JUDE THADDEUS - APOSTLE

                     JUDE THADDEUS - APOSTLE

                                by

                         Harriet Shikoski

  

To my Readers,

     Many details included in this story of Jude Thaddeus were seen in the visions of Ven. Anne 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 Bretano, arranged and edited by the Very Reverend Carl E. Schmoger, C.SS.R., and translated from German into English.  In my turn I have also picked and arranged the material.

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

     Though the total accuracy may be questioned, I still believe that the following story of Jude Thaddeus captures his true character and helps us to understand the man whose love of Jesus enables him to help us present our hopeless cases to Our Lord.

                     JUDE THADDEUS - APOSTLE

     The name "Judah", having been the name of one of the twelve sons of Jacob, was common among the Jewish people.  Two of Jesus' Apostles carried that name, Judah Iscariot and Judah Thaddeus.  In order to distinguish between the two Apostles named Judah, it is customary to use the Greek form of "Judas" for Judas Iscariot and the English form of "Jude" for Jude Thaddeus.  "Thaddeus" means "heart" or "love."

     Jude Thaddeus was a relative of Jesus.  He was the son of Alpheus and Mary Cleophas, the brother of the Apostles James Alpheus and Simon, the grandson of Mary Heli, and a great grandson of Anna, the grandmother of Jesus.

     When Jude was a boy his family lived near Chimke, a small shepherd place not far from Nazareth.  The prophecies made by the aged Anna and Simeon in the Temple at the time of Jesus' Presentation were known to Jude's family, but they did not take them seriously as anything of importance.  Jude had often played with Jesus when he was a boy, but when he reached manhood he left the area around Chimke and Nazareth.  He became a fisherman on the Lake, the Sea of Galilee, and dealt in fishing supplies as a side line.

     When Joseph died, Jude came with his mother, Mary Cleophas, and his brothers to comfort Mary and Jesus.  Jude had not had any close relationship with Jesus since childhood.

     After Joseph's death and about the time Jesus began His public life, Mary, the Mother of Jesus, left Nazareth and began to live in a house outside of Capharnaum.  After she had moved there she returned to Nazareth temporarily to settle her affairs.  At the same time Jesus and five disciples visited, staying nearby in the shepherd village of Chimke.  The Pharisees of Nazareth went to the synagogue of Chimke and there derided Him.

     The people with whom Jesus and the five disciples stayed with outside of Nazareth, were Essenians and friends of the Holy Family.  The Essenians, both men and women, lived around here in the ruins of old stone vaults, solitary and unmarried.  The men wore long white garments, the women mantles, and both cultivated little gardens.  They had once lived near Herod's castle in the valley of Zabulon; but out of friendship with the Holy Family had come here.

     The man with whom Jesus stayed was named Eliud.  He was a very venerable, gray-haired old man with a long beard.  He was a widower; his daughter took care of him.  He was the son of a brother of Zacharias.  The Essenians lived very retired around here, attended the synagogue at Nazareth, and were very devoted to the Holy Family.  The care of     Mary's home during her absence had been entrusted to them.

     Next morning five of Jesus' disciples went into Nazareth to visit their relatives and acquaintances.  Jesus stayed with Eliud with whom He prayed and very confidentially conversed, for to the simple-hearted, pious man many mysteries had been revealed.

     There were four women in Mary's house besides herself: her niece, Mary Cleophas; Johanna Chusa, a cousin of Anna the Prophetess; Mary, mother of John Marc; and the widow Lea.

     The Blessed Virgin and Mary Cleophas came to Jesus in the

morning.  Jesus stretched out His hand to His Mother, His manner to her being affectionate, though very earnest and grave.  Mary was anxious about Him.  She begged Him not to go to Nazareth for the feeling against Him there was very bitter.  The Pharisees belonging to Nazareth, who had heard Him in the synagogue of Chimke, had again aroused indignation against Him.  Jesus replied to His Mother's entreaties to leave that He would stay where He was in Chimke, until the people who were to go with Him to the baptism of John came, and they would then pass through Nazareth.  Jesus had a long talk with His Mother on this day, for she came to Him two or three times.  He told her that He would go up to Jerusalem three times for the Pasch, but that the last time would be one of great affliction for her.  He revealed to her many other mysteries.

     Mary Cleophas was a handsome distinguished looking woman.  She spoke with Jesus that morning of her five sons, and entreated Him to take them into His own service.  One was a clerk, or a kind of magistrate, named Simon; two were fishermen, James and Jude.  These three were the sons of her first marriage.  Alpheus, her first husband, was a widower with one son when she married him.  This step-son was named Levi (later called Matthew).  She wept bitterly when she spoke of him, for he was a publican.  Joses Barsabas, who was also at the fishery, was her son by her second husband Sabas; and, by her third marriage with the fisherman Jonas, she had another son, the young Simeon still a boy.  Jesus consoled her, promising that all of her sons would one day follow Him.  Of Levi, whom He had already seen when on His way to Sidon, He spoke words of comfort, foretelling that he would one day be one of His best disciples.

     The Blessed Virgin, with some of her women companions,  returned from Nazareth to her new home near Capharnaum.  Servants had come with asses to conduct them back.  They took several pieces of furniture with them which, after their last journey, had been left behind in Nazareth.  Also taken were various kinds of tapestry and woven materials, packages of other things, and some vessels.  All were packed in chests formed of broad strips of inner or outer bark, and fastened to the sides of the asses.  Mary's house in Nazareth was so ornamented that it had, during her absence, the appearance of a chapel.  The fireplace looked like an altar.  A chest was placed over it on which stood a flower-pot with a plant growing in it.  After Mary's departure this time, the Essenians occupied the house.

     About five of the best known disciples, whom Jesus had dispatched with messages, arrived in Capharnaum.  They had an interview with Mary, and then two of them went to Bethsaida for Peter and Andrew.  James Alpheus, Simon, Jude, John, and James Zebedee were present.  His disciples spoke of the mildness, meekness, and wisdom of Jesus, while the followers of John the Baptist proclaimed with enthusiasm the austere life of their master, and declared that they had never before heard such an interpreter of the Law and the Prophets.  Even John spoke enthusiastically of the Baptist, although he already knew Jesus well.  His parents had once lived only a couple of hours from Nazareth, and Jesus loved him even as a child.  The disciples celebrated the Sabbath here.

     The next day the disciples travelled along on the road to Tiberias, on their way to John, passing near Ephron and then through the desert toward Jericho.  Peter and Andrew particularly distinguished themselves by the zeal with which they spoke of the Baptist.  He was, they said, of a noble, priestly race; he had been educated by the Essenians in the wilderness, he would suffer no irregularity around him, he was as rigorous as he was wise.  Then Jesus' disciples put forward the mildness and wisdom of their Master, to which the others retorted that many disorders arose from such condescension, and they cited instances to prove what they said.  Jesus' disciples replied that their Master, too, had been educated by the Essenians and that moreover, He had but lately returned from traveling.  The disciples all started together for the place of baptism, but after a few hours branched off and took different directions.

     The region in which John baptized was an exceedingly charming and well watered district called Salem.  It lay on the both sides of an arm of the Jordan, but Ainon (meaning 'springs') was on the opposite side of the river.  Ainon was larger than Salem, further north and nearer the river.  Around the numerous creeks and pools of this region, were pasture-grounds for cattle, and droves of asses grazed in the verdant meadows.  The country around Salem and Ainon had a certain freedom, possessing a kind of privilege established by custom, in virtue of which the inhabitants dared not drive anyone from its borders.

     John had built his hut at Ainon on the old foundation of what was once a large building, but which had fallen to ruins, and was now covered with moss and overgrown with weeds.  Here and there arose a hut.  These ruins were the foundations of the tent-castle of Melchizedek.  Abraham once had a vision here. (Gen 12:7-9)  He placed two stones in position, one as an altar, and upon the other he knelt.  The vision that was shown to him was a City of God like the Heavenly Jerusalem, with streams of water falling from it.  He was commanded to pray more for the coming of the City of God.  The water steaming from the City spread around on all sides. (Gen 14:18, Gen 15:12-16)

     Abraham had this vision about five years before Melchizedek built his tent-castle on the same spot.  This castle was more properly a tent surrounded by galleries and flights of steps similar to Mensor's castle in Arabia.  The foundation alone was solid, it was of stone.  On this foundation, which now looked like a mound overgrown with vegetation, John had a little reed hut.  The tent-castle in Melchizedek's time was a public halting-place for travellers, a kind of charming resting-place by the pleasant waters.  Melchizedek, the leader and counsellor of the wandering races and nations, built his castle here in order to be able to instruct and entertain them.  But even in his time, it had some reference to baptism. 

     Jacob, too, had once lived a long time at Ainon with his herds.  The cistern of John's baptism-pool was in existence at that early time, and Jacob repaired it.  The ruins of Melchizedek's castle were near the water and the place of baptism.  In Jerusalem in the early days of Christianity, a church stood on the spot where John had baptized.  Salem had been a beautiful city, but it was ruined during the war when the destruction of the Temple took place before the time of Jesus.

     John, perhaps for about two weeks, had been attracting public attention by his teaching and baptizing, when some messengers sent by Herod from Callirrhoe came to him.  Herod was at that time living in his castle at Callirrhoe, on the eastern side of the Dead Sea.  There were numerous baths and warm springs in the vicinity.  Herod wanted John to come to him.  But John replied to the messengers: "I have much to occupy me.  If Herod wishes to confer with me, let him come himself."  After that Herod went to a little city about five miles south of Ainon.  He was riding in a low-wheeled chariot, and surrounded by a guard.  From its raised seat he could command a view upon all sides as from a canopied throne.  He invited John to meet him in the little city.  John went to a man's hut outside the city, and Herod went there alone to meet him.  Herod asked John why he dwelt in so miserable an abode at Ainon, adding that he would have a house built for him there.  But to this John replied that he needed no house, that he had all he wanted and that he was accomplishing the will of One greater than he.  He spoke earnestly and severely, though briefly, standing the whole time with his face turned away from Herod.

     Simon, James, and Jude, the sons of Mary Cleophas by her deceased husband Alpheus, and Joses Barsabas, her son by her second marriage with Sabas, were baptized by John at Ainon.  Andrew and Philip also were baptized by him, after which they returned to their occupations.  The other Apostles and many of the disciples had already been baptized. (John 3:22-23)

     One day many priests and doctors of the Law came to John from the towns around Jerusalem intending to call him to account.  They questioned him as to who he was, who had sent him, what he taught, etc.  John, answering with extraordinary boldness and energy, announced to them the coming of the Messiah and charged them with impenitence and bypocrisy.

     Not long after that many more inquisitors were sent from Nazareth, Jerusalem and Hebron by the Elders and Pharisees to question John upon his mission.  They made his having taken possession of the place chosen for baptism a subject of complaint.

     Many publicans had come to John.  He baptized some, and spoke to them about the state of their conscience.  Among them was the publican Levi, the son of Alpheus, later called Matthew.  Levi was deeply touched by John's exhortations, and he amended his life.  He was held in low esteem by his relatives.  John refused baptism to many these publicans. (Luke 3:12-13)

     A three days' festival was now celebrated at the stone of the Ark of the Covenant where John's teaching-tent had been erected.  John's disciples adorned the place with branches of trees, garlands, and flowers.  Peter, Andrew, Philip, James Alpheus, Simon, and Jude were there, and many of the subsequent disciples of Jesus.  This spot had always been regarded as sacred by the devout among the Jews, but at this time it was rather dilapidated.  John had it repaired. (Josh 4:1-24)  John, as well as some of his disciples, were in priestly robes.  Over a grey undergarment, the Baptist wore a white robe, long and wide, girded at the waist by a sash woven in yellow and white, the ends fringed.  On either shoulder was a setting as if of two curved precious stones upon which were graven the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, six on each.  On his breast was a square shield, yellow and white, fastened at the corners by fine golden chains.  In this shield were set twelve precious stones each bearing the name of one of the Twelve Tribes.  Around his shoulders hung a yellow stole fringed at the ends.  His robe also was fringed with white and yellow silk balls like fruit.  His head was uncovered, but under the neck of his robe he wore a narrow strip of woven material which could be drawn over the head like a cowl, and which then hung over the forehead in a point.

