apostles and disciples worked continually at the interior and turned it into a church.  Weaving, plaiting and every kind of work for the new church and for the poor were carried on.

     Peter, John, Andrew and James Alpheus took turns in preaching at three different places around the pool and on the third terrace upon which was Peter's chair of instruction.  A great many of the Faithful were always in attendance.  Often they prostrated on the ground in ardent prayer. 

     The church made from the synagogue was a large, long rectangular edifice with windows high up in the walls.  At one end was the altar, at such a distance from the wall that sufficient space was left behind for a sacristy, which was formed by wicker work screens that reached from the altar to the side walls.  The altar was portable.  On it was a bell-shaped tabernacle with a fine white cover closed in front by two little metallic shields.  There was a knob on top by which it could be lifted.  On either side of the tabernacle were branched lamps with burning wicks.  The whole altar was enclosed by a white curtain with colored stripes.

     From the raised altar down to the pulpit was a space set apart for the choir ceremonies of the Apostles and disciples.  The congregation was arranged in a certain order, the women separate from the men.  The floor of the church, like that of the house of the Last Supper in these latter days, was covered with colored carpets.  The faithful entered barefoot.

     In this Bethsaida church, all those baptized since Pentecost were instructed upon the Most Blessed Sacrament and prepared for Its reception.  The Apostles and disciples were the first to receive the Blessed Sacrament from Peter after his own Communion.  When the bowl, or ciborium, was emptied, Peter replenished it from the plate on the altar, and then continued with the distribution of the Sacred Species.  The Chalice also was handed by him to the Apostles and to all others.  The communicants were so numerous that the church could not contain them, and many had to stand outside.  The first to receive Holy Communion left the church in order to allow others to enter.  The communicants did not kneel while receiving, but stood and reverently bowed.

     About a year after the crucifixion of Our Lord, Stephen was stoned.  The rising settlement of new converts around Jerusalem was dissolved, the Christians dispersed into Judea.  Andrew also left Jerusalem, preached throughout Judea wherever he could find an audience, and baptized all who requested it.  When the Christians again returned to Jerusalem, they were more enthusiastic, more determined than ever.

     As the Blessed Virgin felt her end approaching she called the Apostles to her by prayer.  Through angels they received a summons to return to her at Ephesus.  The journeys of the Apostles, so distant, so remote, were not made without divine assistance.  When he was called to Mary, Peter was in the region of Antioch.  At that time he was not far from Andrew, who shortly before had been in Jerusalem where he had been persecuted.  Peter, traveling on his way to Ephesus, came upon Andrew.  The two brothers then journeyed together.  After going some distance they met Thaddeus, who had also received a similar summons.  The three traveled together until they reached Mary.  John was already with her.  They were the first Apostles to reach the Blessed Virgin's house.  She was already near death.

     The Apostles embraced each other tenderly when they met.  Many wept from mingled feelings of joy and sorrow at meeting on such an occasion.  With deep emotion, they approached Mary's couch to salute her, though she could now say only a few words.  They did not sleep in the house but outside under light awnings, which were fastened up on posts against the walls.  The space was divided up and enclosed by movable screens and wickerwork.

     James Zebedee and Thomas were not present.  James had already met his martyrdom in Jerusalem.  Thomas had not yet arrived from the far distant orient where he had been when he received the call to come to Ephesus.

     When the Apostles went together into Mary's sleeping chamber in order to take leave of her, they wore their long white albs and broad mantles.  They knelt in turn at the side of her couch.  She prayed over each one and blessed him.  Then Mary addressed them in a body.

