JAMES ZEBEDEE, APOSTLE OF JESUS

                 JAMES ZEBEDEE, APOSTLE OF JESUS 

                                by

                         Harriet Shikoski

To my Readers;

     Many details included in this story or James Zebedee, often referred to as James the Greater, 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 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 to 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 different human minds.  Bible references are included, not in an effort to prove the truth of the truth of what is written here, but to allow you compare the two sources.

     Though the total accuracy may be questioned, I still believe that the following story of St. James helps us to understand him, his relationship to Jesus, and the culture in which they lived.

                          JAMES ZEBEDEE

     James Zebedee, commonly called James the Greater, was a brother of John the Evangelist, the Beloved Disciple of Jesus.  James like John was born in Ophna, a little place about an hours walk from Nazareth.  Their parents were Zebedee and Mary Salome, a cousin of Jesus' Mother, Mary.  During family gatherings when they were children, James and John played with Jesus.  When Jesus at the age of twelve, returned to Nazareth after His meeting in the Temple with the Levites and priests, (Luke 2:41-42,51) a feast was held for Him at the home of His grandmother, Anna.  Present were thirty-three boys, all future disciples of Jesus.

     Close ties between the Holy Family and Zebedee's family was broken when Zebedee moved his family farther away from Nazareth to Bethsaida, where he developed a profitable fishing business.  James and John helped their father in this fishery.

     From His twelfth year Jesus was always like a teacher among His companions.  He often gave instructions while sitting or walking about the country with them.  Jesus had many followers among the young people of Nazareth, but they were not faithful to Him.  The Pharisees of Nazareth were against Jesus. They called Him a vagrant.  After Joseph died a man named Levi, who was very much attached to the Holy Family, gave Jesus and Mary a house in a village of only a few houses.  It was between Capharnaum and Bethsaida.

     About the time that Jesus moved the center of His activity to Bethsaida, John in the desert received his revelation concerning baptism.  In ecstasy he saw a man who drew plans and wrote upon a scroll.  The Holy Spirit instructed him, telling him what he was to do.  Using these plans John dug a baptismal well and began preaching repentance.  (Luke 3:2-3)

     John the Baptist's preaching spread throughout the whole country.  James Zebedee and his companions heard and discussed it.  They compared his teachings to those of Jesus.  James along with his brother John, James Alpheus, Thaddeus and Simon Zelotes, all went from Capharnaum to John to receive his baptism.  Simon Peter and Andrew already had been baptized.

    
James was greatly attracted to the teachings of Jesus, but his father, Zebedee, depended upon him and John to help in his business.  Zebedee owned a large fishing boat as well as several smaller ones.  He not only supported workers, but also supplied fish to the local people as well as to the caravans passing through Capharnaum.

     James attended all the lectures he could that Jesus gave in the Bethsaida area.  He became familiar with His teaching and supported them, though he did not follow Jesus continuously as did Andrew.

     James and John were in Gennabris celebrating a feast.  Jesus was there as well as Thaddeus, James Alpheus and Simon Zelotes.  Lazarus, Saturnin and Simon's son came to meet Jesus.  Also present was Nathanael, the bridegroom of Cana, who invited Jesus and all His company to his marriage.

     James was one of those attending the wedding of Nathanael at Cana.  All the relatives of Anna and Joachim came from around Galilee, over one hundred guests in all.  Jesus Himself had brought about twenty-five of His disciples with Him, among them the future Apostles.  They stayed in an isolated house belonging to the maternal aunt of Nathanael.  This aunt was a daughter of Anna's sister Sobe.  (Sobe was the mother of Mary Salome and the grandmother of James.)  During the wedding ceremony the aunt served as the mother of the groom whose parents had both died.

     Jesus' Mother Mary had been sending messages to Jesus to be present at the wedding.  Friends and relatives had been making comments that Jesus was roaming the country caring little for His Mother, who was a lone widow, or for His relatives.  Mary was anxious that her Son should honor His friends by His presence at the marriage.  Jesus wished to change this perception of Himself.  Mary went to Cana before the other guests and helped in the various preparations.  Jesus had offered to supply all the wine for the feast which is why Mary so anxiously reminded Him that the wine failed.  Jesus had invited Lazarus and Martha to Cana.  Martha assisted Mary in the preparations, and Lazarus defrayed all the expenses Jesus had assumed, a fact known only to him, Jesus and Mary.  Lazarus acted like a treasurer of the followers of Jesus.

     Jesus was like the master of the feast.  He conducted all of the amusements according to the customs usual on such occasions.  The men and women separately enjoyed games He and Mary conducted, using fruit as prizes.  Conversation entertained all.  A kind of dance was also held, with children singing and playing musical instruments.  There was no leaping nor springing in the dance but more of a graceful swaying and keeping time with the music.  Men and maidens danced, holding scarves with which they touched each other while dancing in rows or in rings.  It was modest and graceful, reminiscent of the swaying of the Pharisaical Jews at prayer.  None of the future Apostles took part in the dance but some of the other disciples did.

     Jesus wished to manifest Himself at this feast to all His friends and relatives.  He wished that all whom He had chosen up to the present would become known to each other and to His own relatives.  This could be done with greater freedom on such an occasion as this marrigae festival.

     The nuptial ceremony was performed by the priest in front of the synagogue.  The banquet followed.  Roasted lamb, wheat cakes and herbs were served.  A second course consisted of birds, fish, honey confections, fruits and a kind of pastry that Veronica had brought with her.  But the wine failed.  When Mary saw that the wine had failed she went to Jesus to remind Him that He had told her that He would supply the wine.

     Here Mary began the role of mediatrix that she has since continued.  She placed before Him the failure of the wine but the wine that He was about to provide was more than ordinary wine; it was symbolic of that mystery by which He would one day change wine into His own blood.  The reply, "Woman be not solicitous!  Trouble not yourself and Me!  My hour is not yet come."  Jesus addressed her as "Woman" (John 2:4) and not as "Mother" because at this moment as the Messiah, as the Son of God, He was present in divine power and was about to perform in the presence of all His disciples and relatives an action full of mystery.  Mary was the "woman" who had brought forth Him Whom now as her Creator she invokes on the occasion of the wine's failing.  As the Creator, He will now give a proof of His high dignity.  He will act as the Son of God, not the Son of Mary.  "My hour is not yet come" contained three significations; first, the hour for supplying the promised wine; secondly, the hour for changing water into wine; thirdly, the hour for changing wine into His own Blood.  Mary was confident that Jesus would supply what He had promised.  She told the servants to do whatever He told them to do.

     Three water jugs and three wine jugs were brought and inverted over a basin proving they were empty.  Jesus ordered them to be filled with water.  The jugs were earthen, large and heavy.  When full it took two men to carry them, one at each handle.  Jesus blessed them.  After returning to His place at table He called to a servant, "Draw off now and bring a drink to the steward!"  When the steward had tasted the wine, he approached the bridegroom and said, "Every man at first sets forth good wine, and when men have drunk well, that which is worse.  But you have kept the good wine until now."

     Jesus said that the world presents the strong wine first and then deceives the partially intoxicated with bad drinks; but it is not so in the Kingdom that His Heavenly Father had given Him.  There pure water was changed into costly wine, as lukewarmness should give place to ardor and intrepid zeal.

     The miracle gave rise to no alarm or excitement; on the contrary a spirit of silent awe and reverence fell upon those present.  They were filled with fear and wonder, and the wine produced a change in all.  Not by the miracle alone but by the drinking of that wine each one received strength, true and interior.  Each had become changed.  His relatives, in a word all present, were now convinced of Jesus' power and dignity, as well as His mission.  All believed in Him.  Faith at once took possession of every heart.  All became better, more united, more interior.  By this first miracle of His, Jesus was drawing together those who would form His Community.  (John 2:1-11)

     Many of His disciples were already following Him constantly, but James and John continued working in Zebedee's fishery, dividing their time between it and Jesus' instructions.

     The Pasch was approaching.  James with others traveled to Jerusalem.  Mary and other holy women left Capharnaum.  As they passed Mount Thabor other women joined them.  They were preceded by the disciples from Galilee and followed by servants with the baggage.  Among the disciples with James were his brother John, Peter, Andrew, Peter's half-brother Jonathan, the sons of Mary Cleophas (Simon, Thaddeus, James Alpheus and Joses Barsabas), Nathanael Chased and Nathanael the bridegroom.

     The disciples had much to endure, and it was often hard for them.  On reaching a town they often heard the scornful words, "What! is He coming again!  What does He want?  Has He not been forbidden to preach!" and they laughed at the disciples, derided and insulted them.  There were, indeed, a few that rejoiced to hear Jesus' coming, but they were very few.  No one ventured to attack Jesus Himself, but whenever He taught surrounded by His disciples or proceeded along the street followed by them, the crowd shouted after them.  They asked the disciples impertinent questions.  Meanwhile other cries resounded, cries of joy at some cure just wrought by Jesus.  This scandalized the crowd and they fell back and left Him.

     The disciples were weak and human in the beginning.  If they were questioned about Jesus' meaning they shook their heads as if they had not understood what He really meant.  They asked themselves what they had left for all their trouble and embarrassment?  What kind of Kingdom is He always talking about?  Will He really gain it?  They kept their thoughts concealed in their own breast though often manifesting discouragement in their faces, and yet the disciples were still witnessing so many miracles.  Jesus knew all their thoughts but acted as if He were wholly ignorant of them.

     Jesus crossed a little river.  With Him were James Zebedee, Andrew and Saturnin.  The others had scattered in different directions.  Toward midday they reached the hill of Jacob's well.  The well was surrounded by trees and grassy seats.  The spring house was enclosed by an open arched gallery which had standing room for about twenty people.  Under the arched roof was a door, usually kept shut, that opened into the spring house proper.  The well was deep and surrounded by a stone rim high enough to afford a seat.  Between it and the walls one could walk around freely.  The well had a wooden cover which when opened disclosed a large cylinder just opposite the entrance and lying across the well.  On it hung the bucket which was unwound by means of a winch.

     It was midday when Jesus and the three disciples reached the hill.  Jesus sent them to Sichar to procure food for He was hungry, while He Himself ascended the hill to wait for them alone.  The day was hot and Jesus was very tired and thirsty.  He sat down a short distance from the well.  Resting His head upon His hand, He seemed to be patiently waiting for someone to open the well and give Him a drink.  A Samaritan woman of about thirty years, a leather bottle hanging on her arm, came up the hill to draw water.  She was beautiful.  Briskly and vigorously with long strides she came up the hill.  There was an air of distinction about her.  Her dress was striped blue and red with embroidered large yellow flowers.  The sleeves above and below the elbow were fastened with yellow bracelets and were ruffled at the wrists.  Her neck was concealed by a yellow woolen collar thickly covered with strings of pearls and coral.  Her veil was very fine and long.  She had on a large brownish goat or camel hair apron.  Its open pockets were thrown up over her right arm so that the leathern bottle hanging on that arm was partly concealed.  This apron was similar to those usually worn at such work as drawing water.  It protected the dress from the bucket and water bottle.