     Before the stone upon which the Ark of the Covenant had rested, stood a small altar.  It was not exactly square.  In the center of the surface was a cavity covered by a grating, and below it a hole for ashes.  On the sides were pipes, which looked like horns.

     Present were many disciples in white garments and broad girdles such as the Apostles used to wear in the early assemblies for divine worship.  These disciples served at the incense sacrifice.  John burned several kinds of herbs, also spices, and some wheat on the portable altar of incense.  All was decorated with green branches, garlands, and flowers.  Crowds of aspirants to baptism were present.

     The priestly garments and ornaments of the Baptizer had all been prepared at this place of baptism.  There lived near the Jordan some holy women, recluses, who worked at all kinds of necessary things and prepared the sacred robes of the Baptist.  These women were not baptized,

     When Jesus and Andrew reached the neighborhood of Tarichaea, they put up near the lake at a house belonging to Peter's fishery.  Andrew had previously given orders for preparations to be made for Jesus' reception.  Jesus did not go into the city.  There was something dark and repulsive about the inhabitants, who were deeply engaged in usury and thought only of gain.  Simon, who had some employment here, had gone with Jude and James Alpheus, his brothers, to Gennabris for the feast, where James Zebedee and John were.  Lazarus, Saturnin, and Simeon's son came here to meet Jesus, as did Nathanael of Cana, who invited Jesus and all His company to his marriage.

     The reason that led Jesus to pass a couple of days in the vicinity of Tarichaea, was that He desired to give the future Apostles and disciples time to communicate to one another the reports circulated about Himself, and especially what Andrew and Saturnin had to relate.  He also desired that by more frequent association, they should better understand one another.  While Jesus travelled through the country around Tarichaea, Andrew remained in the house.  He was busy writing letters with a reed upon strips of parchment.  The writings could be rolled, placed in a little hollow, wooden cylinder, and removed and unrolled at pleasure.  Men and youths frequently entered the house, seeking employment.  Andrew engaged them as couriers to convey the letters he had written to Philip, to his half-brother Jonathan, to Peter, and to the others at Gennabris, notifying them that Jesus would go to Capharnaum for the Sabbath and asking them to meet Him there.

     Meantime a messenger arrived from Capharnaum begging Andrew to entreat Jesus to come there right away, for a messenger from Cades had been there awaiting Him for the past few days.  This man wanted to ask Jesus for help.

     Accordingly with Andrew, Saturnin, Obed, and some of John's disciples, Jesus set out from the fisher-house near Tarachaea to Capharnaum.  Capharnaum was not close to the lake, but on the plateau and southern slope of the mountain.  On the western side of the lake, the mountain formed a valley through which the Jordan flowed into the lake.  Jesus and His companions went separately.  Andrew walked with his half-brother Jonathan and Philip, both of whom had come in answer to Andrew's notification.  Jonathan and Philip had not yet met Jesus.  Andrew spoke enthusiastically to them.  He told them all that he had seen of Jesus, and declared that He was indeed the Messiah.  If they desired to follow Him, he added, there was no need of their presenting to Him a formal petition to that effect.  All they had to do was to regard Him attentively, and He, seeing their earnest wish, would give them a hint, a word to join His followers.

     Mary and the holy women were not in Capharnaum itself, but at Mary's house in the valley outside the city and nearer the lake.  It was there that they celebrated the feast.  Jude, his brothers James and Simon, Peter, James Zebedee, and John had already arrived from Gennabris with others of the future disciples.  But there were many other relatives and friends of the Holy Family who had been invited to Cana for the wedding. (John 2:1)  They celebrated the Sabbath here because they had been notified that Jesus was expected.

     Jesus along with Andrew, Saturnin, some of John's disciples, Lazarus, and Obed, stopped at a house belonging to the bridegroom Nathanael.  Nathanael's parents were dead.  They had left a large patrimony to their son.

     The future disciples who had just come from Gennabris, experienced a certain shyness in Jesus' company.  This was caused by the influence that Nathanael Chased's opinion had over them, and also by the thought of the wonderful things they had heard about Jesus from Andrew and some others of John's disciples.  They were restrained also by their own natural bashfulness, and by the remembrance of what Andrew had told them, that is, they were not to make advances themselves, but merely pay attention to the teaching of Jesus, which would be sufficient to make them decide to follow Him.

     For two whole days the messenger from Cades had been waiting here for Jesus.  Now he approached Him, cast himself at His feet, and informed Him that he was the servant of a man from Cades.  His master, he said, entreated Jesus to return with him and cure his little son who was afflicted with leprosy and a dumb devil.  This man was a most faithful servant; he placed his master's trouble before Jesus in very pathetic words.  Jesus replied that He could not return with him, but still the child should receive assistance, for he was an innocent boy.  Then He directed the servant to tell his master to stretch himself with extended arms over his son, to recite certain prayers, and the leprosy would disappear.  After which, he, the servant himself, should lie upon the boy and breathe into his mouth.  A blue vapor would then escape from the boy and he would be freed from dumbness.  The father and servant cured the boy as Jesus had directed.

     There were certain mysterious reasons for the command that both the father and the servant should stretch themselves alternately upon the boy.  The servant himself was the true father of the child.  The master was ignorant of this fact, but Jesus knew it.  Both had therefore to be instrumental in freeing the child from the penalty of sin.

     When Jesus taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath, an unusually large crowd was assembled to hear Him, and among His audience were all His friends and relatives.  His teaching was entirely novel to these people, and quite transporting in its eloquence.  He spoke of the nearness of the Kingdom of God, of the light that should not be hidden under a bushel, of sowing, and of faith like unto a mustard-seed.  He taught, not in naked parables, but with explanations.  The parables were short examples and similes, which He used to explain His doctrine more clearly.  Jesus taught, making use of great many more parables than are related in the Gospel.  Those recorded there were those that He most frequently used with explanations more or less varied to suit the occasion.

     After the close of the Sabbath, Jesus went with His disciples into a little vale near the synagogue.  It was used for a promenade or a place of seclusion.  There were trees in front of the entrance, as well as in the vale.  Jude, his brothers James and Simon, John and James Zebedee, and some other disciples were with Him.  But Philip, who was backward and humble, hung behind, not certain as to whether he should or should not follow.  Jesus, who was going on before, turned His head and, addressing Philip, said: "Follow Me!" At these words Philip went on joyously with the others.  There were about twelve in the little band.

     On leaving Phasael, Jesus turned His steps to the Jordan which He crossed, and continued His journey northward through Peraea as far as Socoth, where He recrossed to the west side of the river and went on to Jesrael.

     Jesus taught in Jezrael and performed many miracles before a great concourse of people.  All the disciples from Galilee were here assembled here to meet Him,  Nathanael Chased, Nathanael the bridegroom, Peter, James, John, Jude and his brothers, all were there.  Lazarus, Martha, Seraphia, and Johanna Chusa, who had come before from Jerusalem, had visited Magdalen at her castle of Madgalum, to persuade her to go with them to Jezrael, in order to see, if not to hear, the wise, the admirable, the most eloquent, and most beautiful Jesus, of whom the whole country was full.  Madgalen had yielded to the persuasions of the women and, surrounded by much vain display, accompanied them there.  As she stood at the window of an inn gazing down into the street, Jesus and His disciples came walking by.  As He passed He looked at her gravely, with a glance that pierced her soul.  Violently agitated, she rushed from the inn and, impelled by an overpowering sense of her own misery, hid in a house where lepers and women afflicted with bloody flux found a refuge.  It was a kind of hospital under the supervision of a Pharisee.  The people of the inn from which Magdalen had fled, knowing the life she was leading, cried out: "That's the right place for her, among lepers and people tormented with bloody flux"

     But Magdalen had fled to the house of the leprous through that feeling of intense humiliation roused in her soul by the glance of Jesus, for she had made her way into that respectable position among the other women through a motive of pride, not wishing to stand in the crowd of poor, common people.  Accompanied by Lazarus, she returned to Magdalum with Martha and the other women.  They celebrated the next Sabbath there for Magdalum could boast a synagogue.

     In the evening Jesus went to His Mother's house between Bethsaida and Capharnaum, where Lazarus, Martha and the other women from Jerusalem were visiting.  They were on their way from Magdalum and had called to take leave of Mary before returning to Jerusalem.  Jesus said that Martha was too anxious, and that Magdalen had been very deeply affected, yet she would resist conversion and relapse once more into her old ways.  She had not yet laid aside her fine attire, for, as she declared, one in her position could not dress so plainly as the other women.

     Jesus taught again in Capharnaum.  Again the sick were brought to Him and He cured many.  Again messengers came to invite Him to other places.  There were at this time some very ill-disposed Pharisees around Him, and they contradicted Him on several points.  They asked Him what would come of all that excitement, for the whole country was in commotion on His account, since He was teaching publicly and daily swelling the numbers of His followers.  Jesus rebuked them severely, and told them that He was about to teach and act still more openly.

     About two in the afternoon Jesus went with His companions into a partioned part of the court of Israel where a repast of fruit and rolls had been prepared.  The rolls were twisted like ques, or plaited hair.  A steward had been engaged to see to everything.  All necessaries could be bought or ordered in the precincts of the Temple itself, and strangers had the right to avail themselves of the privilege.  The Temple was so large that it seemed like a little city, and in it one could procure every thing.  During this repast, Jesus gave an instruction.  When the men had finished, the women took some refreshment.

     Lazarus held a position in the Temple.  He went around with a box and took up a collection.  Jesus and His followers remained the whole afternoon in the Temple.  There were innumerable lamps and lights in the Temple on this Sabbath.

     Mary and the other holy women had left Capharnaum to go to Jerusalem.  Their route lay toward Nazareth and passed Thabor from which district other women came to join them, and then turned off through Samaria.  They were preceded by the disciples from Galilee and followed by servants with the baggage.  Among the disciples were Jude and his brothers; Peter, Andrew, and their half-brother Jonathan; the sons of Zebedee, Nathanael Chased, and Nathanael the bridegroom.

     On the fourth of Nisan, Jesus spent the whole morning in the Temple with about twenty disciples, after which He taught at the home of Mary Marc where He took a luncheon.  He afterward returned to Bethania and went with Lazarus to Simon the Pharisee's.  Already many of the lambs brought to the Temple had been rejected by the priests.

     Jesus went again in the Temple, then in the afternoon taught at the home of Joseph of Armimathea, which was not far from the home of John Marc and near a stonecutter's yard.  It was a retired quarter of the city and little frequented by Pharisees.  At this period no one feared to be seen in company with Jesus, for hatred against Him had not yet become evident.

     Jesus continued to show Himself still more freely and boldly throughout Jerusalem and in the Temple.

     As Jesus was teaching before the multitude, part of them standing, others sitting on wooden platforms in a circle around Him, a stranger approached on a camel.  He was followed by six attendants who rode on mules.  It was an embassy from King Abgarus, who was sick, and who had sent a letter to Jesus in which he implored Him to come to Edessa and cure him.  He had had an eruption that had settled in his feet and made him lame.  Travellers returning to their homes had told him about Jesus and His miracles, about the testimony of John the Baptist, and about the wrath of the Jews toward Jesus at the last Paschal solemnity.  It had aroused in Abgarus a great longing to be healed by Jesus.

     The young man who had been commissioned to bear the king's letter to Jesus was an artist, and he had received commands to bring back Jesus' portrait if Jesus did not come Himself.  The envoy passed through the crowd, sometimes here, sometimes there, desperately trying to reach Jesus, both to hear Jesus and to paint His likeness.  Then Jesus asked one of the disciples to make room for him.  He pointed out a near by platform near to which the disciple brought the envoy forward, placing him and his attendants where they could see and hear.  They had with them gifts of woven materials, thin plates of gold, and some very beautiful lambs.

     The envoy, overjoyed at being able to finally see Jesus, at once produced his drawing materials, rested his tablet on his knee, regarded Jesus with great admiration and attention, and set to work.  Again and again he tried to sketch but without ever perfecting his work.  As often as he glanced at Jesus, he seemed lost in amazement at the countenance he saw, and was forced to begin anew.