     Peter celebrated the Holy Mass.  Mary was sitting on her couch during the whole celebration.  After his communion, Peter gave the Blessed Sacrament to all present.  Peter bore the Blessed Sacrament to Mary in the cross hanging on his breast, and John carried on a shallow dish the chalice containing the Most Sacred Blood.  Thaddeus brought forth a little incense basin.  Peter first gave the Blessed Virgin the last anointing.  Next he administered Holy Communion which she received sitting up without support.  Then she sank back again on her pillow.  After the Apostles offered a short prayer, she received the Chalice from John, but not now in so upright a position.  After Communion Mary spoke no more.  A pathway of light arose from Mary through the roof and up to the heavenly Jerusalem, up to the throne of the Most Holy Trinity.  Peter and John must have seen the glory of Mary's soul as it rose, for their faces were turned upward, but the other Apostles continued kneeling and bowed to the ground.

     The Apostles enveloped their heads with the scarves they wore around their shoulders and ranged in order for prayer.  They took turns, two at a time, to kneel and pray at the head and feet of the blessed remains.  They exchanged places with one another four times a day.

     Andrew and Matthias were busy preparing the place of burial, which was a little grotto that Mary and John had arranged at the end of her Way of the Cross to represent the Holy sepulchre of Christ.  It was not as large as Jesus' tomb, being scarcely as high as a man, and was surrounded by a little garden hedged in by stakes.  A pathway ran obliquely down into it.  The stone couch, which was like a narrow altar, was hollowed on top to the shape of a body enveloped in its winding sheet, the head being a trifle higher than the foot.  Mary's "Station of Mount Calvary" (The Crucifixion) was on a hill near by.  No cross was erected on it, but there was one cut out on the stone.  Andrew was especially active in preparing the grotto, and setting up a door firmly in front of the tomb proper.

     The body was prepared for burial by the women.  While they were preparing the body the Apostles prayed, choir and choir.

     Peter celebrated the Unbloody Sacrifice on the altar of Mary's oratory, and gave Holy Communion to the other Apostles.  Then Peter and John approached the body in their mantles of ceremony.  John carried a vessel of oil with which Peter anointed in the form of a cross and with accompanying prayers, the forehead, the hands and the feet of the holy body, which was then entirely enveloped in linens by the women.  The body was then laid in a coffin of snow white wood.  The coffin was laid on a litter.  The sorrow of the mourners was more human and more openly expressed than at Jesus' burial, at which holy awe and reverence predominated.

     When it was time to bear the coffin to the grotto, Peter and John raised it from the litter and carried it in their hands through the door of the house, outside of which it was laid again on the litter, which Peter and John then raised upon their shoulders.  Six of the Apostles took turns carrying it.

     The day after the burial when the Apostles were engaged in choir service, Thomas made his appearance with two companions.  One was a disciple named Jonathan Eleasar, the other a servant from the most remote country of the Three Holy Kings.  Thomas wept an abundance of tears.  He could not forgive himself for coming so late.  The Apostles, who had not interrupted their choir chanting on account of his coming, now gathered around him, raised him up, embraced him and set before him and his companions, bread, honey and a beverage.  After that they accompanied him with lights to the tomb.  John loosened the straps that bound the coffin.  To their intense astonishment they beheld only the empty winding sheets lying like a husk or shell and in perfect order.  The Apostles gazed in amazement.  John cried out, "She is no longer here!"  The others came in quickly, wept, prayed, looked upward with raised arms, and finally cast themselves on the ground.

     Before the Apostles left Mary's house to journey again into distant parts, they rendered the grotto of the tomb wholly inaccessible by raising an embankment of earth before the entrance.  This was the last time the Apostles met in a body before they gathered together in the Kingdom they so ardently proclaimed.

     The Apostles with tears and embraces took leave of one another after they had once more celebrated solemn service in Mary's house.  An Apostle or disciple often returned at different times to pray there.

     Andrew continued preaching and baptizing throughout the eastern parts of the Roman empire.  His ministration took him to the regions around Peloponnesus and east and northeast of the Black Sea and east of the Aral Sea.  Even though he had not been present at the crucifixion, he became known for his love of the cross, and for his faithfulness to Christ.  He was crucified at Patras in Achaea on two beams fastened together in the form of a cross.  For this reason St. Andrew became known to Christian devotion as the Apostle of the cross, a cross depicted in the form of an "X".