     The bottle was leathern like a seamless sack.  It was convex on two sides as if lined with a firm arched wooden surface, but the two other sides, when the bottle was empty, lay together in folds like those of a pocket book.  On the two firm sides were leather covered handles through which ran a leather strap used for carrying it on the arm.  The mouth of the bottle was narrow.  It could be opened like a funnel for receiving the contents and closed again like a work pouch.  When empty the bottle lay flat on the side, but when filled it bulged out holding as much as an ordinary water bucket.

     This was Dina.  (Photina in the Roman Martyrology.)  She lived in Sichar, but it was not her birthplace.  Her peculiar circumstances were not known to the inhabitants.  Both she and her husband were very much liked because of their open, friendly and obliging manners.

     The windings of the path prevented her from seeing Jesus until she actually stood before Him.  There was something startling in the sight as He sat there, exhausted and all alone on the path to Jacob's Well.  He wore a long white robe of fine wool like an alb with a broad girdle.  It was a garment such as Prophets wore.  The disciples usually carried it for Him whenever they traveled about.  He made use of it only on some solemn occasions when He preached or fulfilled some Prophecy.

     Dina coming thus suddenly upon Jesus was startled.  She lowered her veil and hesitated to advance for the Lord was sitting full in her path.  She saw that Jesus was a Jew.  Beaming with benevolence, He graciously drew His feet back, for the path was narrow, with the words, "Pass on, and give Me to drink."

     These words touched the woman since Jews and Samaritans were accustomed to exchange only glances of mutual aversion, so she lingered saying, "Why are You here all alone at this hour?  If anyone should happen to see me here with You, they would be scandalized."  Jesus answered that His three companions had gone on to the city to purchase food.  Dina said, "Indeed! the three men whom I met?  But they will find little at this hour.  What the Sichemites have prepared for today they need for themselves," and she named another place to which they should have gone for food.

     Jesus again said, "Pass on, and give Me a drink."  Dina passed Him.  He arose and followed her to the well which she unlocked.  She asked, "How can You being a Jew ask a Samaritan for a drink?"  Jesus answered, "If you knew the gift of God and who He is that says to you give Me a drink, you would perhaps have asked of Him, and He would have given you Living Water."

     Dina replied, "Sir, You have nothing with which to draw water and the well is deep.  Where then do You have Living Water?  Are You greater than our father Abraham who gave us this well and drank from it himself, and his children and his cattle?"

     As she was speaking she put the bucket on the cylinder which turned heavily, lowered it and drew it up again.  She pushed up her sleeves with the bracelets until they puffed out high above the elbow, and in this way with bare arms, she filled her leather bottle out of the bucket.  Then taking a little vessel made out of bark and shaped like a horn, she filled it with water and handed it to Jesus, who was sitting on the rim of the well.  He drank it, and said to her, "Whoever drinks this water shall thirst again, but he that shall drink of the water that I will give him, shall never thirst again.  Yes, the water that I will give him shall become in him a fountain of water springing into life everlasting."  Dina replied eagerly, "Sir, give me that water that I may no more thirst nor have to come with so much fatigue to draw."

     When Dina finished speaking, Jesus told her, "Go home, call your husband and then come back here."  Dina said, "I have no husband."  Jesus replied, "You have spoken well, for you have had five husbands, and he with whom you now live is not your husband.  You have spoken truly."  Dina lowered her eyes and hanging her head answered, "Sir, I see that You are a prophet," and she drew down her veil.  As if she felt the deep significance of these words she pointed toward the south, to the temple not far off on Mount Garizim and said questioningly, "Our Fathers adored on that mountain, and you say that Jerusalem is the place where men must adore?"  Jesus replied, "Woman! believe Me, the hour comes when neither in Garizim nor in Jerusalem will you adore the Father."  He meant that the hour will come when neither here nor in the sanctuary of the Temple will God be adored, because He walks in the midst of His people.  He continued, "You adore that which you do not know, but we adore that which we know, for salvation is of the Jews.  But the hour comes and now is when the true adorers will adore the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father wills such to adore Him.  God is a spirit, and they that adore Him must adore Him in spirit and in truth."  Dina replied, "I know that the Messiah will come.  When He is come, He will tell us all things."  Jesus responded "I am the  Messiah, I Who now speak to you!"

     As Jesus pronounced the words, "I am the Messiah," Dina trembling with joy gazed at Him in amazement.  But suddenly recovering herself she turned.  Leaving her water bottle standing there and the well unlocked, she fled down the hill to Sichar.  What did she care for her bucket of earthly water, she had received the Living Water and her joyous heart was longing to pour its refreshing streams over all her neighbors.  As she was hurrying out of the spring house, she ran past the three disciples; James, Andrew and Saturnin.  They had already been standing for some time at a short distance from the door, wondering what their Master could have to say for so long with a Samaritan woman.  But through reverence for Him, they did not question Him.

     The three disciples approached Jesus who was standing by the well and offered Him some rolls and honey out of their basket saying, "Master, eat!"  Jesus rose and left the well saying "I have meat to eat which you do not know."  The disciples said to one another, "Has any man brought Him food to eat?" and they thought to themselves, "Did that Samaritan woman give Him something to eat?"

     Jesus would not stop to eat, but began descending the hill to Sichar.  The disciples followed eating.  Jesus said to them as He went on before them, "My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me that I may perfect His work."  By this He meant, to convert the people of Sichar after whose salvation His soul hungered. (John 4:4-34)

     Near the city Dina again appeared hurrying back to meet Jesus.  She joined Him respectfully, full of joy and frankness.  While Jesus was talking with Dina, the disciples followed at some distance, wondering what He could have to say to her.  "We have brought Him food and that with a great deal of difficulty.  Why, now, does He not eat?"

     While Jesus was addressing the Samaritans outside the gate, all the other disciples, among them Peter, who in the morning had gone on a commission in a different direction, returned to their Master.  They were surprised and not too well pleased to see Him talking so long with the Samaritans.  They felt somewhat embarrassed, for they had been raised in the preconceived idea that they were to have no communication with these people.  They felt tempted to take scandal at it.  They reflected upon the hardships of yesterday and the day before, upon all the scorn and insult, upon the cruel treatment they had endured.  They had expected an easier time.  Now seeing this intercourse with the Samaritans, they thought that it was no wonder, when things went on this way, that they were not better received.  Their head was always of the extravagant, worldly fancies of the Kingdom that Jesus was to establish, and they thought that if this should become known in Galilee, they would indeed be derided.

     While in Giskala Jesus sent some of the disciples around to the neighboring places to say that He would deliver a great instruction on the mountain beyond Gabara.  From a large area great crowds of people came who encamped around the mountain.  On the summit was an enclosed space in which was a teacher's chair that had long been out of use.

     James, his brother John, Peter, Andrew, Nathanael Chased and many of the rest of Jesus' disciples had come as well as most of the Baptist's disciples and the sons of Mary Heli.  About sixty disciples, friends and relatives of Jesus gathered.  The more intimate of the disciples were greeted by Jesus with clasping of both hands and pressing cheek to cheek.  The people crowding here brought with them provisions and sick of all kinds.

     Magdalen also considered going to the mount near Gabara.  Martha and Anna Cleophas had gone to Magdalum to persuade Magdalen to attend the sermon that Jesus was about to deliver.  Magdalen received her sister in a rather kind manner and showed her into an apartment not far from her own room of state.  There was in Magdalen a mixture of true and false shame.  She was partly ashamed of her simple, pious, plainly dressed sister who went around with Jesus' followers, those people so despised by her own visitors and associates.  But she was also partly ashamed of herself before Martha.  Magdalen was somewhat broken in spirits, but she lacked the courage to disengage herself from her surroundings.

     Martha encouraged Magdalen to come to hear Jesus, being careful not to say anything that might upset her.  That night Martha and Anna Cleophas prayed that God would render the coming journey fruitful in good for Magdalen.

     A few days previously James Zebedee, impelled by a feeling of intense compassion for Magdalen, had come to invite her to the teaching session to take place near Gabara.  James was in appearance very imposing.  His speech was grave and full of wisdom, though at the same time most pleasing.  He made a favorable impression upon Magdalen, and she received him graciously whenever he was in that part of the country.  James did not address her in words of reproof, on the contrary his manner toward her was marked by esteem and kindliness, and he invited her to be present at least once at Jesus' teaching.  He said it would be impossible to see or hear anyone superior to Him.  She had no need to trouble herself about the other auditors, and she might appear among them in her ordinary dress.  Magdalen received his invitation favorably, but she was still undecided as to whether she should or should not accept it when Martha and Anna arrived.

     In going to Gabara Magdalen rode upon an ass for she was not accustomed to walking.  She was dressed elegantly but not extravagantly.

     This discourse of Jesus was one of the most powerful He had yet delivered.  He prayed before He began and then told His hearers that they should not be scandalized at Him if He called God His Father, for whoever does the will of the Father in Heaven is His son, and that He really was accomplishing the Father's will.

     After His discourse He turned to the disciples.  He exhorted them to confidence and perseverance, and told them He would send them to preach salvation to all nations.  He warned them not to hold to the Pharisees, nor the Sadducees, nor the Herodians.  This was peculiarly vexatious to the Herodians, since no one wanted to be publicly known as a Herodian.  They who adhered to this sect did so mostly in secret.

     In the course of His instruction Jesus observed that if His hearers would not accept the salvation offered them it would be worse for them than for Sodom and Gomorrah. (Matt 10:15)

     He implored His Father to touch their heart that some, a few, yes even one, though burdened with all kinds of guilt, might return to Him.  Could He gain but one soul, He would share all with it.  He would give all He possessed, yes, He would even sacrifice His life to purchase it.  He stretched out His arms to them, exclaiming, "Come!  Come to Me, you who are weary and laden with guilt!  Come to Me, you sinners!  Do penance, believe, and share the Kingdom with Me!" (Matt 11:28)

     When Jesus exclaimed, "Ah! if even one soul would come to Me!" Magdalen was so moved that she wanted to fly to Him at once.  She stepped forward but her companions, fearing some disturbance, held her back.  Jesus, aware of Magdalen's agitation, uttered words of consolation meant only for her.  He said, "If even one germ of penance, of contrition, of love, of faith, of hope has in consequence of My words, fallen upon some poor, erring heart, it will bear fruit; it will set down in favor of that poor sinner; it will live and increase.  I Myself shall nourish it, shall cultivate it, shall present it to My Father."  These words consoled Magdalen while they pierced her inner most soul, and she stepped back again among her companions.

     It was dusk before Jesus and the disciples, preceded and followed by crowds of people, started at last down the mountain for Gabara.

     In the afternoon Jesus went with all His disciples and relatives to the lake.  He instructed the crowd in parables.  The disciples did not understand Him.  Later when again alone with them, He explained the parable of the sower.  He spoke of the tares among the wheat and the danger of pulling up the wheat with them.  James Zebedee told Jesus that he and his companions did not understand Him and he asked Him why He did not speak more clearly.  Jesus answered that He would make all He said intelligible to them, but that because of the weak and the pagans, the mysteries of the Kingdom of God could not then be exposed more plainly.  Even with such precautions, these mysteries alarmed His hearers, who in their state of depravity, esteemed them too sublime for them.  They must at first be presented, as it were, under the cover of a similitude.  It must fall in their heart like a grain of seed.  In the grain the whole ear is enclosed, but to produce it, the grain must be hidden in the earth.  He explained to them likewise the parable referring to their own call to labor in the harvest.  He insisted chiefly upon their following Him; they would soon be with Him always and He would explain all things to them.