     Jesus continued His discourse a while longer, and then sent the disciple to tell the envoy that he could now approach and deliver his message.  The envoy came down from the platform followed by his attendants with the presents and lambs.  The picture at which he had been working hung by a strap on his left arm.  In his right hand he held the king's letter.  Casting himself on his knees before Jesus, he bowed low, as did his attendants, and said, "Your slave is the servant of Abgarus, King of Edessa.  He is sick.  He sends You this letter, and prays You to accept these gifts from him."  Jesus replied to the envoy that the good intentions of his master were pleasing to Him, and He commanded the disciples to take the gifts and distribute them among the poorest in the crowd.  Then He unfolded the letter and read it.

     The part of the letter containing the writing was stiff; the envelope pliable, as if made of silk.  It was bound by string.  When Jesus had read the letter He turned the stiff part over, took a coarse pencil out of His robe, wrote several words and folded it.  He called for some water, bathed His face, pressed the soft piece of material in which the letter had been folded to His face, and returned the piece to the envoy who pressed it to the picture he had vainly tried to perfect.  Instantly an exact likeness of Jesus' face appeared.

     The artist was filled with delight.  He turned the picture, which was hanging by a strap, toward the spectators.  After casting himself at Jesus' feet, he arose and took leave immediately.  But some of his servants remained behind and followed Jesus, who, after this instruction, crossed the Jordan to the second place of baptism, which John had abandoned.  There these new followers were baptized.

     Abgarus came some distance through his gardens to meet his envoy.  He was indescribably touched at Jesus' letter and the sight of His picture.  Jesus had written that His visit at this time would be unseasonable.  He would first return to the Father and send the Consoler, after which an apostle would come and baptize him in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  They should, He told them, live in the desire of baptism and submission to His will.  Such dispositions would, to those who might die in the meantime, serve as baptism.  Abgarus immediately amended his life and dismissed the numerous concubines with whom he had sinned.

     Three years after the Ascension Jude did go to Edessa and baptized him.

     Jesus with a few of His disciples crossed the valley Esdrelon on His way through Samaria to Tyre.  Jesus had to endure great privations on this hurried journey.  Saturnin, or some other one of the disciples, had charge of a basket of bread.  Several times Jesus had to steep the hard crust in water, in order to be able to eat it.  In Tyre He put up at an inn near the gate on the land side of the city.  He had come over a high mountain ridge.  Tyre was a very large city.  To one approaching from a distant height, it looked as if hanging from a mountain and momentarily in danger of being detached.  Jesus did not enter the city.  He kept along the wall on the land side where there were not so many people.  The wall was very thick.  Into it was built the inn, and on top of it ran a road.  Jesus wore a brownish robe and a white woolen mantle.  He went here and there, but only to the houses of the poor which were built in the wall.  Saturnin and one other disciple had come with Jesus to Tyre.  Peter, Andrew, James Alpheus, Jude, Nathanael Chased, and all the disciples that had been with Him at the marriage feast of Cana followed.  They travelled in separate bands, and met Jesus in the Jewish meeting house, situated in another quarter of Tyre.  This house, which had a school connected to it, had a large bathing garden which ran down even to the water that cut off this quarter of the city from the mainland.  The bathing garden was surrounded by a wall inside of which was a quickset hedge of bushes cut in figures.  In the middle of the garden was an open portico containing numerous passages and little apartments, and around it was the spacious bathing cistern full of flowing water.  There was in the middle of it a pillar with steps and hand supports, by means of which one could descend into the water to any depth.  This place was inhabited by aged Jews, who were despised on account of their religion or origin, although they were good, pious men.

     It was touching to see Jesus saluting the disciples on their arrival.  He passed among them giving His hands first to one, then another.  They were full of respectful confidence, for they regarded Him as an extraordinary, supernatural Being.  They were indescribably joyous at seeing Him again.  He delivered to them a long instruction, after which they told Him all that had happened to them.  They took a meal together consisting of bread, fruit, honey, and fish which the disciples had brought with them.

     Jesus exhorted them to constancy and told them to begin to free themselves more and more from their avocations, and to spread, as far as they could, His doctrine among the people of their district. 

     That night Jesus again retired secretly to the Mount of Olives and prayed with His whole heart and soul, after which He went with Lazarus and Saturnin to Bethoron, about six hours off.  It was then one hour passed midnight.  They cut through the desert on their way.  When about two hours away from Bethoron, they were met by the disciples whom Jesus had appointed to join Him there, and who had arrived at the inn near Bethoron the day before.  They were Peter, Andrew, and their half-brother Jonathan, James Zebedee, John, James Alpheus, Jude, Philip, Nathanael Chased, also the bridegroom of Cana, and one or two of the widow's sons.  Jesus rested with them under a tree in the desert for a long time, and gave them an instruction.  He spoke again of the parable of the lord of the vineyard who had sent his son to the vine dressers.  At the conclusion of the discourse, they proceeded to the inn and took something to eat.  Saturnin had received from the women a purse of money with which to procure provisions for the little party.

     In front of the synagogue, Jesus cured the sick on the street, and then went with His disciples to Peter's outside the city gate.  Nathanael Chased, the bridegroom, and Jude had come here from Cana for this Sabbath.  Jude was often in Capharnaum, for he travelled a great deal throughout the country, dealing in fishing-nets, sailcloth, and fishing tackle.  That night the house was again full of sick persons, and, separated from the rest, were several women afflicted with a flow of blood.  Some women, completely wrapped up, were brought on portable beds by their friends.  They were pale and emaciated, and had already sighed long after Jesus' help.  He imposed hands on the sufferers, and blessed them.  Then He commanded those on the beds to throw off their covers and arise.  They obeyed, helping each other.  Jesus exhorted them, healed them, and bid them farewell.  During the night, He retired to pray.

     The spying Pharisees had not spoken openly in Capharnaum of the object of their mission, even the Centurion Zorobabel had been questioned only secretly.  They had sufficient pretexts to account for their presence; the Jews were in the habit of going from one place to another for the celebration of the Sabbath, especially if a distinguished Doctor was expected to preside; it was customary besides for crowds to retire into the country of Genesareth, to rest from business and enjoy the beauty and luxuriance that everywhere abounded.

     After the sermon, Jesus went with His disciples to an inn that stood outside the western gate of the city.  Lazarus had erected it for their use on some property that He owned in these parts.  Bartholomew, Simon, Jude, and Philip came here to see Jesus.  He cordially received them.  They dined with Jesus and remained over night.  Jesus had often before seen Bartholomew, had given him an interior call to His service, and had even spoken of him to the disciples.  Simon and Jude were Jesus' cousins.  Philip also was related to Him and like Jude was already among the disciples.  Jesus had called all these to follow Him when, upon His last visit to Capharnum at Peter's fishery on the lake, He had spoken of their soon being summoned to do so.

     Judas Iscariot likewise had come with the above named disciples to Meroz.  He did not however spend the evening with Jesus, but at a house in the city where he had often before stayed.  Bartholomew and Simon, spoke with Jesus about Judas.

     The newly arrived disciples had come from Capharnum where they had met Peter and Andrew.  When Judas had learned on the way that Jesus was going to go into the region of Meroz, where he himself was well-known, he had gone to seek Bartholomew in Debbaseth.  They had already been acquainted with each other, and Judas had asked Bartholomew to go with him to Meroz in order to present him to Jesus.  Bartholomew expressed his willingness to do so, but he had gone first to Capharnaum with Jude Thaddeus to see the disciples there.  Bartholomew, Jude and Philip went to Tiberias, where Simon joined them.  After that they stopped at Naim for Judas who had journeyed there to meet them.  Judas again begged them to present him to Jesus as one desirous of becoming a disciple.  They were well pleased to do so, for they took delight in his cleverness, his readiness to render service, and his courteous manner.

     Next morning Jesus went again to the mountain near Meroz and there, during the whole forenoon, delivered a grand discourse similar to that known as the sermon on the Mount.  The multitude present was great, and food was distributed, bread and honey, along with fish taken from the ponds fed by the little brooks that watered the region.  Jesus had, by means of the disciples, procured provisions for the poor. Toward the end of the discourse, He alluded again to the one talent that, as children of the handmaid, they had received and buried, and He railed severely against the Pharisees for their hatred toward them, asking them why they had not long ago led these people back to the truth. (Judges 5:23)  His words vexed the Pharisees, and they began to retort.  They reproached Jesus for allowing His disciples so much liberty, especially on the score of fasting, washing, purifications, the Sabbath, the shunning of publicans and the different sects.  It was not this way, they said, that the children of the Prophets and Scribes used to live.

     Jesus replied in the words of the Commandment of fraternal love, "Love God above all things and your neighbor as yourself.  That is the first Commandment!" (Mat 22:37-40) and He told the Pharisees that they should learn to practice it, instead of covering up its abuse by means of exterior practices.  Jesus spoke somewhat figuratively, consequently Philip and Jude said to him, "Master, they have not understood You."  Then Jesus explained Himself quite significantly.  He commiserated the poor, ignorant, sinful people whom they, the Pharisees, with all their outward observance of the Law had allowed to go to destruction, and He ended by boldly declaring that they who acted so, should have no part in His Kingdom.  He then went down the mountain to His inn, which was one half hour from the scene of the sermon and another from the city.  All along the way He met a great number of sick of all kinds patiently awaiting His coming on litters under tents.  Many of them had come too late for the first cures.  They belonged to the country far around.  Jesus cured them, addressing them at the same time words of consolation and exhortation to a change of life.

    

     The Sabbath instruction over, Jesus went to an inn outside the city.  There He found Nathanael the bridegroom, two sons of Cleophas and His Mother's eldest sister, and a couple of the other disciples who had come here for the Sabbath.  There were now about seventeen disciples with Him.  The people from the house on Lazarus's estate near Ginaea, where Jesus had stopped recently when He went to Ataroth, were also there to celebrate the Sabbath.

     Dothan was a beautiful, well-built, old city very agreeably situated.  In the rear, though at a considerable distance, rose a mountain chain, and in front, it looked out upon the delightful plain of Esdrelon.  The mountains of this region are not so steep and rugged.  Peak rises above peak, and the roads are better.  The houses were of the old style, like those in David's time.  Many had little turrets on the corners of the flat roofs capped by large domes, or cupolas, in which an observer could sit and view the surrounding locality.  It was from such a cupola that David saw Bethsabee.  There were also on the roofs galleries of roses and even of trees.

     Jesus entered many of the forecourts of the dwellings, where He found some sick whom He cured.  The occupants standing at their doors, implored Him to come in.  He entered accompanied by two of the disciples.  In different places they also urged the disciples to intercede for them, which they accordingly did.  In like manner Jesus went to the place in which the lepers lived, separated from all others, and He healed the sufferers.  There were many lepers in this city.  They had frequent communication with strangers for trading purposes.  Besides the trade in wood, the inhabitants of Dothan carried on other branches of industry.  They imported carpets, raw silk, and similar goods which they unpacked and again exported.  Judas Iscariot and many other disciples returned from Dothan to their own homes.  Jesus kept with him only nine, among them were Thomas, James Alpheus, Jude Barsabas, Simon, Jude Thaddeus, little Cleophas (Nathanael), Manahem, and Saturnin.

     A great crowd of pagans who had been at Cornelius's feast were assembled at Bethsaida, not far from Peter's fishery.  Jesus was instructing them and, as the throng became very great, He, with some of His disciples, went on board His little bark, while the rest of them and the publicans went on Peter's bark.  From the boat He instructed the heathens on the strand, making use of the parables of the sower and the tares in the field.  The instruction over, they stuck out across the lake, the disciples in Peter's boat plying the oars.  Jesus' bark was fastened to Peter's, the disciples taking turns to row.  Jesus sat on a raised seat near the mast, the others sat around Him and on the edge of the boat.  They interrogated Him upon the meaning of the parable and asked why He spoke in similes.  Jesus gave them a satisfactory explanation. (Mat 13:1-23)

     They landed at a point between the valley of Gerasa and Bethsaida-Julias.  A road ran from the shore to the houses of the publicans.  Jesus with the disciples continued along the shore to the right, thus passing Matthew's residence, though at a distance.  A side path ran from this road to his custom-office, and into it Jesus directed His steps, the disciples timidly remaining behind.  Servants and publicans were out in front of the custom-house, busied with all kinds of merchandise.  When Matthew from the top of a little eminence saw Jesus and the disciples coming toward him, he became confused and withdrew into his private office.  But Jesus continued to approach, and from the opposite side of the road called to him.  Then Matthew came hurrying out, prostrated with his face on the ground before Jesus, protesting that he did not esteem himself worthy that Jesus should speak with him.  But Jesus said: "Matthew, arise, and follow Me!"  Then Matthew arose saying that he would instantly and joyfully abandon all things and follow Him.  He accompanied Jesus back to where the disciples were standing.  They saluted him and extended to him their hands. (Mat 9:9)  Jude, Simon, and James Alpheus were particularly rejoiced at his coming.  They and Matthew were half-brothers.  Their father Alpheus, before his marriage with their mother Mary Cleophas, was a widower with one son Matthew.  Matthew insisted upon all being his guests.  Jesus however assured him that they would return next morning.  They then continued their way.

     Matthew hurried back into his house, which stood in a corner of the mountains about a quarter of an hour from the Sea of Galilee.  The little stream that flows from Gerasa into the lake ran a short distance from the house, and the view from it extended over the lake and field.  Matthew at once procured a substitute in his business, an excellent man belonging to Peter's boat, who was to discharge his duties until further arrangements could be made.  Matthew was a married man with four children.  He joyfully imparted to his wife the good fortune that had fallen to him, as well as his intention to abandon all and follow Jesus, and she received the announcement with corresponding joy.  Then he directed her to see to the preparation of an entertainment for the next morning, he himself taking charge of the invitations and other arrangements.  Matthew was almost as old as Peter.  One might easily have taken him for the father of his young half-brother Joses Barsabas.  He was a man of heavy, bony frame with black hair and beard.  Since his acquaintance with Jesus on the way to Sidon, he had received John's Baptism and regulated his whole life most conscientiously.

     On leaving Matthew, Jesus crossed the mountain at the rear of his dwelling and proceeded northward into the valley of Bethsaida-Julias, where He found encamped caravans and travelling pagans whom He instructed.

     Toward noon the next day Jesus returned with the disciples to Matthew's where many publicans who had been invited were already assembled.  Some Pharisees and some of John's disciples had joined Jesus on the way, but they did not enter Matthew's home.  They stayed outdoors sauntering around the garden with the disciples, to whom they put the question, "How can you tolerate your Master's making Himself so familiar with sinners and publicans?"  They received the answer, "Ask Him yourself why He does so!"  But the Pharisees responded, "One cannot speak with a man who always maintains that he is right."

     Matthew received Jesus and His followers most lovingly and humbly, and washed their feet.  His half-brothers warmly embraced him, and then he presented his wife and children to Jesus.  Jesus spoke to the mother and blessed the children, who then retired to return no more.  While Jesus sat, Matthew knelt before Him.  Jesus laid His hand upon him, blessed him, and addressed to him some words of instruction.  Matthew had formerly been called Levi, (Mark 2:14) but now he received the name of Matthew (God's gift).  The feast was a magnificent one.  The table in the form of a cross was set in an open hall.  Jesus sat in the midst of the publicans.  In the intervals between the different courses, the guests arose and engaged in conversation with one another.  Poor travellers passing by were supplied with food by the disciples, for the street on which the house stood led down to the ferry.  It was on the occasion of their leaving table that the Pharisees approached the disciples, and then occurred the speeches and objections narrated in the Gospel of St. Luke. (Luke 5:29-39)  The Pharisees insisted particularly on the subject of fasting, because among the strict Jews a fast-day began that evening in expiation of the sacrilege King Joachim committed by burning the Books of the Prophet Jeremias. (Jer 36:22-32)  Among the Jews, especially in Judea, it was not customary to pluck fruit by the wayside.  Now Jesus permitted it to His disciples, and this the Pharisees made a subject of reproach to Him.  While giving His answers to the Pharisees, Jesus was reclining at table with the publicans, whereas the disciples to whom the questions of the Pharisees were addressed were standing or walking among them.  Jesus turned His head from side to side in answering.

     Capharnaum was much more lively now than formerly.  Crowds of strangers were streaming in on account of Jesus, some of them His friends, others His enemies, and most of them pagans, the followers of Zorobabel and Cornelius.

     At the close of the Sabbath, Jesus spoke again in the synagogue, railing in severe terms against the wickedness of the Pharisees in saying that He drove out devils through the power of the devil.  He challenged them to say whether His actions and His teaching were not in perfect harmony, whether He did not practice what He preached.  But they could allege nothing against Him.

     In Peter's house outside the city gate, Jesus taught on the Beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," and made the application against the Pharisees.  After that He prepared the disciples for their approaching mission.

     Jesus would not longer remain in Capharnaum, the crowd was too great and too excited.  He left Capharnaum accompanied by The Twelve and by thirty disciples.  They directed their steps northward.  Crowds of people were journeying along the same way.  Jesus frequently paused to instruct, sometimes this, sometimes that crowd, who then turned off in the direction of their homes.  In this way He arrived at about three in the afternoon at a beautiful mountain, three hours from Capharnaum and not quite so far from the Jordan.  Five roads branched out from it, and about as many little towns lay around it.  The people who had followed Jesus thus far now took their leave, while He with His own party, having first taken some refreshment at the foot of the mountain, began to ascend the height.  There was a teacher's chair upon it, from which He again instructed the Apostles and disciples upon their vocation.  He said that now they should show forth what they had learned.  They should proclaim the advent of the Kingdom, that the last chance for doing penance had arrived, that the end of John's life was very near.  They should baptize, impose hands, and expel demons.  He taught them how they should conduct themselves in discussions, how to recognize true from false friends, and how to confound the latter.  He told them that now none should be greater than the others.  In the various places to which their mission called them, they should go among the pious, should live poorly and humbly, and be burdensome to no one.  The Apostles, He said, should carry with them little flasks of oil, which He taught them how to consecrate and how to use in effecting cures. (Mark 6:7-13, Mat 10:1, & Luke 9:1-6)  Then He gave them all many other instructions.  He made allusion to no special danger in store for them, but said only, "Today you will be welcomed everywhere, but a time will come when they will persecute you!"

     After that the Apostles knelt down in a circle around Jesus as He prayed and laid His hands upon the head of each.  The disciples He only blessed.  Then they embraced and separated.  Jude did not remain with Jesus but went evangelizing with another group.  Those Apostles who were going forth on their mission descended the mountain by the eastern route leading to the Jordan.

     When next morning Jesus and some of the Apostles returned to the mount upon which He had already taught several times on the Eight Beatitudes, He found the multitude assembled.  The other Apostles had arranged the sick in sheltered places.  Jesus and the Apostles began to heal and to instruct.  Many who in those days had now come for the first time to Capharnaum, knelt in a circle, to receive baptism.

     The Mother of Jesus had come with the other women, and she now helped among the sick women and children.  She did not exchange words with Jesus, but in a short time returned to Capharnaum.

     Teaching and healing went on until after four o'clock, and all this time the listening crowd had had nothing to eat.  They had now followed from the day before, and the scanty provisions they had brought with them were exhausted.  Many among them were quite weak and languishing for nourishment.  The Apostles, noticing this, approached Jesus with the request that He should close the instruction in order that the people might hunt up lodgings for the night and procure food.  Jesus replied, "They need not go away for that.  Give them something to eat!"  Philip answered, "Shall we go and buy twelve hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?"  He said this with some unwillingness, because he thought Jesus was about to lay upon them the fatigue of gathering up from the environs sufficient bread for all that crowd.  Jesus answered, "See how many loaves you have!" and went on with His discourse.

     There was in the crowd a servant, who had been sent by his master with five loaves and two fishes as a present to the Apostles.  Andrew told this to Jesus with the words, "But what it that among so many?"  Jesus ordered the loaves and fishes to be brought, and when they were laid on the sod before Him, He continued the explanation of the petition for daily bread.  Many of the people were fainting, and the children were crying for bread.  Then Jesus, in order to try Philip, asked him, "Where shall we buy bread, that these people may eat?" and Philip answered, "Two hundred pennyworth would not be sufficient for all this crowd." (John 6:1-7)  Jesus said, "Let the people be seated, the most famished by fifties, the others in groups of a hundred; and bring Me the baskets of bread that you have at hand."  The disciples set before Him a row of shallow baskets woven of broad strips of bark, such as were used for bread.  Then they scattered among the people, whom they had arranged in fifties and hundreds all down the terraced mountain, which was clothed with grass, beautiful and long.  Jesus was above, the people seated below Him on the mountain side.

     Jesus directed a broad napkin to be spread, upon which were deposited the five loaves and two fishes.  The loaves lay one upon the other on the napkin.  They were long and narrow, about two inches in thickness.  The crust was thin and yellow, and the inside, though not perfectly white, was close and fine.  They were marked with stripes to make it more easy to break or cut them with a knife.  The fish were of a good arm's length.  Their heads were somewhat projecting, not like our fish.  Cut up, roasted, and ready for eating, they lay upon large loaves.  Another man had brought a couple of honeycombs, and they too were laid on the napkin.

     While the disciples numbered the people and seated them in fifties and hundreds as Jesus directed, He cut the five loaves with a bone knife.  The fish, which had been split down lengthwise, He divided into cross pieces.  After that He took one of the loaves in His hands, raised it on high and prayed.  He did the same with one of the fish.  Three of the disciples were at His side.  Jesus now blessed the bread, the fish, and the honey, and began to break the cross sections into pieces, and these again into smaller portions.  Every portion immediately increased to the original size of the loaf, and on its surface appeared as before the dividing lines.  Jesus then broke the individual pieces into portions sufficiently large to satisfy a man, and gave with each a piece of fish.  Saturnin, who was at His side, laid the piece of fish upon the portion of bread, and a young disciple of the Baptist, a shepherd's son, who later on became a bishop, laid upon each a small quantity of honey.  There was no perceptible diminution of the fish, and the honeycomb appeared to increase.  Jude laid the portions of bread upon which were the fish and honey in the flat baskets, which were then borne away to those in most need, who sat in the fifties and were served first.

     As soon as the empty baskets were brought back, they were exchanged for full ones, and so the work went on for about two hours until all had been fed.  Those who had a wife and children (and these were separated from other the men) found their portion so large that they could abundantly share with them.  The people drank of the water that had been carried there in leather bottles.  Most of them used cups formed of bark folded into the shape of a cone, and others had with them hollow gourds.  The whole affair was conducted most expeditiously and with perfect order.  The Apostles and disciples were, for the most part, occupied in carrying the baskets here and there and in distributing their contents.  But all were silent and filled with amazement at the sight of such multiplication.

     When all had satisfied their hunger, Jesus told the disciples to go around with the baskets and gather up the scraps, that nothing might be lost.  They collected twelve baskets full. (Mat 14:15-20, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-14)

     When the people arose from their meal, they gathered everywhere in groups, full of wonder and admiration at this miracle of the Lord.  From mouth to mouth ran the word, "This man is genuine!  He is the Prophet that was to come into the world!  He is the Promised One!"

     It was now growing dusk, so Jesus told the disciples go to their boats and cross the Sea before Him to Bethsaida, meanwhile He would take leave of the people and then follow.  The disciples obeyed.  Taking the baskets of bread they went down to their ships, and some of them crossed over to Bethsaida at once.  The Apostles and some of the older disciples remained behind a little longer and then departed on Peter's bark.

     Jesus now dismissed the multitude, who were deeply moved.  Scarcely had He left the spot upon which He had been teaching, when the shout arose: "He has given us bread!  He is our King!  We will make Him our King!"  But Jesus disappeared into the solitude, and gave Himself up to prayer. (John 6:15)

     Peter's boat with the Apostles and several of the disciples was delayed during the night by contrary winds.  They rowed vigorously, but were driven south of the proper direction.  Every two hours little night-boats with torches were sent out from either bank.  They bore belated passengers to the large ships, and served in the darkness to mark their direction.