     James also asked, "Master, why will You explain all to us who are so ignorant?  Why must we proclaim these things to others?  Tell them rather to the Baptist who believes so firmly who You really are.  He can proclaim them.  He can make them known."  (Matt 13:3-13)

     When journeying with His disciples Jesus generally instructed them, thus preparing them to understand better what they would hear in His next public discourse and be able to make it clear to the people.  He often repeated the same things, though in different words and order.  James Zebedee and Judas Barsabas most frequently put questions to Him, though Peter did so sometimes.  Judas often spoke in a loud voice.  Andrew was already well acquainted with the teachings of his Master.  Thomas was preoccupied, as if weighing the consequences.  John took everything simply and lovingly.  The best instructed of the disciples were the most silent, partly through modesty and partly because they were not always willing to show that they did not understand Jesus' words.

     James, his brother John, Peter and Andrew up to this time had not been formally called to dedicate their whole life to being Jesus' followers.  True they had attended His lectures whenever they could and had even traveled some with Him, but with His permission had continued their occupation of fishing.  Jesus had asked them to hold themselves ready for His call.  It was now time for Him to expand His ministry.

     Jesus went down to the lake.  Peter and Andrew were about to launch out on the deep to let down their nets.  Jesus called to them, "Come and follow Me!  I will make you fishers of men!"  They immediately abandoned their work, moored their boat and followed Jesus.  Jesus, and the followers with Him, went a little farther up the shore to the ship of Zebedee who with his sons, John and James, were mending their 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.  They now freely turned their lives over to Jesus.  (Matt 4:18-22 & Mark 1:16-20)

     While Jesus was calling the four, the other disciples had waited for them a little distance up the road, but when He commissioned those four they had all been together.

     Then Jesus sent Peter, Andrew, James and John up into the mountains where the heathens were encamped, with the order to baptize all who desired it.  He Himself had prepared them to receive it during the last two days.  Jesus and the other disciples went in another direction.  All were to meet again that evening at Matthew's.

     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.  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 those being baptized.  These newly baptized then withdrew and their places were immediately filled with others.  The ceremony was discontinued at intervals and the disciples recounted the parables they had learned from their Master, spoke of Jesus, His doctrine and His miracles, and explained to pagans points of which they were still ignorant regarding the Law and the Promises of God.  James and John spoke very beautifully.

     That evening all assembled again at Matthew's.  The crowd was very great and pressed around Jesus.  With the Twelve Apostles and Saturnin, Jesus went on board Peter's bark and commanded them to row toward Tiberias.  He was worn out with fatigue and wanted to escape the crowd.

     Later in the day at Peter's fishery, Jesus gave a discourse which was attended by a huge crowd.  The boats of Peter and Zebedee were lying not far from the shore.  The disciples who had been fishing the night before were on the shore a little distant from the crowd, busy cleaning their nets.  Jesus' little bark that Peter had made for him was lying near the larger ones.  He made a sign to the fishermen and they rowed His bark to where He was standing.  Jesus entered it with some of His disciples.  They rowed out a short distance from land and then passed up and down while Jesus instructed the crowd on shore.

     As evening was closing Jesus told Peter to row his boat out on the lake and to cast his nets to the fish.  Peter slightly vexed replied, "We have labored all night and have taken nothing, but at Your word I will let down the net."  He and the others entered their barks with their nets and rowed out on the lake.  Jesus said goodbye to the crowd and in His own boat with Saturnin, Veronica's son and some other disciples followed Peter.  He continued to instruct them, explaining similitudes, and when out in deep water told them where to let down their nets.  Then He left them and rowed over in His little boat to the landing place at Matthew's.

     By this time it was night, and on the edge of the boats, near the nets, torches were blazing.  The fishers cast out the net and rowed toward Chorozain, but soon they were unable to raise the net.  When at last they dragged it out of the deep into shallow water, it was so heavy it gave way here and there.  They called to James and his companions in Zebedee's boat for help.  They seized the fish with their hands, putting them in smaller nets and into the casks that floated at the sides of the boat.  They were actually terrified at the sight.  Never before had such a thing happened to them.

     When the net was relieved of part of its weight, they rowed to the shore, dragged it out of the water and gazed awe-struck at the multitude of fish it still contained.  It was now beginning to grow light.  The disciples having put the fish in a place of safety retired to their boats for a short nap.  The disciples spent the next day transporting their fish, a great portion of which was distributed to the poor.  The pagans bought a great many and many more were taken to Capharnaum and Bethsaida.  (Luke 5:1-7)

     Jesus would not remain any longer in Capharnaum; the crowd was too great and too excited.  He left Capharnaum traveling northward accompanied by the Twelve and thirty other disciples.  They reached a beautiful mountain.  There was a teacher's chair on it from which He again instructed the Apostles and disciples upon their vocation.  He said they should now proclaim the advent of the Kingdom, that the last chance for doing penance had arrived, that the end of John the Baptist was very near.  They should baptize, impose hands, and expel demons.  He taught them how they should conduct themselves, how to recognize true from false friends, and how to confound the latter.  He told them none should be greater than the others.  In the various places in which their mission called them, they should go among the pious, should live poorly and humbly and be burdensome to none.  He told them how to separate and how to unite again.  Two Apostles and some disciples should journey together.  The Apostles should carry with them little flasks of oil which He taught them how to consecrate and how to use in effecting cures.   He made no allusion to any special dangers in store for them but said only, "Today you will be welcome everywhere, but a time will come when they will persecute you!"  (Mark 6:7-13 & Matt 10:1 & Luke 9:1-6)

     After that the Apostles knelt in a circle around Jesus as He prayed and laid His hands upon the head of each; the disciples He only blessed.  Jesus gave direction to His followers and told them the place and time they were to again join Him.  Then they embraced and separated.

     James Zebedee, Andrew, Matthew, Simon, Thaddeus and Bartholomew separated from Jesus and the other six Apostles.  They had with them eighteen disciples including Joses Barsabas, Judas Barsabas, Saturnin and Nathanael Chased.  All shed tears upon separating.  This group upon going forth on their mission from Jesus descended the mountain by the eastern route which lead to the Jordan, and came to a place named Lecum about a quarter hour from the Jordan.

     In the region of Giskala Jesus 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; Thaddeus, Bartholomew, James Alpheus and the disciple Joses Barsabas in the second; Thomas, Simon, Philip and Judas Iscariot in the third.  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.  On this occasion He again made use of the expression, "Among you there is a devil."

     The three different rows established no sub ordination among the Apostles, one to another.  They were classed merely according to their disposition and character.  Joses Barsabas stood foremost in the row of disciples and nearest The Twelve; consequently Jesus placed him also in the second row with the Apostles and revealed to him his hopes and fears.  Jesus continued to instruct them.  He imparted to them the power and courage always to effect by imposition of hands and anointing with oil what He Himself could do.  This communication of power took place without the imposition of hands, though not without a substantial transmission.  As they stood around Jesus rays darted toward them--different colors according to the nature of the gifts received and the peculiar disposition of each recipient.  They explained, "Lord, we feel ourselves imbued with strength!  Your words are truth and life!"  Now each knew just what he had to do in every case in order to effect a cure.

     Jesus put up with the disciples at one of His own inns in the city of Dan.  The Apostles and disciples had established this inn when on their last mission here.  The disciples who had already been here led Jesus around to the different sick.  The rest of the disciples scattered among the surrounding places.  Peter, John and James stayed with Jesus who went from house to house healing the sick.  He cured the dropsical, the melancholy, the possessed, several slightly affected with leprosy, the lame and especially numbers of blind, and others with swollen cheeks and limbs.

     The blindness so prevalent here came from the sting of a little insect that infested this country.  Jesus pointed out an herb with whose juice He bade them anoint their eyes in order to prevent the insect from stinging them.  He gave them also a moral application of its meaning.  The swellings, which became inflamed and produced gangrene that ended in the death of many thus afflicted, were likewise caused by little insects like mildew that were blown from the trees.  They were grayish black, like chimney soot, and were borne like a dense black cloud through the air.  The insect bit into the skin and raised a large swelling.  Jesus pointed out another insect which was crushed and applied to the bite.  He told them in future to make use of it in similar cases.  It had fifteen little points on the back, as large as an ant's egg, and it could roll itself up into a ball.

     In the afternoon Jesus went with James, Peter and John to the house of one of the Jewish Elders of the city of Dan, a man very well disposed, a friend of Lazarus and Nicodemus, and in secret a follow of Jesus.  He did not remain long in the house because the people, having found out His whereabouts, had gathered outside and in the courtyard.  He taught and cured.

     A pagan woman had waited long at a distance.  Jesus never went near her and she dared not approach Him.  From time to time, however, she repeated her cry, "Lord! Son of David, have mercy on me!  My daughter is grievously tormented by an unclean spirit!"  The disciples begged Jesus to help her, but He said, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel."  At last the woman drew nearer, ventured into the hall, cast herself down before Jesus and cried, "Lord, help me!"  Jesus replied, "It is not good to take the bread of the children and to cast it to the dogs."  But she continued to entreat, "Yes, Lord! for the whelps also eat of the crumbs that fall from the table of their masters."  Then Jesus said, "O woman, great is your faith!  On account of these words, help shall be given to you!"  (Matt 15:22-28)

     Jesus asked her whether she herself did not want to be cured, for she was crippled on one side, but she replied that she was not worthy, and that she asked only for her daughter's cure.  Then He laid one hand on her head, the other on her side, and said, "Straighten up!  May it be done to you as you will!  The devil has gone out of your daughter."  The woman stood upright.  She was tall and thin.  For some instants, she uttered not a word and then with uplifted hands, she cried out, "O Lord, I see my daughter lying bed well and in peace!"  She was out of herself with joy.  Jesus turned away with the disciples.

     From Regaba Jesus went with His followers to Caesarea-Philippi where He arrived about midday.  Jesus was well received.  Peter, James, John and some disciples met Jesus at Caesarea as He had appointed.  On the way to the Mount, all the Apostles and disciples that had last returned from their several missions, about sixty in number, gave their Master a full account of what happened to them, all that they had seen and heard and done.  He listened to everything and exhorted them to pray and hold themselves in readiness for what He was going to communicate to them.

     Before daybreak the Apostles gathered about Jesus in a circle.  On His right were first John, then James Zebedee and thirdly Peter.  The disciples stood outside the circle, the oldest of them nearest.  Jesus asked "Who do men say I am?"  Some said He was the Baptist, others Elias, others took Him for Jeremiah.  Jesus was very grave and they fixed their eyes upon Him with some impatience.  At last He said, "And you, for whom do you take Me?"  Only Peter, full of faith and zeal, taking one step forward into the circle, with hand raised like one solemnly affirming, exclaimed aloud and boldly, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!"