     Then Jesus walked on the sea in a direction from northeast to southwest.  He was shining with light.  Rays darted from Him, and one could see His image reversed in the water under His feet.  To walk from Bethsaida-Julias to Tiberias, almost opposite of the direction in which was Peter's ship was moving, Jesus had to pass between the two night-boats that were rowing out into the sea, one from Capharnaum, and the other from the opposite bank.  The people in these boats saw Him walking, raised a long cry of fear and sounded a horn, for they took Him for a phantom.  The Apostles on Peter's ship, in order to find the right course was guiding itself by the light from one of these boats.  Glancing in the direction of the sound, they saw Him coming toward them.  He appeared to be gliding along more rapidly that in ordinary walking, and wherever He approached, the sea became calm.  But a fog rested upon the water, so that He could be seen only at a certain distance.  Although they had once before seen Him thus walking, still the unusual and specter-like sight filled them with terror, and they uttered a great cry.

     But suddenly they recalled the circumstance of Jesus' first walking on the water, and Peter, once more desirous of showing his faith, cried out again in his ardor: "Lord, if it be You, bid me come to You!"  Jesus replied, "Come!"  This time Peter ran a greater distance toward Jesus, but his faith did not yet suffice.  He was already close to Him, when he again thought of his danger, and in that instant began to sink.  He stretched out his hand and cried, "Lord save me!"  He did not, however, sink to so great a depth as the first time.  Jesus again addressed to him the words, " Oh you of little faith, why do you doubt?"  When Jesus entered the boat, all ran to cast themselves at His feet crying, "Truly, You are the Son of God!"  Jesus reproved them for their fear and little faith, and gave them a severe reprimand.  He then instructed them upon the Our Father.  He ordered them to steer more to the south where there was a more favorable wind, and then proceeded more quickly, meanwhile taking a little rest in the cabin under the rower's stand around the mast.  The storm on this occasion was not so violent as that of the preceding one, but they had gotten into the current of the lake, which in the middle was very strong, and they could not get out of it. (Mat 14:29-31, Mark 6:47-54, John 6:16-21)

     Jesus, with the Apostles and disciples, was making the journey from Capharnaum to Cana and Cydessa.  In the region of Giskala He placed The Twelve in three separate rows and revealed to each his own peculiar disposition and character.  Peter, Andrew, John, James Zebedee, and Matthew stood in the first row; Jude Thaddeus, Bartholomew, James Alpheus, and the disciple 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, and on this occasion He again made use of the expression, "Among you there is a devil."

     The three different rows established no subordination among the Apostles, one to another.  The Twelve were classed merely according to their disposition and character.  On this journey Jesus further instructed The Twelve on exactly how to proceed in the future when healing the sick and exorcising the possessed, as He Himself did in such cases.  He imparted to them the power and the courage to always effect, by imposition of hands and by 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.  They stood around Jesus, and rays of different colors darted toward them, according to the nature of the gifts received and the peculiar disposition of each recipient.  They exclaimed, "Lord, we feel ourselves imbued with strength!  You words are truth and life!"  And now each knew just what he had to do in every case in order to effect a cure.  There was no room left for either choice or reflection.

     After that Jesus with all His disciples arrived at Elcese, a place distant from Capharnaum one hour and a half.  There in the synagogue He delivered the sermon of the Sabbath, in which reference was made to the building of Solomon's Temple, and comparing it to the building of His Kingdom.  He addressed the Apostles and disciples as the workmen who were to fell the cedars on the mountain and prepare them for the building. (1 Kings 5:1-18, Luke 11:31-32)

     The services over, at which many Pharisees were in attendance, Jesus was invited to dine.  The meal was taken at a house of public entertainment.  Many people stood around during it, to hear what Jesus was saying, and numbers of the poor were fed.  The Pharisees, having remarked that the disciples had not washed their hands before coming to table, asked Jesus why His disciples did not respect the prescriptions of their forefathers, and why they did not observe the customary purifications.  Jesus responded to their question by asking why they themselves did not keep the Commandments, why with all their traditions they did not honor their father and mother, and He reproached them with their hypocrisy and their vain adherence to external purification.  During this dispute the meal came to an end.  Jesus however continued to address the crowd that pressed around Him, "Hear and understand!  It is not that which goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a man.  He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"  The disciples who had remained in the entertainment hall, told Jesus that these words of His had greatly scandalized the Pharisees.  To which He responded, "Every plant that My Heavenly Father has not planted, shall be rooted up!  Leave them alone!  They are blind and leaders of the blind.  And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the pit." (Mat 15:1-20)

     When on the following evening Jesus was closing the Sabbath instruction, the Pharisees again reproached Him on account of the irregular mode of the disciples' fasting.  But Jesus retorted by charging them with their avarice and want of mercy.  Among other things, He said, "The disciples eat after long labor, and then only if others are supplied.  But if these others are hungry, they give them what they have, and God blesses it,"  Here Jesus recalled the multiplication of the loaves, on which occasion the disciples had given their bread and fish to the hungry multitude, and He asked the Pharisees whether they would have done the same.

     In Sarepta Jesus along with His disciples visited a prominent lady of the area.  She lived in a beautiful house surrounded by numerous courts and gardens.  Jesus was received with great solemnity.  Among the refreshments were very fine dried grapes still hanging on the vine.

     The lady very earnestly entreated Jesus on behalf of the poor people of Sarepta.  She begged Him to visit them as well as others in the neighborhood.  She told Him, "Sarepta, whose poor widow shared her little all with Elias,  is itself a poor widow threatened with starvation. (1 Kings 17:8-24, Luke 4:25-28)  Do you, the greatest of Prophets, have pity on her!  Forgive me, a widow and once poor, to whom you have restored her all, if I make bold to plead also for Sarepta."  Jesus promised to do as she wished.

     On the Sabbath, Jesus visited every one of the Jewish families, distributed alms, cured, and comforted many of these Jews who were poor and abandoned.  Jesus assembled them in the synagogue where He spoke to them in terms at once deeply touching and consoling, for the poor creatures looked upon themselves as the outcast and unworthy children of Israel.  He also prepared many of them for baptism.  About twenty men were baptized in a bathing garden, among them the cured deaf and dumb relative of a pagan lady.

     Jesus celebrated the close of the Sabbath in the Jewish school, which was very beautifully adorned.  In order to console the poor Jews, He taught that the proverb, "Our fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are on edge," should no longer be observed in Israel.  "Every one that abides by the Word of God announced by Me, who does penance and receives baptism, no longer bears the sins of his father."  The people were extraordinarily rejoiced upon hearing these words. (Jer 31:29-34, Ezek 18:2-4)

     Several times again Jesus repeated His instructions to the disciples upon the order they were to observe and the duties they were to fulfil in their present mission.  Thomas, Jude, and James Alpheus went with some of the disciples down to the tribe of Aser.  They were allowed to take nothing with them.  Jesus and the nine remaining Apostles, with Saturnin, Judas Barsabas, and another went northward.

     On the way to the mount and before Jesus retired to pray, the Apostles and disciples that had last returned from their several missions, gave their Master a full account of all that had 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.

     When before daybreak, they again gathered about Jesus, The Twelve stood around Him in a circle.  The disciples stood around the outside of the circle, those following Jesus the longest being placed nearest the inner circle.  Then Jesus, as if resuming the discourse of the preceding night, asked, "Who do men say that I am?"  The Apostles and the nearest of the disciples repeated the various conjectures of the people concerning Him, as they had heard here and there in different places.  Some, for instance, said that He was John the Baptist, others Elias, while still others took Him for Jeremias who had arisen from the dead.  They related all that had become known to them on this subject.  There was a pause.  Jesus was very grave, and they fixed their eyes upon His countenance with some impatience.  At last, He said, "And you, for whom do you take Me?"  No one felt impelled to answer.  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, as if the voice and tongue of all, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!"

     Jesus replied with great earnestness, His voice strong and animated, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jona, because flesh and blood hath not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven!  And I say to you, you are a rock, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  And I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you shall bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in Heaven, and whatever you shall loose upon earth,it shall be loosed also in Heaven!"  Jesus made this response in a manner both solemn and prophetic.  He appeared to be shining with light, and was raised some distance above the ground.   Peter, in the same spirit in which he had confessed to the Godhead, received Jesus' words in their full signification.  He was deeply impressed by them.  But the other Apostles appeared troubled.  They glanced from Jesus to Peter as the latter exclaimed with such zeal, "You are the Christ, the Son of God!" (Mat 16:16-20)

     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 formed to themselves earthly ideas.  They thought that Jesus intended to bestow upon Peter the office of High Priest in His Kingdom.

     Jesus had not before told the Apostles in plain terms that He was the promised Messiah, but He now applied to Himself all the passages to that effect found in the Prophets.  He added that they must now go to Jerusalem for the Feast.  They then directed their steps southwesterly and returned to the Jordan bridge. (Mat 16:21)

     The Apostles and disciples proceeded in separate bands, each walking with the Lord by turns.  He hurried on quickly, stopping nowhere, shunning the towns and villages as much as possible, until nightfall, when they put up at the inn near the Baths of Bethulia.  Here Lazarus and some of the disciples from Jerusalem were awaiting Jesus' coming.

     Lazarus had already been informed that Jesus and His disciples would eat the Paschal lamb with him, and he had come here to meet Jesus in order to warn Him, the Apostles, and the disciples, in respect to this Paschal solemnity.  He told them that an insurrection threatened during the Feast.  Pilate wanted to levy a new tax upon the Temple in order to erect a statue to the Emperor.  He also desired certain sacrifices to be offered in his honor and that certain high titles of reverence should be publicly decreed him.  The Jews were on that account ready for revolt, and a large number of Galileans had risen up against Pilate's proceedings.  They were headed by a certain Judas, a Gaulonite, who had numerous adherents and who railed hotly against the servitude of his people and the Roman taxes.  It would be well, Lazarus said, for Jesus to absent Himself from the Feast, as great disturbances might arise.  Jesus however replied that His time was not yet come, that nothing would happen to Him.  This uprising was but a forerunner of a far greater one that would take place the next year when, as He said, His time would have come.  Then would the Son of Man be delivered over into the hands of sinners.

     Jesus sent His Apostles and disciples on ahead.  They were divided into separate bands and were to journey by different routes.  He kept Simon and Jude, Nathanael Chased and Joses Barsabas with Himself.  Some were to go down along the Jordan, while others proceeded westward from Garizim through places at which they had not yet been.  Lazarus journeyed with the disciples.  Jesus commanded them not to go into Samaritan cities, and gave them several directions as to their conduct.  He Himself went as far as

Ginnim, to the estate of Lazarus where He passed the night.

     On the following day He went through Lebona, Korea, and the desert to Bethania.

     Jesus asked the disciples upon what subject they had been conversing on the way from Dothain to Capharnaum.  They were silent, for they had been questioning who would be the greatest among them.  Jesus however knew their thoughts, and He said, "Let him that will be the first among you, become the last, the servant of all!"

     After dinner Jesus, The Twelve, and the disciples went into Capharnaum where a feast was being celebrated in honor of those that had returned from Jerusalem.  The streets and houses were adorned with flowers and garlands.  Children and old men, women and scholars, went forth to meet the returned travellers, who marched in crowds through the streets like a procession, and visited the houses of their friends and principal personages of the city.  The Pharisees and many others, from time to time joined Jesus and the disciples and went around with them.

     Jesus visited the homes of the poor and many of His friends. They presented to Him their children, whom He blessed and to whom He made little presents.  In the market place, on one side of which stood the old, on the other the new synagogue built by Cornelius, were houses with porticos in front.  Here the school children and mothers with their little ones were assembled to salute Jesus.  Jesus had been teaching in different places all along the way.  He blessed and taught the children.  He had little tunics 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 boy at the door of her house near by.  She drew her veil and stepped forward with her boy.  Jesus took him from her, and she at once went back.  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!  But whoever receives a child in My name, receives Me, yes, rather receives Him that sent Me.  And whoever humbles himself like this little child, he is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven." (Mark 9:33-37)

     John interrupted Jesus when He spoke of receiving a child in His name.  The disciples had stopped a certain man who, although not among their number, had nevertheless expelled the devil in Jesus' name.  Jesus reproved them for doing so. (Mark 9:38-41)  He continued His instruction for awhile longer.  Then He blessed the boy, who was very lovely, gave him some fruit and a little tunic, beckoned to the mother, and restored he child to her with some prophetic words concerning his future, which were understood only at a later period.  The child became a disciple of the Apostles and was named Ignatius.  He was afterward a bishop and martyr.

     The next day Jesus continued His teaching on the mountain.  He again spoke of prayer, of the love of the neighbor, of vigilance in doing good, of confidence in the goodness of God, and admonished the people not to allow themselves to be confounded by oppressors and calumniators.

     The Pharisees today were even more disquieted.  They had gathered in still larger numbers than yesterday, to dispute with Jesus.  They called Him an agitator of the people, a mischief maker.  They said that He enticed the people from their labor that they might follow Him around the country.  They had their Sabbath, their festivals, and their own teaching, there was no need of His innovations.  They repeated for the thousandth time the old reproaches against Himself and His disciples, and ended by threatening Him with Herod.  They would, they said, complain to him of Jesus' actions and teaching; he already had an eye upon Him, and would soon make short work of His doings.  Jesus replied with severity.  He said that He would, undisturbed on Herod's account, teach and heal until His mission was fulfilled.  The Pharisees were so bold and violent that the people pressed forward.  The confusion became great as they were pushing and treading on one another's toes, so that the Pharisees at last withdrew in great disgust.

     Jesus nevertheless went on teaching in a very touching and impressive manner.  As a great many of those who were on their return journey from Jerusalem, as well as others, had exhausted their provisions, Jesus directed the senior disciples to distribute among them, bread, honey, and fish, numerous baskets of which had been brought up from the inn.  The holy women had seen to its preparation.  Garments, pieces of linen, covers, sandals, and little tunics for the children were also distributed to the needy.  The holy women had brought all these things in abundance.  They distributed them to women, and the disciples to men.

     Meanwhile Jesus continued to instruct the disciples alone, speaking about the character of the Pharisees and telling them how they should in future conduct themselves toward them.  After that He descended with them to the inn where a meal was awaiting them.

     During this meal Lazarus spoke of the massacre of the Galileans in the Temple about which there were many questions among the disciples and the people at large.  The aqueduct was intended to conduct water flowing from the Pool of Bethsaida up to the mount on which the Temple stood, thus to wash down from the court to the lower ravine the blood of slaughtered animals.  The Pool of Bethsaida discharged the waters received from its source the Gehan.  Near by stood a high tower in which, by means of wheel-work machinery, water was raised in great leather vessels.  The work had long been in progress.  A great many laborers, many Galileans, had been killed and buried by falling walls when the aqueduct collapsed.  Jesus expressed compassion for the innocent sufferers, but said that the sin of the master workmen was not greater than that of the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and all those who labored against the Kingdom of God.  These would, in like manner, one day be buried under their own treacherous structures. (Luke 12:1-5)

     Early on the morning of the third day, Lazarus and the holy women returned home, while Jesus and the Apostles went to visit the sick whose huts and tents had been arranged, some in the neighborhood of the inn, and others in the public encampment at the foot of the mount of instruction.  They cured all that were there, and did not leave the spot until all were again on their feet.  The disciples busied themselves distributing among them what remained of the provisions, clothes, and unmade materials.  The cured and their friends filled the air with Psalms of thanksgiving.  At last all took their departure, in order to reach their homes before the Sabbath.

     The disciples that had been sent on in advance came a part of the way to meet Jesus, who had an inn just outside Garisma.  They washed one another's feet, and, after partaking of customary refreshments, Jesus proceeded to the synagogue where He taught from Leviticus and the Prophet Ezechiel.  He had to endure no contradiction this time, for His hearers were astonished at His knowledge of the Law and His wonderful explanations.  The instruction over, He took a repast with His own followers at the inn.  Some of His relatives from the region of Sephoris were in Garisma, and they ate with them.  Jesus spoke on this occasion of His approaching end.

     Almost a hundred disciples along with the Apostles gathered around Jesus in Garisima for the Sabbath.  The two sons of Cyrinus of Cyprus, who had been baptized at Dabereth, were present, along with a great multitude of fellow Jews.  They were returning to Cyprus from the Paschal festival at Jerusalem and they listened with admiration to Jesus' teaching on the Sabbath.  Jesus' presence was ardently longed for in Cyprus where there were numbers of Jews, all in a state of spiritual abandonment.

     Very early the next morning, Jesus sent the disciples and Apostles out on a mission.  Upon the Apostles, as well as upon the more senior disciples, He imposed hands, but the rest He merely blessed.  By this ceremony He filled them with new strength and energy.  It was not however priestly ordination, but only an imparting of grace and vigor to the soul.  He addressed to them likewise many words on the value of obedience to Superiors.

     Jesus now journeyed in a northwesterly direction.  With Him were five Apostles, each of whom had under him ten disciples.  Judas, James Alpheus, Jude, Saturnin, Nathanael, Barnabas, Azor, Mnason, and the youths from Cyprus were among them.  Several cities lay to the right and left on their road and, from time to time, some of the party would separate from their Master, in order to visit one of them.  Jesus passed Tyre on the seacoast to the left.  He indicated to the Apostles and disciples a certain place where, in about thirty days, they were again to join Him.  He spent the night like the preceding one under some trees with His companions.

     While His followers continued to teach and baptize in Galilee, Jesus travelled to the island Cyprus to teach and comfort the Jews there who had been left in spiritual abandonment.  By starlight Jesus, accompanied by all His fellow travellers, went down to the harbor and embarked.  The night was clear and the stars looked large.  There was quite a little fleet ready to receive the travellers.  One large ship of burden took the baggage, the goods, cattle and a number of asses.  Five galleys were fastened with ropes to the front and sides of the burden ship, which they drew forward after them.  Another five galleys accompanied the fleet forming an outer circle around it.  Each of these vessels had, like Peter's bark on the Sea of Galilee, raised benches for the rowers built around the mast.  Below these benches were little apartments or cells.  Jesus stood near the mast of one of the ships that were fastened to the large one and, as they pushed off, He blessed both land and sea.

     The passage was so unusually rapid, the sea so smooth, and the weather so beautiful that the sailors, both Jews and pagans, cried out, "Oh what a benevolent voyage!  That is owing to You, O Prophet!"  Jesus commanded them to be silent and to give the glory to the Almighty God alone.  Then He spoke of God, One and Almighty, and of His works, of the non-existence of the pagan divinities, of the nearness of the time, yes, even its very presence, in which the highest salvation would be given to earth, and of the vocation of the gentiles.  The whole discourse was addressed to the heathens.

     In Cyprus Jesus visited an Essenian, the father of Jonas; Barnabas and his family; and Mnason's parents.  Many of these Jews who accepted Jesus wished to migrate to Palestine in order to live better spiritual lives.  Jesus arranged for 570 Cypriots to be transported across the Mediterranean Sea to Galilee.

     Jesus landed near the mouth of the Cison River, east of Hepha, which lies on the coast.  He was received on shore by several of the Apostles and disciples, among them Thomas, Simon, Jude, Nathanael Chased, and Heliacim, all of whom were unspeakably delighted to embrace Him and His companions.  They walked around the gulf for about three hours and a half, and crossed a little river that flows into the sea near Ptolemais.  The long bridge across this river was like a walled street.  It extended to the foot of the height behind which was the morass of Cendevia.  Having climbed this height, they proceeded to the suburbs of the Levitical city Misael, which was separated from them by a curve of that same height.

     Jesus arrived at an inn in Azanoth about dusk.  Here He found some friends from Capharnaum waiting for Him.  They shed tears of joy upon seeing Him again.  The following day He went to Damna to an inn where Lazarus and two disciples were waiting.  Jesus spoke of the Cypriots, both those who accompanied Him and those that were to follow later, and made some remarks as to how these immigrants should be supported.  James Alpheus and Jude were to proceed to Gessur, in order to receive and accompany the seven pagan learned philosophers who had been baptized in Cyprus and were to arrive there.  The disciples were to welcome them and encourage them in their new environment and spiritual life.

 

     Not long after Jesus' return to Capharnaum, there were gathered around Him almost thirty disciples.  Some had come from Judea with news of the arrival at Joppa of ships bringing two hundred Cypriote Jews, who were received there by Barnabas, Mnason and his brother.  John, who was still at Hebron with the relatives of Zachary, was charged with providing suitable quarters for these emigrants.  The Essenians also occupied themselves with the same cares.  For a time the Cypriotes were lodged in the grottos until proper destinations could be assigned them.  Lazarus and the Syrophoenician provided settlements near Ramoth-Gilead for the Jewish emigrants from the region of Ornithopolis.  The disciples who had lately come to Capharnaum lodged, some at Peter's outside the city, some in Bethsaida, and some at the school in the city itself.  Jude and James Alpheus came from Gessur with three of the previously pagan philosophers, fine, handsome young men, who had received circumcision.  Andrew and Simon also came with several other disciples, and the welcome they received was most touching.

     Jesus, according to His custom, presented the newly converted to His Mother.  There was a tacit understanding, an interior agreement between Jesus and Mary, that she should take the disciples into her heart, into her prayers, into her benedictions and, to a certain extent, into her very being, as her own children and the brothers of Jesus, that she should be their spiritual Mother as she was His Mother by nature.  Mary did this with unique earnestness, while Jesus on such occasions treated her with great solemnity.  There was in this ceremony of adoption something very holy, something very interior.  Mary was the ear, the spike which produced Jesus' Flesh and Blood.

     The disciples related where they had been and all that had happened to them.  In some places stones had been thrown after them but without striking them, from others they were obliged to flee, but everywhere they were wonderfully protected.  They had also met good people, had cured, baptized, and taught.  Jesus had commanded them to go to the lost sheep of Israel only.  They had sought out the Jews in the pagan cities, though without meddling with the heathens excepting with those who were servants to the Jews. (Mat 10:5-14)  In Gazora, northeast of Jabes Galaad, Andrew and the disciples that accompanied him had redeemed Jewish slaves from bondage, sacrificing to this purpose all that they possessed.  They asked Jesus whether they had done rightly, to which He answered in the affirmative.

     Jesus did not hearken to all that some of them had to say.  Many of them, while eagerly and with a certain warmth of manner, were relating their missionary labors, Jesus interrupted with words something like these: "I know that already."  To others who spoke simply and humbly, He listened for a length of time, and He called upon the silent to relate what had happened to them.  When they whom He had interrupted asked why He would not hear their account, Jesus answered by showing them the difference between their own and their brethren's speech.

     Frequently He interrupted their narratives with parables; for instance, that of the tares sown among the good seed and which, after it had grown up, was to be burnt at the time of harvest.  He said that all that had been sown would not come up.  He spoke of several who had fallen away from the disciples, and exhorted those present not to place too great security in their good works, for they would have to undergo great temptations. (Mat 13:24-30, 36-42)

     He recounted the parable of the lord going afar to take possession of a foreign kingdom.  He gave over to his servants remaining behind a certain number of talents for which later on he required an account. (Mat 25:14-30)  This parable referred to Jesus' own journey to Cyprus and to the account He was now exacting from the disciples of their activity during His absence.  As He spoke, He frequently turned first to one, then to another whose thoughts He divined, with the words, "Why are you thinking useless thoughts?" or "Do not think that way!" or "Your thoughts are now taking a wrong direction.  Think in this way, and not in that!"  He read the thoughts of His hearers and reproved them accordingly.