     Jesus replied, His voice strong and animated, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of John, because flesh and blood have not revealed this to you, but My Father 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 and whatsoever you shall loose upon earth, it shall be loosed in Heaven!"  Peter, in the same spirit in which he had confessed to the Godhead, received Jesus' words in the full signification.

     Jesus' words to Peter were spoken just at the moment of sunrise.  The whole scene was so much more grave and solemn since Jesus had for that purpose retired with His disciples into the mountain and commanded them to pray.  Peter alone was sensibly impressed by it.  The other Apostles did not fully comprehend, and still harbored earthly ideas of the Kingdom Jesus talked about.  They thought that Jesus intended to bestow upon Peter the office of High Priest in His Kingdom.  James told John as they walked together that very probably they themselves would receive places next to Peter.

     Jesus now told the Apostles in plain language that He was the promised Messiah, and said that they must now go to Jerusalem for the feast.  (Matt 16:13-21)

     Jesus went with some of His disciples eastward to Kisloth Thabor, which lay at the foot of Mount Thabor toward the south.  On the way He was joined from time to time by disciples that were returning from their missions.  At Kisloth another great multitude of travellers who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Him.  He taught and then healed the sick.  In the afternoon He sent disciples right and left around the mountain to teach and to cure.  Taking with Him Peter, James and John, He preceded up the mountain by a footpath.  The view from the mountain extended far and wide.  On it was a large open place surrounded by a wall and shade trees.  The ground was covered with aromatic herbs and sweet scented flowers.  Hidden in a rock was a reservoir which upon the turning of a spigot poured forth sparkling and very cold water.  The Apostles washed Jesus' feet and then their own.

     After refreshing themselves Jesus continued His instructions.  He spoke of kneeling to pray and told them they should henceforth pray earnestly with hands raised on high.  Jesus again taught them the Our Father interspersing the several petitions with verses from the Psalms; these they recited half kneeling, half sitting around Him a semicircle.  Jesus knelt opposite to them leaning on a rock, and from time to time interrupted the prayer with instructions, wonderfully profound and sweet, upon the mysteries of Creation and Redemption.  His words were extraordinarily loving like one inspired.  He said He wanted to show them who He was, that they should see Him glorified in order that they might not waver in faith when His enemies would mock and maltreat Him, when they should see Him in death shorn of all glory.

     The sun had set and it was dark but the Apostles had not noticed that fact, so entrancing were Jesus' words and bearing.  Jesus became brighter and brighter.  He again began His instructions.  Along with angelic apparitions flowed alternate streams of delicious perfumes, of celestial delights and contentment over the Apostles.  Jesus continued to shine with ever increasing splendor until He became as if transparent.  The circle around them was so lighted up in the darkness of night that each little plant could be distinguished on the green sod as if in clear daylight.  The three Apostles were so penetrated, so ravished, that when the light reached a certain degree, they covered their heads, prostrated on the ground and there remained lying.

     About midnight this glory reached its height.  A shining highway reached from heaven to earth and on it angelic spirits of different colors all in constant movement.  The Apostles lay in ecstasy rather than in sleep, prostrate on their faces.  Moses and Elias approached Jesus in the light, their coming was perfectly natural like someone who steps from darkness into the light.  They greeted Jesus who told them of His coming Passion and Redemption.  He told them of all the sufferings He had endured up to the present and of all that awaited Him.  Elias and Moses expressed their emotion and joy.  Their words were full of sympathy and consolation, of reverence for the Savior and of uninterrupted praises of God.  They praised God for having from all eternity dealt in mercy toward His people.

     The Apostles raised their heads and gazed long upon the glory of Jesus.  When, in describing His Passion, Jesus came to His exaltation of the Cross, He extended His arms at the words, "So shall the Son of Man be lifted up!"  He was entirely penetrated with light.  His robe flashed with a bluish white gleam.  He, the Prophets and the three Apostles all were raised above the earth.

     The Prophets separated from Jesus and vanished toward the east.  Then Peter exclaimed, "Master, it is good for us to be here!  Let us make here three tabernacles, one for You, one for Moses and one for Elias."  Peter meant that they had no need for any other heaven, for where they were was so sweet and blessed.

     When they returned to their usual waking state a cloud of white light descended upon them, like the morning dew floating over the meadows.  The heavens opened above Jesus and the vision of the Most High Trinity appeared, God the Father seated on a throne.  He looked like an aged priest.  A stream of light descended upon Jesus, and the Apostles heard above them like a sweet gentle sighing a voice saying, "This is My Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.  Hear Him!"

     Fear and trembling fell upon them.  Overcome by a sense of their own human weakness and the glory they beheld, they cast themselves face downward on the earth.  They trembled in the presence of Jesus, in whose favor they had just heard the testimony of His Heavenly Father.

     Jesus went to them and said, "Arise and fear not!"  They arose and saw Jesus alone.  Gray dawn was glimmering in the heavens and damp vapors were hanging over the country around the foot of the mountain.  The Apostles were silenced and intimidated.  Jesus told them that He had allowed them to see the Transfiguration of the Son of Man in order to strengthen their faith, that they might not waver when they saw him disfigured by the hands of evil doers, and that they might strengthen their weaker brothers when they witnessed His humiliation.  They united again in prayer, and in morning light descended the mountain.  They had not yet reached the foot of the mountain when Jesus was met by people coming to seek Him with their sick.  (Matt 17:1-8 & Mark 9:2-8 & Luke 9:28-37)

     Jesus asked the disciples what subject they were conversing on the way.  They were silent for they were questioning who would be the greatest among them.  Jesus however knew their thoughts and He said, "Let him who would be the first among you become the last, the servant of all." (Mark 9:33-35)

     Jesus visited the homes of the poor and many of His friends.  They presented to Him the children whom He blessed and to whom He made little presents.  At the market place school children and mothers with their little ones gathered to salute Jesus.  He had little tunics which He distributed among them, the same to the rich as to the poor.  They had been prepared by the stewardesses of the Community and brought here by the holy women of Jerusalem.  The children also received fruit, writing tablets and other gifts.  The disciples having asked again who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus called to Him a wealthy lady, the wife of a merchant, who was standing with her four year old son.  She drew her veil and stepped forward with her boy.  Jesus took him from her, and she went back at once.  Then Jesus embraced the boy, stood him before Him in the midst of the disciples and the crowds of children standing around, and said, "Whoever does not become like the children, shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven!  Whoever receives a child in My name, receives Me, yes, rather receives Him who sent Me.  And whoever humbles himself like this little child, he is the  greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven".  (Matt 18:1-4)

     Jesus continued His instruction for awhile longer.  Then He blessed the boy, gave him some fruit and a little tunic, beckoned to the mother and restored her child to her with some prophetic words concerning his future.  The child, named Ignatius, became a disciple of the Apostles.  He was afterward a bishop and martyr.

     Jesus delivered to the Apostles and disciples a deeply significant and wonderful instruction.  He said plainly that He was not conceived by man but by the Holy Spirit.  He spoke with great reverence of His Mother, calling her the purest, the holiest of creatures, a vessel of election, after whom the hearts of the devout had sighed for thousands of years, and the tongues of Prophets had prayed.  He explained the testimony of His Heavenly Father at the time of His baptism, but He made no mention of what happened upon Mount Thabor.  He declared that the relationship between God and man was once more restored.  He spoke of the fall of man, of his separation from the Heavenly Father, and of the power Satan and the evil spirits have over man.  He said that by His own birth from the purest, the most desired of virgins, the Kingdom and the power of God among men had taken new life, and that by Him all should again become the children of God.  The bridge between God and man had again been established, but whoever desired to cross over that bridge must do so with Him and in Him, and must leave behind the earthly pleasures of this world.  He said that all the misery arising from the diabolical influence upon nature and mankind could, in His name, by interior union with Him through faith and love, be crushed.  The disciples did not comprehend all that He said, and they shuddered when He spoke of His Passion.  James and the other two Apostles who had been with Him on Mount Thabor were very grave and meditative.

     All this took place during and after the Sabbath.  Some of the disciples put up in Capharnaum, some at Peter's home outside the city.  All expenses were defrayed out of the common stock.  It was almost like a Religious Community.  Jesus then proceeded on His way with the disciples.  They took mostly the byways.  Jesus and His disciples went in bands.  Jesus walked sometimes alone, sometimes with this or that band.

     During the last days Jesus, with admirable patience, taught some new disciples, using a question and answer format.  Jesus then sent them out, two and two, with the words, "I send you out like sheep among the wolves." (Matt 7:15 & Luke 10:3)

     One of Joseph of Arimathea's nephews arrived from Jerusalem with news that Lazarus was sick.  Jesus kept with himself only the Apostles James, John, Peter, Matthew and some of the disciples.  They went to Matthew's custom office and then to Dalmanutha by sea.  Afterward He taught on the Sabbath in the city of Edrai.  Then they went in the Levitical city of Bosra and finally to Nobah.  The people of Nobah were very humble and listened to all that He said.  Many were baptized, among them some pagans.  A great number of possessed were delivered from the evil one.  There was a whole hospital full of these poor creatures.  James, John and Peter cured and taught also.  Nobah was a free city; although belonging to the Decapolis, it ruled itself.

     From Nobah Jesus journeyed southwesterly.  The shepherds of this place were descendants of that Eleazar, Abraham's servant, who had brought Rebecca for his master's son Isaac. (Gen 24:64-67)  There were three beautiful wells in this place.  Toward midday Jesus with James, John and Peter arrived at one of the fountains where the eldest of the shepherds washed His feet and offered Him fruit, honey and bread.  The people fell in love with Jesus and many wanted to leave all and follow Him.  But He advised them to remain at home and practice what He had taught.

     Before Jesus' departure from Jericho, messengers from Bethania brought to the disciples the news of how earnestly Martha and Magdalen were longing for His coming as Lazarus was very sick.  Jesus, however, did not go to Bethania but to a little village north of Jerico.  The disciples meantime were very desirous that Jesus should go to Lazarus' in Bethania for there they would be in greater peace and less molested.  They were in truth a little discontented, but Jesus kept on curing great numbers.  Jesus was gentle and forbearing under their imputations and attacks.  Sweetly and gravely He smiled when the disciples wanted to divert Him from His purpose.  He went in the direction of Samaria.  Not far from one of the little villages along the highway there was a tent in which ten lepers were lying in their beds.  As Jesus was passing the lepers came out and cried to Him for help.  Jesus stood still, but the disciples went on.  Jesus touched each leper separately, directed them to present themselves to the priests, and went on His way.  One of the lepers, a Samaritan, and the most active of the ten, went along the same road with two of the disciples but the others took different routes.

     As Jesus was traveling with James, John and Peter, the cured Samaritan, touched by his perfect cure, hurried back to thank his Benefactor.  He cast himself at the feet of Jesus Who said, "Were not ten made clean? and where are the other nine?  Is not one found among them to return and give glory to God, but only this stranger?  Arise, go on your way!  Your faith had made you whole!"  This man later on became a disciple.  (Luke 17:11-19)

     Jesus, John, James and Peter, were tarrying in a little place near Samaria where the Blessed Virgin and Mary Cleophas had come to spend the Sabbath.  They received the news of Lazarus' death.  Magdalen came to meet Jesus and to tell Him of her brother's death adding the words, "Lord, if you had been there, my brother would not have died!"  Jesus replied that His time had not yet come, and that it was well that he had died.  Still He told the two sisters to keep all the effects of their brother at Bethania, for He Himself would go there shortly.