     When the hour sounded the commencement of the Sabbath, Jesus went with the disciples to the synagogue, where He found the Pharisees already standing around the lecture hall.  But Jesus walked straight up to it, and they at once made room for Him.  The instruction was on Rahab and the scouts sent by Joshua to Jericho. (Joshua 2:1-24 & 6:17)  The Pharisees were furious at what they called Jesus' audacity, and they said to one another, "Let Him go on now with His talk.  This evening when the Sabbath is over, we shall hold a council and soon find the means to close His lips."  Jesus, knowing their malice, remarked that they were spies of a very peculiar kind, for they came not to find out the truth but to betray Him and His followers.  His language against them was very severe.  In the same severe manner, He spoke about the destruction of Jerusalem, and the judgment in store for those who would not do penance and recognize the reign of the Messiah.  He also introduced into His discourse the parable of the king whose son was slain in the vineyard by the unfaithful servants.  He said that the Kingdom of God would be taken away from the Pharisees who would kill the Son. (Mat 21:33-44)  The Pharisees dared not interrupt Him.  All the holy women were present in the synagogue, where they had places set apart for them.

     That afternoon Jesus, at the earnest request of the parents of some sick children, went with several of the disciples to about twenty houses of Capharnaum, both of the rich and the poor.  He cured a great many children, boys and girls from three to eight years old.  The malady was a sort of epidemic, for they were all affected in pretty much the same way.

     At noon a nuptial ceremony between a poor young couple took place in front of the synagogue.  Jesus assisted at it.  Both bride and groom were good and innocent, consequently the Lord was very kind to them.  The bridal procession to the synagogue was headed by little boys of six years with wreaths on their heads and flutes in their hands, white robed maidens carrying little baskets of flowers which they strewed on the ground, and youths playing on harps, triangles and other musical instruments.  The marriage was performed by a Jewish priest in a hall whose roof had been opened just above the bridal party.  When that was over, the wedding festivities were held in the public house used on such occasions, during which Jesus related many parables, such as that of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) and the mansions in His Father's house. (John 14:2-3)

     The bridegroom had no house of his own.  He was to make his home in that belonging to the mother of his bride.  Jesus told him that, until he should receive a mansion in His Father's house, he should take up his abode under a tent in the vineyard which He Himself was going to lay out on the mount of the bees. 

     Then He again taught on marriage, upon which He dwelt for a long time.  If married people, He said, would live together modestly and chastely, if they would recognize their state as one of penance, then would their state become not  means of diverting souls from their end, but one that would reap a harvest for those mansions in His Father's house.  In this instruction, Jesus called Himself the Spouse of a Bride (Church) in whom all those that should be gathered into those mansions would be born again.  He alluded to the turning of water into wine.  He always spoke of Himself in the third person, as that Man in Judea whom He knew so well, who would be so bitterly persecuted, and who would finally be put to death.

     The people heard all this in simple, childlike faith, and the parables were for them real facts.  The bridegroom appeared to be a school teacher, for Jesus told him how he should teach, not like the Pharisees, He said, who imposed burdens that they themselves would not touch, but he should teach by his own example.

     Moved by Jesus' words, the people determined to build, for the newly married pair, a light habitation on the bee mount where later the vineyard would be laid out.  To build the tent home, every friend in the place constructed a part of a light wicker wall, which was then covered with skins, and afterward coated with something of a viscous nature.  When a piece of the work was finished, it was transported to the site for which it was destined.  Each one did what was in his power, some more, some less, and they shared with one another whatever was needed.  The Lord told them how all was to be done, and they listened in wonder at His knowing so much about such things.  The back of the tent was to rest against the rising ground of the vineyard.

     As the Feast of the New Moon just now began, all returned with Jesus to the public house.  He knew that, when He said they should build a house for the newly married pair, many had thought and said to one another, "Perhaps He has no house of His own, no place of abode.  Will He, perhaps, take up His residence with these people?"  But Jesus told them that He was not going to stay among them, that He had no abiding place on this earth, that His Kingdom was yet to come, that He had to plant His Father's vineyard, and water it with His Blood upon Mount Calvary.  They could not comprehend His words now, He said, but they would do so after He had watered the vineyard.  Then He would come back to them from a dark country.  He would send His messengers to call them, and then they would leave this place and follow Him.  But when He should come again for the third time, He would lead all those who had faithfully labored in the vineyard into His Father's Kingdom.

     He repeated again the parables of the vineyard, saying that He would remain only long enough to lay out the vineyard for the newly married pair and teach them how to plant the vines, then He would depart in order to cultivate that vineyard belonging to His Father.  Jesus taught all these things in a language so simple, and yet so nicely adapted to the point in question that His hearers became more and more convinced of its truth, retaining at the same time their simplicity.  He taught them to recognize in all nature, in life itself, a law hidden and holy, though now disfigured by sin.  The instruction lasted till late into the night, and when Jesus wanted to take leave of them, the people detained Him.   They clasped Him in their arms exclaiming, "Explain it to us again that we might understand it better."  But He replied that they should practice what He had preached to them, and He promised to send them someone in the future that would make it all clear to them.  During this assembly, they partook of a slight repast, at which all drank out of the same cup.

     The young man for whom the Lord had caused the house to be built, was named Salathiel, and the bride's name was a word that signified "pretty" or "brunette."  With the greater part of the inhabitants of the place, they were later, after the Resurrection, baptized by Jude Thaddeus.

     When Jesus went with the men to the bee mount in order to show them how to plant the vines, the men told Jesus that grapes raised in those parts were always bitter, to which Jesus responded that that was because they belonged to a poor species.  They were of bad stock, they were allowed to run wild without pruning, consequently they had only the appearance of grapes without their sweetness.  But He added that those He was about to plant would be sweet.  The instruction turned again upon marriage which, Jesus said, could produce pure, sweet fruit only when it was guarded by self-command, mortification, and moderation united to pain and labor.

     From the young plants that He had ordered to be brought to the spot, Jesus chose five, which He planted in the ground that He had Himself previously loosened, and He showed the men how to bind them to the trellis in the form of a cross.  All that He said, while engaged in planting, about the nature and training of the vine referred to the mystery of marriage and the sanctification of its fruit.  When Jesus continued this instruction in the synagogue, He spoke of the obligation of self restraint in order to conceive judiciously, that they might lead their children to so live that they might live in those mansions in His Father's House.  As a proof of this, He brought forward the depth of corruption into which man had already fallen in this particular.   

     At the close of the instruction Jesus repeated that He must now soon leave them, in order to plant and water the vine on Mount Calvary.  But He would send someone to teach them all things and to lead them into His Father's vineyard.  When at the same time He spoke of the Kingdom and the mansions of His Father, the people asked Him why He had brought nothing with Him from that Kingdom and why He went about so poorly clad.  Jesus answered that the Kingdom was reserved for such as followed Him, and that no one would receive it without deserving it.  He was, He said, a stranger seeking for faithful servants whom He might call into the vineyard.  He had therefore built the bridegroom's house so lightly, because the earth was not to be a permanent abode for his posterity and they were not to cling to it.  Why should a solid habitation be constructed for the body, since it is itself only a fragile vessel?  It should indeed be cared for and purified as the house of the soul, as a sacred temple; it should not be polluted.  The body should not be detrimental to the soul by being either overly burdened or treated too delicately.  From such discourse Jesus turned again to speak of the house of His Father, of the Messiah, and of all the signs by which He might be recognized.  He mentioned the fact that the Messiah was to be born of an illustrious race, though of simple pious parents.  He added that, according to the signs of the time, He must have already come.  They should, Jesus said, attach themselves to Him and observe His teachings.

     Jesus next taught on the love of the neighbor and good example.  Turning to the bridegroom Salathiel, He told him to allow his house to stand open, and to have perfect confidence in what He had said to Him, and to live piously; if he did so, God would guard his house for him and nothing would be stolen from him.  Salathiel had received for his new house far more than was actually needed, for Jesus had spoke vehemently against selfishness.  They must, He said, be willing to sacrifice for God and the neighbor.

     After a long journey, Jesus again returned to Galilee.  When He was an hour's distance from Thanath-Silo, all the Apostles, bearing green branches came to meet Him.  They prostrated before Him and He took one of the branches in His hand.  Then they washed His feet.  This ceremony took place because they were all again reunited, and because Jesus once more appeared openly as their Master, and was about to preach again everywhere.

     The next morning He healed at the inn.  After that He dismissed the Apostles, sending them to different places.  He celebrated the Sabbath at an inn with all the disciples whom He had brought back with Him from His great journey.

     On the way to Bethania, Jesus, to continue His instructions for the benefit of the new disciples, explained to them the Our Father, spoke to them of fidelity in His service, and told them that He would now teach awhile in Jerusalem, after which He would soon return to His Heavenly Father.  He told them also that one would abandon Him, for treason was already in his heart.  All these new disciples remained faithful.  On this journey, Jesus healed several lepers who had been brought out on the road.  One hour from Bethania, they entered the inn at which Jesus had taught so long before Lazarus' resurrection, and to which Magdalen had come forth to meet Him.  The Blessed Virgin also was at the inn with other women.  Five of the Apostles, Judas, Thomas, Simon, James Alpheus, and Jude; John Marc; and some others were also there.  Lazarus had not come.  The Apostles came out a part of the way to meet the Lord at a well, where they saluted Him and washed His feet, after which He gave an instruction which was followed by a meal.  The women then went on to Bethania while Jesus remained at the inn with the rest of the party.  Next day, instead of going straight to Bethania, He made a circuit around the adjacent country with the three recent disciples.  The rest of the Apostles and disciples separated into two bands, headed respectively by Jude and James Alpheus, and went around curing the sick.  They effected cures in many different ways; by the imposition of hands, by breathing upon or leaning over the sick person, or in the case of children, by taking them on their knees, resting them on their breast and breathing upon them.

     Before the Sabbath, Jesus again returned to Bethania and went to the school.  The Jews boasted against Him that He could not yet do what God had done for the Children of Israel when He rained down manna for them in the desert.  They were indignant against Jesus.  Jesus passed the night this time not in Bethania, but outside in the disciples' inn.

     While at this inn, three men came to Him from Jerusalem; first Obed, the son of the old man Simeon, a Temple servant and a disciple in secret; the second, a relative of Veronica; and the third, a relative of Johanna Chusa.  These disciples asked why He had so long abandoned them, why He had in other places done so much of which they knew nothing.  In His answer to these questions, Jesus spoke of tapestry and other precious things, which looked new and beautiful to one that had not seen them for some time.  He said also that if the sower sowed his seed all at once and in one place, the whole might be destroyed by a hailstorm, so the instructions and cures were scattered far and wide that they would not all soon be destroyed and forgotten.

     These disciples brought the news that the High Priests and Pharisees were going to station spies in the places around Jerusalem in order to seize Him as soon as He appeared.  Hearing this, Jesus took with Him only His two latest disciples, Selam of Kedar and Silvanus, and travelled the whole night with them to Lazarus' estate near Ginea, where Lazarus himself was then stopping.  Two days previously Lazarus had been in the little city between Bethania and Bethlehem, in the neighborhood of which the Three Kings had rested on their journey to Bethlehem; but on receiving a message from Jesus, he had left and gone to his estate.  Because Jesus knew very well that the three disciples would bring Him this news from Jerusalem, and that He Himself would leave Bethania, He had already spent the last two nights, not in Bethania, but in the disciples' inn outside Bethania.

     Jesus arrived before dawn at Lazarus' estate and knocked at the gate of the courtyard.  It was opened by Lazarus himself who, with a light, conducted Him into a large hall where Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, John Marc and Jairus, the younger brother of Obed were assembled.

     Afterward the disciples were again in Bethabara and Ephron, where Jesus celebrated the Sabbath.  Andrew, Judas, Thomas, James Alpheus, Jude, Zacheus, and seven other disciples were present having come there from Bethania to meet Jesus.  When Judas was about leaving Bethania, the Blessed Virgin earnestly exhorted him to be more moderate, to watch over himself, and not interfere in affairs as he did.

     The day after His return to Bethania, Jesus went to the Temple to teach.  His most holy Mother accompanied Him part of the way.  He was preparing her for His approaching passion.  Jesus' passion was already beginning for He was undergoing an interior martyrdom from His bitter sorrow over man's perversity.

     On the next Sabbath Jesus taught in the Temple from morning until evening.  When the Apostles and disciples alone were standing around Jesus, He touched on many things that would take place after His return to His Father.  He made an allusion, though without naming it, to the Cenacle.  He spoke of their assembling in it, of their partaking of a strengthening and life-giving Food in which He Himself would remain with them forever.