     Later another messenger came to Him with the earnest request of the sisters that He go immediately to Bethania but He still delayed to go.  He rebuked His disciples for their murmuring and impatience at His delaying so long to go to Bethania.

     The remains of Lazarus were embalmed and swathed in linen bands according to the Jewish custom and then laid in a coffin of woven rods with a convex cover.  All the Apostles gathered around Jesus.  They went in several bands.

     Lazarus was eight days dead.  They had kept him four days in the hope that Jesus would come and raise him to life.  His sisters had gone to meet Jesus, but when they found that He was still resolved not to go back with them, they had returned to Bethania and buried their brother.  Their friends, men and women from the city and from Jerusalem were now gathered around them lamenting the dead as was the custom.

     Jesus was standing with the Apostles and some others on the confines of their garden before an open arbor.  Martha spoke to Jesus and then turned back to Magdalen.  She threw herself at Jesus' feet saying, "If You had been here he would not have died."  All present were in tears.  Jesus too mourned and wept and delivered a discourse of great length upon death.  Many of the audience which was constantly increasing outside the bower, whispered to one another and murmured their dissatisfaction at Jesus' not having kept Lazarus alive.

     It was very early in the morning when Jesus went with the Apostles to the tomb.  Lazarus' tomb was the first on the right of the entrance to the vault.  Jesus with some of the Apostles went down into the vault while the holy women, Magdalen and Martha remained standing in the doorway.  Jesus commanded the Apostles to raise the stone from the grave.  They did so, rested it against the wall and then removed a light cover or door that closed the tomb below that stone.  It was at this point that Martha said, "Lord, by this time he stinks, for he is now of four days." (enclosed in the grave without air.)  After that they took the lightly woven cover from the coffin and disclosed the corpse lying in its winding sheet.  At that instant Jesus raised His eyes to heaven, prayed aloud, and called out in a strong voice, "Lazarus, come forth!"  At this cry the corpse arose to a sitting posture.  The crowd now pressed with so much violence that Jesus ordered them to be driven outside the walls of the cemetery.  The Apostles who were standing in the tomb by the coffin, removed the handkerchief from Lazarus' face, unbound his hands and feet, and drew off the winding sheet.  Lazarus, as if awakening from lethargy, arose from the coffin and stepped out of the grave, tottering and looking like a phantom.  The Apostles threw a mantle around him.  Like one walking in sleep, he approached the door, passed the Lord, and went out to where his sisters and other women had stepped back in fright as before a ghost.  Without daring to touch him they fell prostate on the ground.  At the same instant Jesus stepped after him out of the vault and seized him with both hands, his whole manner full of loving earnestness.

     All moved on toward Lazarus' house.  The throng was great, but a certain fear prevailed among the people so the procession formed by Lazarus and his friends were not impeded.  Lazarus moved along more like one floating than walking and he still had the appearance of a corpse.

     Jesus, the Apostles and Lazarus were alone in the dining hall.  The Apostles formed a circle around Jesus and Lazarus who was kneeling before the Lord.  Jesus laid his right hand on his head and breathed upon him seven times.  The Lord's breath was luminous.  A dark vapor withdrew from Lazarus, and the devil under the form of a black winged figure, impotent and wrathful, cleared the circle backward and mounted on high.  By this ceremony Jesus consecrated Lazarus to His service.  Jesus told him that He had raised him to life that he might serve Him, and that he would have to endure great persecution.

     Lazarus then retired to lay aside his grave clothes and put on his own garments.  Then his sisters and friends embraced him for the first time.  Lazarus' soul during the time of its separation from his body was in a place peaceful and painless, lighted only by a glimmering twilight.  (John 11:1-44)

     Before daybreak Jesus slipped away, going from Bethania to Jerusalem.  A gathering of Pharisees and High Priests came together to discuss Jesus and Lazarus.  They feared Jesus would raise all the dead, and then what confusion would ensue!  At noon a great tumult arose in Bethania.  If Jesus had been there they would have stoned Him.  Lazarus was obliged to hide, and the Apostles had to slip away in different directions.  All the other friends of Jesus in Bethania were also forced to lie in concealment.  (John 11:46-53)

     After the raising of Lazarus, Jesus went on a long trip to absent himself from the turmoil that arose in Jerusalem and elsewhere.  When He returned He traveled mostly at night, that the news of His return to Judea might not be the occasion of some sudden uprising.  He arrived at Jacob's well during the evening twilight.  The Apostles, James Zebedee, John, Peter, Andrew and Philip, were waiting form Him.  They wept for joy at seeing Him again.  Jesus was very grave.  He spoke of the approach of His Passion, of the ingratitude of the Jewish leaders, and of the judgement in store for them.

     Jesus with His disciples journeyed to Sichem where He taught in the Synagogue.  The leaders in the Synagogue of Sichem sent messengers to Jerusalem to report that Jesus had again appeared, for the Pharisees of Sichem were among the most dissatisfied.  They threatened to seize Jesus and deliver Him to Jerusalem.  Jesus replied that His time had not yet come, that He would Himself go to Jerusalem, and that He had spoken not for their benefit, but for the benefit of His own followers.

     Jesus then dismissed the Apostles and disciples.

     After the Pharisees and Priests 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.  Jesus taught in the circular hall in which He had spoken in His twelfth year.  Chairs and steps had been brought in for the audience and a large group of people had gathered.  When Jesus went to the Temple he was accompanied by Peter, John and his brother James; the others came singly.  The Apostles and disciples lodged with Lazarus in Bethania.

     The next day Jesus taught in the Temple from morning until noon, the Pharisees having been present.  Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, Simeon's sons and other secret disciples did not appear openly in the Temple during Jesus' discourses.  When the Pharisees were not present these disciples listened to Jesus from distant corners.  The next Sabbath Jesus taught in the Temple from morning until evening, some of the time in a retired apartment in the presence of the Apostles and disciples only, and at other times 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.  He spoke of many things that would take place after His return to the Father.  He predicted the persecutions that would arise against Lazarus and the holy women.  Among other things He foretold that James Zebedee and one of the disciples would carry His message to the pagan regions north of Capharnaum.

     When Jesus left the Temple after this discourse the enraged Pharisees lay in wait for Him both at the gate and on the way, for they intended to stone Him, but Jesus avoided them, proceeded to Bethania and for three days went no more to the Temple.  He wanted the Apostles and disciples to think over what they had heard.  Meantime they referred to Him for further explanations upon many points.  Jesus ordered them to write down what He had said relative to the future.  Nathanael the Bridegroom, who was very skillful with writing, did it.

     The Scribes and Pharisees held a meeting in Caiapha's house.  They issued a prohibition against anyone harboring Jesus and His disciples.  They set spies at the gates to watch for Him, but He remained concealed in Bethania with Lazarus, along with Peter, John, his brother James and the Blessed Virgin with six of the holy women.  They were in the same subterranean apartments in which Lazarus lay concealed during the persecution that arose against him.  These apartments were under the building and fitted with carpets and seats and lighted with lamps.

     Jesus told the three Apostles that the next morning would usher in the day of His entrance into Jerusalem and He directed the absent Apostles to be summoned.  They came and He had a long interview with them.  They were very sad.  Toward the traitor Judas, Jesus was gracious in manner and it was to him that He entrusted the commission to summon the disciples.

     Jesus sent a band of the eldest disciples to Jerusalem, some to the house of Mary Marcus, others to that of Veronica, to Nicodemus, to the sons of Simeon and to friends like them, to notify them of His approaching entrance.  He ordered preparations be made; to prepare the ass, to arrange the order in which they would proceed, and for the route to be taken.  Some disciples questioned Him about His taking that by-route.  He answered that it was in order to shun unnecessary dangers.  One should protect himself, He said, and take care not leave things to chance, therefore He had beforehand ordered the ass to be tied.

     Jesus arranged His procession.  The Apostles He ordered to proceed, two and two, before Him, saying that from this moment on and after His death, they should everywhere head the Community.  Peter and James Zebedee went first in line, followed closely by those that were to bear the Gospel to the most distance regions.  John and James Alpheus immediately preceded Jesus as they were to remain closest to Jerusalem.  The disciples followed Jesus.  The holy women, two and two, headed by the Blessed Virgin, brought up the rear.

     The disciples that Jesus had sent into Jerusalem, innumerable friends who had gone up to the city for the approaching feast, and many of those who had been at Jesus' last discourse, crowded to that side of the city by which He was expected to enter.  There were many strangers in Jerusalem.  They had heard of the raising of Lazarus and they wished to see Jesus.  When the news spread that He was approaching, they too went out to meet Him.

     Many among the crowd that followed Jesus to the Temple not only broke off branches of trees and strewed them along the way, but snatched off their mantles and spread them down singing and shouting all the while.  Children rushed from the schools and ran rejoicing with the crowd.

     Jesus wept.  So did the Apostles 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 destruction. (Matt 21:1-11 & Luke 19:29-44)

     Jesus sent His two Apostles, Peter and John, into Jerusalem to make arrangements for celebrating the Paschal Supper.  At the same time Judas Iscariot, under the pretence of attending to different affairs and of discharging certain debts, had left Bethania and hurried to Jerusalem.  Jesus, although He knew what he was doing, questioned the nine Apostles about him.  Judas spent the whole day among the Pharisees and making plans with them.

     Toward noon Jesus and the nine Apostles set out from Bethania for Jerusalem, followed by a band of seven disciples who followed Him.  John Mark was among them.  During the whole walk Jesus gave uninterrupted instructions.  He told the Apostles that until now He had given them His bread and His wine, but that today He would give them His Flesh and His Blood.  He would give over to them all that He had.  His disciples did not understand His words, they thought He was speaking of the Paschal lamb.

     The seven disciples who had followed behind Jesus did not make the whole journey with Him.  They carried to the Cenacle bundles of robes necessary for the Paschal ceremonies.  After depositing them in the anteroom they proceeded to the house of Mary Marcus.

     When Peter and John reached the Cenacle, 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 nine Apostles that were with Him.

     Jesus and His followers ate the Paschal lamb in three separate groups of twelve, each presided over by one who acted as host.  Jesus and the Twelve Apostles ate in the hall itself; Nathanael with twelve disciples in one of the side rooms, and Eliacim with twelve others in another side room.  In one of the side buildings the holy women ate with the Blessed Mother.

     Simeon's son held the lamb's head up and Jesus stuck it in the neck with a knife.  He then handed it 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 in it, then stepping to the door of the hall He signed the two posts and the lock with blood and stuck the bloody branch above the lintel.  Among other things He said, "The destroying angel shall pass by here.  Without fear or anxiety you shall adore in this place when I, the true Paschal Lamb, shall have been immolated.  A new era, a new sacrifice are now about to begin, and they shall last until the end of the world."

     They then proceeded to the Paschal hearth at the end of the hall.  A fire was already lit.  Jesus sprinkled the hearth with blood and consecrated it as an altar.  Then Jesus walked around the room singing Psalms and consecrated it as a new Temple.  During this ceremony the doors were closed.  Meanwhile Simeon's son had prepared the lamb, fixed it upon a spit and placed it in the oven to be roasted.

     Jesus next 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 entered, they began to prepare the table.  They put on the traveling dresses of ceremony.  Each took a staff in his hand and then walked in pairs to the table.  Each stood in his place, his arms raised and the staff resting upon one.  They all chanted, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel," "Praised be the Lord" etc.  In form the table was like a horseshoe.  Opposite Jesus in the inner part of the half circle there was a space left free for serving the dishes.  On Jesus' right was John and next to John his brother James.

     In the center of the table lay the Paschal lamb.  Around the edge of the platter were little bunches of garlic.  There were also a plate of green herbs and another plate with bunches of bitter herbs that looked like aromatic herbs.  Directly in front of Jesus' place stood a bowl of green herbs and another dish of a brownish sauce.  Small round loaves served as plates, and bone knives were used.

     After the prayer the master of the feast laid on the table before Jesus the knife for carving the Paschal lamb, placed a cup of wine before Him and from a jug filled six other cups each of which he set between two of the Apostles.  Jesus blessed the wine and drank, two Apostles drinking from each cup.  James shared a cup with his brother John.  Jesus cut up the Paschal lamb.  The Apostles each received a share on their loaves.  They ate it in haste, separating the flesh from the bones with their ivory knives.  The bones were afterward burned.  They quickly ate the garlic and green herbs, dipping them first in the sauce.  They ate standing.  Jesus then broke one of the loaves of unleavened bread, covered up one part of it and divided the other among the Apostles.  After that they ate the little loaves that had served as plates.  Another cup of wine was brought.  Jesus thanked but did not drink of it.  He said, "Take this wine and divide it among you, for I shall henceforth drink no more wine until the Kingdom of God comes."  During the ceremony they had been standing and everything was done in haste.  The Apostles partook of the herbs, the salad and the sauce.  Jesus was exceedingly serene and recollected.  He bade the Apostles to forget their cares.  While the Apostles were eating the herbs, Jesus continued to converse with them, still quite lovingly, though afterward He became grave and sad.  He said, "One among you will betray Me."  At these words the Apostles became very much troubled and asked in turn, "Lord, is it I?" for all knew they did not understand Him perfectly.

     The Apostles rose from the table and while putting on their robes as was the custom before solemn prayer, the master of the feast with two servants came in to take away the table and put the seats back.  Jesus ordered water be brought Him in the anteroom and the master again left the hall with his servants.  Jesus standing in the midst of the Apostles told them he would, before leaving them, give over to them all He possessed.  He gave them instructions on penance, the knowledge and confession of sin, contrition and justification.  All, with the exception of Judas, acknowledged their sins with sorrow.

     Jesus retired to the anteroom and laid aside His mantle, girded up His robe, and tied around Him a towel.  Jesus washed the feet of His Apostles.  He did not perform it as if it were a mere ceremony, but like a sacred act of love springing straight from the heart.

     Jesus next delivered an instruction on 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 wash each other's feet.  Jesus then resumed the garments that He had laid aside, and the Apostles let down theirs that had been girded up for eating the Paschal lamb.  (John 13:1-17)

     At the command of Jesus the master of the feast again set out the table.  He set two jugs, one of water, the other of wine, under the table.  Peter and John brought the chalice from the Paschal hearth.

     The breaking and distributing of bread and drinking out of the same cup were customary as feasts of welcome and farewell.  They were used as signs of brotherly love and friendship.  Jesus elevated this custom to the dignity of the Most Holy Sacrament.  One of the charges brought before Caiaphas on the occasion of Judas' treason was that Jesus had introduced something new into the Paschal ceremonies, but Nicodemus proved from Scripture that this was an ancient practice at farewell feasts.

     The doors were closed.  Jesus explained the Last Supper to the Apostles and the ceremonies that were to accompany it.  He blessed the rest of the Passover loaves, 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 and water, 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 seemed to be pouring out His whole Being in love, becoming perfectly transparent.  He looked like a luminous apparition.  He took the plate with the morsels 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 was also the Bread, which as a body of light entered the mouths of the Apostles.  It was as if Jesus Himself flowed into them.  All were penetrated with light, bathed in light.  Judas alone was in darkness.

     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, transparent.  He was as if passing over into what He was giving.  Peter and John drank from the chalice while it was still in His hands; then He set it down.  With a little spoon John removed some of the Sacred Blood from the chalice to the small cups which Peter handed to the Apostles, who, two by two, drank from the same cup.  (Matt 26:14-30 & Mark 14:10-25 & Luke 22:7-20 & John 13:1-30)

     Jesus then gave the Apostles an instruction full of mystery; 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 the Sacrament and communicating It, and in what manner they were by degrees to teach and publish the Mystery, when to give Communion to the Blessed Virgin and how to consecrate It themselves after He should send them the Comforter.  Jesus taught many secret things;  how to mix the ointment, what parts of the body to anoint and upon what occasions.

     Jesus anointed Peter and John.  He imposed hands upon them, first on their shoulders and then on their heads.  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 Cross with it on their heads.  He told them this anointing would remain with them to the end of the world.  James Zebedee, James Alpheus, Andrew and Bartholomew were likewise consecrated.  Jesus twisted crosswise over Peter's breast the narrow scarf that he wore around his neck.  On the others He drew their scarves across the breast over the right shoulder and under the left arm.  Jesus told them that after they had received the Holy Spirit they were to consecrate the 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 taught as a mystery.  It has to this day remained essentially the same in the Church, though She has, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, developed it according to her needs.

     It was about nine o'clock when Jesus and His Apostles directed their steps to Mount Olivet.  When Jesus left the Cenacle with The Eleven, His soul was already troubled and His sadness was increasing.  He said to the Apostles, "All of 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 rise again, I will go before you into Galilee."  They crowded eagerly around Him and expressed their love in different ways, protesting that they never could, they never would abandon Him.  (Matt 26:30-32)

     The Garden of Olives was separated from that of Gethsemani by a road.  It was smaller and higher up the mountain than the pleasure garden of Gethsemani, which was a retired corner of the mountain full of grottos, terraces and olive trees.  There were seats and benches and roomy caverns, cheerful and cool.  Whoever wished might here find a place suited to prayer and meditation.  The spot chosen by Jesus was in the most wild part.

     Darkness had fallen upon the earth, but the moon was lighting up the sky.  Jesus was very sad.  He warned the Apostles of 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 summer house built of branches and foliage.  "Remain here," He said, "while I go to My own place to pray."  He took Peter, John and James Zebedee with Him, crossed the road and went on for a few minutes until He reached the Garden of Olives farther up the mountain.  He said to the three Apostles, "Remain here and watch with Me.  Pray lest you enter into temptation."  The Apostles remained in a hollow to the right above the grotto in which Jesus concealed Himself.

     Jesus staggered to His feet and, bathed in sweat and often falling, tottered rather than walked toward the three Apostles.  Exhausted with fatigue, sorrow and anxiety under temptation they had fallen asleep.  He clasped His hands and sinking down by them from grief and exhaustion He asked, "Simon, you sleep?"  At these words they awoke and raised Him up.  He said, "What! Could you not watch one hour with Me?"  They found Him so terrified and disfigured, His voice feeble and stammering, that they were at a loss what to think.  Had He not been surrounded by the light so well known by them they would not have recognized Him as Jesus.  Jesus said, "You who have seen the Son of Man transfigured may also see Him this hour of darkness and complete dereliction of soul.  Never the less, watch and pray lest you fall into temptation for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak."  These last words referred both to Himself and to the Apostles.  Jesus wished by them to exhort His followers to perseverance, and to make known to them the struggle of His human nature against His overpowering sorrow.  Jesus returned to the grotto, His anguish on the increase, carrying His load of sadness with Him.  He cast Himself face downward on the ground, His arms extended, and prayed to His Heavenly Father.

     In His distress, Jesus raised His voice for some moments in loud cries of anguish.  The Three Apostles sprang up in fright.  They listened to Jesus' cries and were on the point of hastening to Him when Peter stopped James and John saying, "Stay here.  I will go to Him."  Hurrying into the grotto Peter cried, "Master, what has happened to You?" but he paused in terror at the sight of Jesus bathed in blood and trembling with fear.  Jesus paid no attention to Peter who returned to the other two and reported that Jesus had answered only by sighs and groans.  Their anxiety increased.  They covered their heads and sat weeping, praying with many tears.

     Jesus, overcome with fright, fled from the grotto and went again to His Apostles.  He walked bowed like one tottering under a great burden.  He fell at every step.  When He reached the three He did not find them lying on their side asleep as on the first occasion.  They had sunk back on their knees with covered head, as people of that country did when in sorrow or in prayer.  Worn out with grief, anxiety and fatigue, they had again fallen asleep.  When Jesus approached, trembling and groaning, they awoke but did not recognize Him at first.  His breast sunken, His form bent, His face pale and blood stained, His hair in disorder and His arms stretched out to them.  The Apostles sprang up, grasped Him under the arms and supported Him tenderly.  Then He spoke in deep affliction.  He said that tomorrow He was going to die.  In another hour His enemies would seize Him, drag Him to the courts of justice, abuse Him, deride Him, scourge Him and put Him to death in the most horrible manner.  He begged them to console His Mother.  He stood speaking for some moments, but the Apostles kept silence not knowing what to reply.  They were filled with grief and consternation at His words and appearance.  They didn't know what to say, indeed, they even thought that His mind was wandering.  When He wanted to return to the grotto, He did not have the power to do so.  James and John had to lead Him.  When He entered it the Apostles left Him and went back to their own place.

     Jesus had voluntarily accepted the chalice of His Passion and He received new strength.  He was still under the pressure of mental suffering, but supernaturally strengthened to such a degree that without fear or anxiety He was able to walk with a firm step to His disciples.  Though pale and exhausted His bearing was erect and resolute.  He had wiped His face with a linen cloth and with it smoothed down His hair which, moist with blood and sweat, hung down in matted strands.

     When Jesus returned to the Apostles He found them as at first, lying on their side, their head covered and asleep.  The Lord said to them, "This is not the time to sleep.  You should arise and pray, for behold the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man shall be betrayed into the hands of sinners.  Arise, let us go.  Behold the traitor is approaching! Oh it would be better for him if he had never been born!"  The Apostles sprang up frightened and looked around anxiously.  Jesus spoke to them with calm composure.  He again exhorted them to console His Mother, then said, "Let us go to meet them!  I shall deliver Myself without resistance into the hands of My enemies."  With these words He left the Garden of Olives with the three Apostles and went out to meet the myrmidons on the road.  (Matt 26:36-46 & Mark 14:32-42 & Luke 22:39-46)

     When Jesus with the three Apostles went out upon the road between Gethsemani and the Garden of Olives, there appeared at the entrance about twenty paces ahead of them, Judas and the band of soldiers.  When the soldiers 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 but Jesus told him to hold his peace.  Peter, more impetuous than the rest seized his sword, struck at Malchus, the servant of the High Priest, and cut off a piece of his ear.  Malchus fell to the ground increasing the confusion.  Jesus said, "Peter, put up your sword, for whoever takes the sword shall perish by the 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 My Father has given Me?  How will the Scriptures be fulfilled if it shall not be done?"  (Matt 26:47-54)

     After several more torches had been lighted the pitiable procession was set in motion.  First went ten of the guard, then followed the executioners dragging Jesus by the ropes, next came the scoffing Pharisees, and the ten other soldiers closed the procession.  The disciples were straying about wailing and lamenting as if bereft of their senses.

     Most of the Apostles and disciples were now timidly wandering in the valleys near and around Jerusalem and hiding in caves on Mount Olivet.  They often changed their place of concealment, started at one another's approach, and asked in low tones for news.  The sound of every footstep interrupted their anxious communications.  (Mark 14:50)

     After the soldiers had driven the Lord forward for some time they noticed several persons lurking around here and there in the distance.  They were disciples, who had come from Bethphage and other hiding places, to spy around and see how it was faring with their Master.  At sight of them, Jesus' enemies became anxious lest they make a sudden attack and rescue Him, therefore they signalled by a call to Ophel to send a reinforcement, as it had been agreed upon.  A band of fifty soldiers came bearing torches to reinforce their companions.

     Some of His followers ventured from their hiding places to approach the city.  Others stole away to the camps of the Paschal guests to inquire for news from acquaintances belonging to their own part of the country, or to send scouts into the city for a similar purpose.  Others climbed to the top of Mount Sion and gazed anxiously at the torches moving to and fro on Sion, listened to the distant sounds, formed a thousand conjectures as the cause, and then hurried down into the valley with the hope of getting some certain intelligence.

     After the crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea received permission from Pilate to receive the body of Jesus.  (Matt 27:57-60 & Luke 23:50-53)  His friends prepared it for burial.  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 carried the front ends on their shoulders.  Abenadar and John the rear ends.  Then followed the Blessed Mother, her elder sister Mary Heli, Magdalen, Mary Cleophas and other holy women.  Two soldiers with twisted torches walked ahead.  The procession moved on singing Psalms in a low plaintive tone through the valley to the garden of the tomb.  On a hill on the other side of the valley James Zebedee was watching, saw the procession, then went off to tell the other Apostles and disciples who were hiding in caves.

     It was then the hour at which the Sabbath began.  Nicodemus and Joseph returned to the city by a little private gate which by special permission Joseph had been allowed to make in the city wall near the garden.  Peter, James Zebedee and James Alpheus met Joseph and Nicodemus in the city.  All wept, especially Peter.  He embraced Joseph and Nicodemus with tears, accused himself, lamented that he had not been present at the death of the Lord, and thanked them for bestowing upon Him a tomb.  All were quite beside themselves with sorrow.  They agreed that the door of the Cenacle should be opened upon their knocking.  Then they separated in order to seek the other disciples who were scattered in various directions.  Later the Blessed Mother and her companions knocked at the Cenacle and were admitted.  Then Abenadar, and by degrees most of the Apostles and several disciples entered.  They took some refreshment, spent some moments in tears and mourning, related to one another all that had happened.  The men changed their garments and stood under the lamp celebrating the Sabbath.  All were in great trouble and sadness.

     All experienced an inward reverence for John and a feeling of confusion in his presence since he had been at the death of the Lord.  But John was full of love and sympathy toward them and, as simple and ingenious as a child, he gave place to everyone.

     At the close of the Sabbath John, his brother James and Peter visited the holy women to mourn with them and to console them.  On their departure the holy women enveloped themselves in their mourning mantles and retired to pray in the recesses strewn with ashes.

     On the first day of the week Magdalen reached the Cenacle like one beside herself and knocked violently on the door.  Without entering she uttered, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb!  We don't know where," and ran back to the garden.  Peter and John followed her.  The disciples did not believe Magdalen, and until Peter and John returned they looked upon the whole affair as the product of a woman's imagination.

     Many of the disciples and all the Apostles except Thomas assembled with Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea in the hall of the Last Supper, the doors being closed.  They stood ranged in a triple circle under the lamp that hung from the center of the ceiling, and prayed.  All wore long white garments.  Peter, John and James Alpheus were vested in robes that distinguished them from the rest.  When in prayer all had their hands crosswise on their breast.  The Apostles occupied the inner circle under the lamp, the two others were formed by disciples.  Peter, between John and James, stood with his back to the closed entrance of the house.  Although Jesus had appeared to Peter, John and James, yet the greatest number of the Apostles and disciples did not fully believe in His resurrection.  They felt uneasy as if His appearance was not a real and corporeal one, only a vision, a phantom, similar to those the Prophets had.

     All had arranged again for prayer after Peter's instruction when Luke and Cleophas, hurrying back from Emmaus, knocked at the closed doors of the courtyard and received admittance.  The joyful news that they related interrupted the prayer.  But scarcely was it continued when Jesus came in through the closed doors.  He was robed in a long white garment simply girded.  They did not seem to be aware of His approach until He passed through the circles and stood in their midst under the lamp.  Then they became very much amazed and agitated.  He showed them His hands and His feet, and, opening His garment, disclosed the wound in His side.  He spoke to them.  Seeing that they were very terrified, He asked for something to eat.

     Peter went behind a screen into a recess.  On a table was a deep oval dish covered with a white cloth which Peter took to the Lord.  In the dish were a piece of fish and some honey.  Jesus gave thanks, blessed the food and ate.  After that He taught and imparted strength.  (Luke 24:13-45)

     Part of Jesus' words and instruction were heard only by the ten Apostles.  He was resplendent.  Light streamed over them from His hands, His feet, His side, His mouth, as He breathed upon them.  It flowed in upon them.  They became interiorly recollected and felt themselves imbued with the power to forgive sins, to baptize and to heal and impose hands.  If they drank any poisonous thing it would be without receiving harm from it.  He infused these gifts substantially with a flashing of light in upon their soul.

     Jesus explained several points of Holy Scripture relative to Himself and the Blessed Sacrament.  He spoke of the Mystery contained in the Ark of the Covenant.  He said that that Mystery was now His Body and Blood which He had given to them forever in the Sacrament.  Lastly He told them to go in a couple of days to the region of Sichar and there proclaim His resurrection.  After that He vanished.  The Apostles and disciples went around among each other intoxicated with joy.  They opened the doors, went in and out and assembled again under the lamp to sing canticles of praise and thanksgiving.  That same night the Apostles went with a troop of disciples, among them Luke, in the direction of Sichar.  They separated and went different ways, teaching at inns and in public places of the Passion and resurrection of Jesus.

     The Apostles very quickly returned from the region of Sichar.  It was so late when the Apostles assembled in the house of the Last Supper that they could not partake of the meal prepared for them.  They had to begin the Sabbath solemnities.  Peter, with John and James Alpheus beside him, delivered a meditation or prayer.  After that they began the usual ceremonies of the Sabbath.  When all was over they took a repast in the outer hall.  In the Supper Room itself no more eating was done after the institution of the Holy Eucharist.

     After the close of the Sabbath and the Apostles had laid aside their robes of ceremony, a love feast was spread in the outer hall.  Thomas, having celebrated the Sabbath elsewhere came afterward, when the other Apostles were already robed for prayer.  Standing under the lamp they sang Psalms, choir and choir.  Peter stood with John and James Alpheus at his sides.  Jesus walked quickly through the hall into the Supper Room.  Jesus' first words were, "Peace be to you!"  Then He showed Thomas the wounds in His hands, feet and side.  (John 20:24-29)

     Before leaving Jerusalem to go to the Sea of Galilee, the holy Apostles went over the Way of the Cross to Mount Calvary, then to Bethania, where some disciples joined them.  They went by different routes and several companies.  James Zebedee went with Peter, John, Thaddeus, Nathanael, John Mark and Silas, seven in all, to Tiberias.  They went to a fishery outside Tiberias which Peter had once held on lease, but which was then rented by another man.  They went aboard two ships, one somewhat larger and better than the other.  Peter with Thomas, Nathanael and one of the fisherman's servants embarked on the larger boat; John, James, John Mark and Silas on the other.  They sailed about the whole night with torches, casting the nets here and there between the two ships, but always drawing them in empty.  At intervals they prayed and sang Psalms.  When day was beginning to dawn the ships approached the opposite side of the mouth of the Jordan on the eastern shore of the sea.  The Apostles were worn out and wanted to cast anchor when they saw a figure standing behind the reeds on the shore.  He cried out, "Children, have you any meat?"  They answered, "No!"  Then He cried out again, telling them to cast the net to the west of Peter's ship.  The net was so heavily filled that John recognized Jesus, and called Peter across the water, "It is the Lord!"  Peter waded through the water.  He was already standing by Jesus when John came up.  Those on the ship began to cry to them to help bring in the fish.  They drew the net to land and Peter emptied it on the shore.

     The Apostles were very much surprised to see the fire and a fish not of their own catching, also bread and honey cakes.  The Apostles and disciples reclined while Jesus acted as host.  He handed each one a little roll and a portion of fish from the pan.  The fish did not become less. He also gave them the honey cakes and then reclined with them and ate.  (John 21:1-13)

     Peter with the three Apostles (John, his brother James and Thaddeus) and the three disciples (Nathanael, John Mark and Silas) returned that afternoon to the fisherman, Aminadab, who for the last two years had had possession of Peter's fishery.  They took a meal with him.  Toward dawn the next day they reached a synagogue of considerable size.  A great many disciples were here assembled to whom Peter related the miracle of the draught of fishes and the meal, and repeated the words of Jesus.  He taught in the school taking for his subject the miraculous draught and the following of the Lord.  There was a large gathering of people here, among them many sick, and also some possessed.  Peter was the only one who healed on this occasion and he did it in the name of Jesus.  The other Apostles and disciples served and taught.

     Peter gave an instruction before a great multitude.  There were some spies among the listeners.  Peter announced that they should leave all and join the Community, and that he would give them what they needed.  All recognized Peter as the head, the mouth, the hand of the Community.

     The Apostles on leaving Bethania went to the house of the Last Supper.  They could no longer reach the Cenacle through the city, for the road on that side had been partly destroyed by the orders of the Jewish authorities.  The Pharisees had expelled from their society and from public offices all that declared themselves for Jesus and that fraternized with the disciples.  In some places they actually dug pitfalls into which the pious pilgrims might fall, but some of these vicious persons plunged into the holes themselves.  Mount Calvary was rendered unapproachable by hedges and beams.

     Jesus communicated with the Apostles quite naturally in those last days.  He ate and prayed with them, walked with them in many directions, and  repeated all that He had previously told them.  When Jesus was walking with the Apostles around Jerusalem, some of the Jews perceived the apparition and were terrified.  They ran to hide or shut themselves up in their houses.  Even the Apostles and disciples who accompanied Him felt a certain degree of timidity, for there was something too spiritual for them.  He scattered blessings everywhere, and they that saw Him believed and joined the Apostles and disciples.

     On the last day before the ascension Jesus took a touching leave of Lazarus who remained hidden in his own house.  Later that night Jesus was in the inner hall of the house of the Last Supper with the Blessed Mother and The Eleven.  The disciples and the holy women were praying in the side halls.  Toward morning matins were solemnly recited as usual under the lamp.  Jesus again imparted to Peter jurisdiction over the others.  He gave some instructions on baptism and the blessing of water.  Before leaving the house Jesus presented the Blessed Virgin to the Apostles and disciples as their mother, their mediatrix and their advocate, and she bestowed on all her blessing which they received bowing very low.

     At dawn Jesus left the house of the Last Supper with The Eleven.  The Blessed Virgin followed closely, the disciples at some distance.  The day dawned brightly, their hearts grew lighter and they began to think that Jesus would still remain with them.  Jesus paused awhile with the crowd in an exceedingly cool and lovely spot covered with long grass.  Jesus spoke a very long time like one who is about to close his discourse and come to a conclusion.

     The crowd followed Jesus, ascending by different paths that encircled the Mount.  At each moment Jesus shone more brightly and His motions became more rapid.  The disciples hastened after Him but it was impossible to overtake Him.  When He reached the top of the mountain He was resplendent as a beam of white sunlight.  A shining circle, glancing all the colors of the rainbow, fell from heaven around Him.  Jesus raised His right hand, turned slowly around and blessed the whole world.  The rays from above united with the glory emanating from Jesus and He vanished as He rose, disappearing in a cloud of light.  The Apostles and disciples nearest to Jesus were blinded by the dazzling glare.  They were forced to lower their eyes.

     Two figures in long white garments appeared.  Their voice, like trumpets resounding loud and clear, said "You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up to heaven?  This Jesus, who is taken from you up into heaven, shall so come as you have seen Him going into heaven."  (Luke 24:50-52 & Acts 1:9-12)

     The disciples were quite out of themselves, for they now comprehended what had happened.  The Lord had left them and had gone to His Heavenly Father!  At last the Apostles and disciples went back to the house of the Last Supper.  The Blessed Virgin followed.

     The Apostles and disciples now felt themselves alone.  They were at first restless and like people forsaken, but by the soothing presence of the Blessed Virgin they  were comforted, and putting their confidence in Jesus' words that she would be to them a mediatrix, a mother, and an advocate they regained peace of soul.

     In the following days the Apostles were always together and with the Blessed Virgin in the house of the Last Supper.  Peter now took the Lord's place in the prayer circle and at meals.  (Acts 1:12-14)  The Apostles kept themselves very much aloof.  They guarded against persecution from the Pharisees and gave themselves to more earnest and well regulated prayer.  Lots were cast to determine whether Joses Barsabas or Mathias should replace Judas' place as an Apostle.  The lot fell to Mathias. (Acts 1:21-26)

     The whole interior of the Last Supper Room was ornamented with green bushes in whose branches were placed vases of flowers.  Garlands of green were looped from side to side.  The screens that cut off the side halls and the vestibule were removed.  Only the gate of the outer court was closed.  The Apostles stood in two rows turned toward Peter,  The disciples ranged behind the Apostles and took part in the hymns and prayers.  Besides the holy women there were in the house of Last Supper and its dependencies, one hundred and twenty of Jesus' followers.

     After midnight there arose a wonderful movement in all nature.  It communicated itself to all present as they stood in deep recollection, their arms crossed on the breast, silently praying.  Toward morning from above the Mount of Olives a glittering white cloud of light came down from heaven and drew near to the house.  It floated over the city like a luminous mass of fog until it stood above Sion and the house of the Last Supper.  It seemed to contract and to shine with a 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 storm that suddenly gathered but instead of rising from the ground came down from heaven, that was light instead of dark, that instead of thundering came down with a rushing wind.  It was like a warm breeze full of power to refresh and invigorate.

     There shot from the rushing cloud streams of white light that intersected one another in seven fold rays and below each intersection resolved into fine threads of light and fiery drops.  The point at which the seven streams intersected was surrounded by a rainbow light in which floated a luminous figure with out- stretched wings.  In that instant the whole house and its surroundings were penetrated through and through with light.  The five branched lamp no longer shone.  The assembled Faithful were ravished in ecstasy.  Each involuntarily threw back his head and raised his eyes eagerly on high, while into each mouth there flowed a stream of light like a burning tongue of fire.  The sacred fire was poured forth also upon the disciples and the women present.  The resplendent cloud gradually dissolved as if in a rain of light.  A new life full of joy, of confidence, and of courage had been infused into all.  Their joy found vent in thanksgiving.  They ranged for prayer, gave thanks and praised God with great emotion.  The light vanished.  Peter delivered an instruction to the disciples.  (Acts 2:1-4)

     In the house of the Last Supper Peter imposed hands on five of the Apostles who were to help teach and baptize at the Pool of Bethsaida.  They were James Alpheus, Bartholomew, Mathias, Thomas and Jude Thaddeus.  Before departing for the Pool of Bethsaida they received on their knees the blessing of the Blessed Virgin.

     After Pentecost an old neglected synagogue was taken over by the Community.  The Apostles and disciples worked continually at the interior arrangement of the synagogue which became their first church.  The Apostles and disciples went in procession with the Blessed Sacrament from the house of the Last Supper to the new church.  Peter carried in his hands the chalice containing the Blessed Blood.  The chalice was covered with a white linen, something like a bag, which was suspended from his neck.  The Blessed Virgin walked after the Apostles with the other women and disciples.  A part of the way was hung with screens of matting and in the vicinity of the church the road was even covered in awnings.  The Blessed Sacrament was placed in the new tabernacle on the altar.  The tray of Blessed Bread had also been brought.  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.

     The Apostles gathered around Peter in the Last Supper room where they assisted him in a solemn ceremony.  After all had received Communion from Peter he addressed a large crowd of disciples and new converts.  Among other things he said it was not becoming for the Word of God to be neglected for the care of clothing and nourishment.  Because Lazarus, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea had become priests, it was not proper for them to oversee the temporal interests of the Community as they had been doing; distributing alms, overseeing household affairs of widows and orphans, etc.  Stephen, Parmenas and five other youths offered themselves.  Peter laid his hands upon them, and crossed the stoles under their arm.  When he did so a light was infused upon those who had not yet received the Holy spirit.  After that the treasures and goods of the Community were delivered over to the seven deacons.  Joseph of Arimathea gave his house over to them for the use of the Community.  John Mark helped them carry the goods on asses to Joseph's house.  The day after the giving over of Joseph of Arimathea's house to the deacons, the Apostles dispersed into Judea.  (Acts 6:1-6)  James Zebedee and one of the disciples were sent to the pagan regions north of Carpharnaum.

     Peter wrought more miracles than all the others.  He healed a lame man who petitioned John and him at the entrance to the Temple.  Twelve Jewish priests looked with outstretched necks.  They left their seats and withdrew.  Peter, John and the cured man were arrested when they left the Temple and tried by Caiaphas and other priests.  The rest of the Apostles passed the night in the house of the Last Supper in continual prayer for the prisoners.  When Peter and John were released their joy burst into a loud thanksgiving.  (Acts 3:1-12 & Acts 4:1-24)

     After Peter and John's arrest they shut everything up, and Peter, with the Blessed Sacrament suspended around his neck in a bag, went with the others to Bethania.  While in Bethania the Apostles preached enthusiastically at the disciples' inn, at Simon's and at Lazarus'.  When they returned to Jerusalem they were more enthusiastic, more determined than ever.  Peter declared that now was the time to labor, to suffer persecution and to give up all worldly things.  Whoever did not feel himself strong enough for this should depart.  About a hundred of those who had recently joined the Community withdrew from the great crowd in the Bethsaida church.

     About a year after the crucifixion of the Lord Stephen was stoned.  (Acts 7:54-59)  No further persecution of the Apostles took place at that time.  However the rising settlement of new converts around Jerusalem was dissolved.    A few years later a new storm arose against the Christians.  Lazarus and his sisters were imprisoned, then allowed to set out over the sea.  The other Christians dispersed and some were murdered.

     James Zebedee was one of the first Apostles, who, after the division of the different countries was made, left Jerusalem and headed for Spain.  On his departure he fled to Bethlehem where he concealed himself in the Crib Cave.  He and his companions secretly wandered through the country, for there were spies in search for them with orders to prevent them from leaving Palestine.  But James had friends in Joppa, and he succeeded in embarking.  He sailed first to Ephesus in order to visit Mary and then departed for Spain.

     Accompanying James Zebedee was James Cleophas, the brother of Mary Cleophas and a cousin of Jesus.  He had first been a disciple of John the Baptist.  He was one of the oldest and most distinguished of the seventy-two disciples of Jesus.  (Luke 10:1)  After Jesus' death he had become a priest.  He was the same age as Andrew.  He accompanied James Zebedee to Spain, to the islands into Cyprus and into the idolatrous countries bordering the confines of Judea.  He with two other disciples once disputed with Paul on the subject of Jewish circumcision. (Acts 15:1-2)

     Shortly before his death James Zebedee visited Mary and John for a second time in Ephesus.  Here Mary told him that his death would take place in Jerusalem.  She encouraged and consoled him.  James took leave of her and his brother John and started for Jerusalem.  It was at this period that he was brought into contact with Hermogenes and his pupil, both of whom he converted with his miracles. (2Tim 1:15)

     James was several times apprehended and taken before the synagogue.  Shortly before Easter while he was preaching on a hill in an open square of Jerusalem he was arrested.  James was not imprisoned long.  He was sentenced to death in the same place of trial as Jesus.  The whole place however had undergone a change.  Those sites upon which Jesus had trodden were no longer in existence.  The authorities had destroyed everything the Christians had venerated.

     James was led out toward Mount Calvary.  He continued his preaching along the way and thereby made many converts.  When they bound his hands, he remarked, "You can bind my hands, but you cannot bind the blessing.  You cannot bind my tongue!"

     A lame man was sitting by the roadside.  He called to James, begging him to extend his hand to help him.  James responded, "You come to me, and reach your hand to me!"  The lame man arose, seized the fettered hands of the Apostle and was cured.  That man had denounced James.  His name was Josias.  His heart smote him.  He hurried after the Apostle and begged forgiveness.  He declared himself for Christ and was likewise put to death.  James had asked him whether he desired baptism and when Josias answered, "Yes," he had embraced and kissed him saying, "You will be baptized in your blood."

     James was first stationed near Josias on an elevated place, and the sentence proclaimed aloud.  Then he was laid on a large stone, his hands bound to it, his eyes blindfolded, and his head struck off.  James Zebedee was the first of Jesus' faithful Apostles to die.  This took place in the twelfth year after Jesus' death.  James was not present at the death of the Blessed Virgin in Ephesus.  There was another there in his place, a relative of the Holy Family.

     Years ago when the Apostles had asked Jesus about the Kingdom that was to come, He had told them that a time would come when another Spirit would come and only then would they understand all things.  Jesus had told them then to sleep in peace, for the time would come when, anxious and troubled, they would be without sleep; this would be followed by another time when, in the midst of persecution, a stone under their head, they would sleep as sweetly as Jacob at the foot of the ladder that reached to heaven.  For James Zebedee that time had come.