     He predicted the persecution that would arise against Lazarus and the holy women and told the Apostles where they should retire after the first six months after His death.  James Zebedee and one of the disciples were sent to the pagan regions north of Capharnaum.  Thomas and Matthew were despatched to Ephesus in order to prepare that country for a future community.  Jude and Simon were to go first to Samaria, though none cared to go there.  All preferred to go to cities entirely pagan.

     Jesus told them that they would all meet twice in Jerusalem before going to preach the Gospel in distant pagan lands.  He spoke of a man between Samaria and Jericho, who would like Himself perform many miracles, though by the power of the devil.  He would manifest a desire of conversion, and they must receive him kindly, for even the devil should contribute to His glory.  Simon Magus was meant by these words of Jesus. (Acts 8:9-24)  During this instruction the Apostles, as in a familiar conference, questioned Jesus upon whatever they could not understand, and He explained to them as far as was necessary.  Everything was perfectly natural.

     Jesus' last instruction in the Temple before Palm Sunday lasted four long hours.  He again explained many things from His former instructions and His own actions.  He referred to what would soon happen and said He would be abandoned by His own.  At first He would with splendor and openly, as in triumph, enter the Temple .  Then the lips of a suckling baby, who had never yet spoken, would announce His entrance.  Many would break off branches from the trees and strew them before Him, while others would spread their mantles in His way.  He explained that those who strew branches before Him would not renounce for Him what they possessed, and would not remain faithful to Him, but those that spread their garments on the way would detach themselves from what they had, would put on the new man, and would remain faithful to Him.

     This instruction caused great anxiety among the scribes and Pharisees.  They held a meeting in Caiaphas' house, and 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.

     The Apostles and disciples were scattered in different places.  The day before His entrance into Jerusalem He directed that all the absent Apostles be summoned.  They came.  He had a long interview with them.  They were very sad.

     The next morning Jesus sent Eremenzear and Silas to clear the road to the Temple of every obstruction.  In Jerusalem the vendors and people, whom Eremenzear and Silas had asked to clear the Temple because the Lord was coming, joyfully prepared His way.  When His procession came, the road was so thickly covered with branches, garments and carpets that the procession could only move quite slowly through numerous triumphal arches that spanned the space between the walls on either side. (Mat 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-10, Luke 19:28-40, John 12:12-18)

     Toward noon Jesus and nine Apostles set out from Bethania for Jerusalem.  Jesus and His companions walked here and there around Mount Olivet, through the Valley of Josaphat, and even as far as Calvary.  During the whole walk, Jesus gave uninterrupted instructions.  Among other things 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 bestow on them all that He had.  While uttering these words, His face wore a touching expression as if He were pouring out His whole soul, as if He were languishing with love to give Himself to man.  His disciples did not understand His words.  They thought that He was talking about the Paschal lamb.

     Jesus and His Apostles ate the Paschal lamb in the Cenacle.  All the necessary vessels and instruments were now prepared, when a beautiful little lamb was brought in.  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 and the attendants brought a branch of hyssop, which Jesus used to dip into the blood.  Then stepping to the door of the hall, He signed the two posts and lock with the blood, and stuck the bloody branch above the lintel.  Among other things He said, "The destroying angel shall pass 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."

     Followed by the Apostles, Jesus walked around the Cenacle singing psalms, and consecrated it as a new Temple.  During this ceremony the doors were closed.  Meanwhile Simeon's son roasted the lamb.

     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 returned, they began to prepare the table.  The table was narrow and only high enough to reach one half foot above the knee of a man standing by it.  In form it was like a horseshoe; and opposite Jesus, in the inner part of the half circle, there was a space left free for the serving of dishes.  John, James Zebedee and James Alpheus stood on Jesus' right; then came Batholomew, still on the right, but more toward the narrow end of the table; and round the corner, at the inner side, stood Thomas and next to him Judas Iscariot.  On Jesus' left were Peter, Andrew, and Jude; then as on the opposite side, came Simon; and around at the inner side, Matthew and Philip.

     In the center of the table lay the Paschal lamb on a dish, its head resting on the crossed forefeet, the hind stretched out at full length.  All around the edge of the dish were little bunches of garlic.  Near by was another dish containing the Paschal roast meat, and on either side a plate of green herbs.

     After the prayer, the master of the feast laid on the table in front of 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, the Apostles drinking two and two from the same cup.  The Lord cut up the Paschal lamb.  The Apostles in turn reached their little loaves and received each one a share.  They ate it in haste separating the flesh from the bone with their ivory knives, and the bones were afterward burned.  They ate also, and that very quickly, the garlic and green herbs, first dipping them into the sauce.  They ate the paschal lamb 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 drank not 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."  After the Apostles had drunk, two and two, they chanted, and Jesus prayed and taught.  After that they again washed their hands, and then reclined on the seats.  During the ceremony they had been standing, and everything was done in haste.

     While the Apostles were eating the herbs, Jesus continued to converse with them still quite lovingly, though He afterward became grave and sad.  He said, "One among you will betray Me--one whose hand is with Me in the dish."   At these words the Apostles became very much troubled, and asked in turn, "Lord, is it I?" for all knew well that they did not understand Him perfectly. (Mat 26:20-25, Mark 14:17-21)

     They arose from table and while putting on and arranging their robes, as was the custom before solemn prayer, the master of the feast and two servants came in to take away the table and put back the seats.  While this was being done, Jesus ordered some water to be brought to Him in the anteroom, and the master again left the hall with his servants.

     Jesus, standing in the midst of the Apostles spoke to them long and solemnly.  He told them that He would, before leaving them, give over to them all that He possessed.  Then He gave them instructions upon penance, the knowledge and confession of sin, contrition, and justification.  All with the exception of Judas acknowledged their sins with sorrow.  This discourse was long and solemn.  When it was ended, Jesus sent John and James Alpheus to bring water from the anteroom, and directed the others to place the seats in a half circle.  Meantime, He Himself retired to the anteroom, to lay aside His mantle, gird up His robe, and tie around Him a towel, one end of which He allowed to hang.

     Jesus, still in the anteroom, commanded John to take a basin, and James Alpheus a leather bottle of water.  After He had poured some water from the bottle into the basin, Jesus bade the two follow Him into the hall in the center of which the master of the feast had set another large, empty basin.  Jesus went from one to another, and from the basin held under them by John, with His hand scooped up water over the feet presented to Him.  Then taking in both hands the long end of the towel with which He was girded, He passed it over the feet to dry them, and then moved on with James to the next.  John emptied the water after each one into the large basin in the center of the room and then returned to the Lord with the empty one. (John 13:3-11)

     Jesus next delivered an instruction upon humiliation.  He told them that he who was the greatest among them should be the servant, and that for the future they should in humility wash one another's feet.

     Jesus also said, that He would not leave His followers desolate, He would come to them.  He said that anyone who loves Him would be loved by His Father.  Jesus Himself would come to those who loved Him, and He would manifest Himself to him.  Jude asked Jesus, "Lord how it is that you will manifest, make yourself clear to us, and not to the world?"  The Apostle was finding it hard to understand how the Kingdom was to come about unless Jesus would show Himself publicly to all people.

     Jesus answered, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word and My Father and I will come to him and make Ourselves known to him.  But he who does not love Me and does not keep My word will not be able to understand the Father's words.  Do not be troubled or afraid, for I will send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit."  It was not possible to reveal God's glory to unloving and disobedient hearts. (John 14:18-26)   

  Jesus now resumed the garments that He had laid aside, and the Apostles let down theirs that had been girded up for the eating of the Paschal lamb.

     At the command of the Lord the master of the feast again set out the table, which he raised a little higher.  It was placed in the middle of the room and covered with a cloth, over which two other cloths were spread, one red, and the other white and transparent.  Then the master set two jugs, one of water, the other of wine, under the table.

     From the back part of the hall, where the Paschal hearth was, Peter and John now brought forth the chalice they had received from Veronica's house.  The plate with the ribbed Paschal loaves, thin and whitish, stood near under a cover.  The other half of the loaf that had been cut at the Paschal Supper was on the table.  There was also a wine and a water vessel.

     The breaking and distributing of bread and drinking out of the same cup were customary in olden times at feasts of welcome and farewell.  They were used as signs of brotherly love and friendship.  Today Jesus elevated this custom to the dignity of the Most Holy Sacrament, for until now it was only a typical ceremony.  One of the charges brought before Caiaphas on the occasion of Judas's 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.

     Jesus' place was between Peter and John.  The doors were closed, for everything was conducted with secrecy and solemnity. Jesus prayed and uttered some very solemn words.  He explained the Last Supper to the Apostles, as also the ceremonies that were to accompany it.  It was the precedent of a priest teaching a seminarian the Holy Mass.

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

     In profound recollection and prayer, Jesus next broke the bread into several morsels and laid them one over another on the plate.  With the tip of His finger He broke off a scrap from the first morsel and let it fall into the chalice.

     Again Jesus prayed and taught.  His words, glowing with fire and light, came forth from His mouth and entered into all the Apostles, excepting Judas.  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 also the bread which, as a body of light, entered the mouth of the Apostles.  It was as if Jesus Himself flowed into them.  All of them were penetrated with light, bathed in light.  Judas alone was in darkness.

     Jesus next raised the chalice by its two handles to a level with His face, and pronounced into it the words of consecration.  While doing so, He was wholly transfigured and transparent.  He was as if passing over into what He was giving.

     Jesus' movements during the institution of the Most Blessed Sacrament were measured and solemn, preceded and followed by explanations.  Jesus turning to the right and left was full of gravity, as He always was when engaged in prayer. (Mat 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20)

    

     It was about half past three in the morning when the risen Jesus appeared to Magdalen.  Soon after she left the garden John and Peter entered the sepulchre.  Meanwhile, Magdalen had reached the holy women and told them of the Lord's apparition.  Then she too hurried on to the city through the neighboring gate of the execution, but the other women went again to the garden, outside of which Jesus appeared to them in a white flowing garment that concealed even His hands.  He said, "All hail!"  They trembled and fell at His feet.  Jesus waved His hand while addressing to them some words, and vanished.  The holy women then hastened through the Bethlehem gate on Sion, to tell the disciples in the Cenacle that they had seen the Lord and repeated what He had said to them.  But the disciples would not at first credit their reports and, until the return of Peter and John, they looked upon the whole affair as the effect of women's imagination.

     John and Peter, amazed at what they had seen, remained silent and thoughtful.  On their way back they met James Alpheus and Jude, who had set out after them for the tomb.  They too were very much agitated, for the Lord had appeared to them near the Cenacle. (Mat 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-13, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18)  Although Jesus had appeared to Peter, John, James Alpheus and Jude, yet the greater number of the Apostles and disciples did not believe in His resurrection.  They felt uneasy, as if His apparition was not a real and corporeal one, only a vision, a phantom.

     In the Last Supper room the Apostles had ranged for prayer when Cleophas and Luke, hurrying back from Emmaus, knocked at the closed doors of the courtyard.  Their joyful news of having seen Jesus interrupted the prayer.  It had hardly begun again when Jesus came in through the closed doors, saying "Peace be with you."  He showd them His hands and feet, and opening His garment, disclosed the wound in His side. (Luke 24:36-43 & John 20:19-23)

     Jesus appeared in many places during these days, and lastly in Galilee, in a valley across the Jordan in which was a large school.  Many people were standing together, speaking about Him and expressing their doubts upon the report of His resurrection.  He appeared among them, and vanished again after some words.  He appeared in this way in different localities.

     Peter went with some Apostles, disciples and many of the people to an elevated region.  Five pathways planted with hedges and trees ran up the hill, whose summit afforded ample space for about a hundred to walk about freely.  The rest of the Apostles, many of the disciples and all the holy women were there.  Besides the Blessed Mother and Veronica, Peter's wife and daughter, the wives of Andrew and Matthew and many others were there.  They scattered around, some under sheds, some in the open air.

     There was on it a hollow place in whose center stood a teacher's pillar overgrown with moss.  One could mount into it as into a pulpit.  The hollow in which the pillar stood was furnished with steps and tiers, so that the numerous audience could see over one another.  Peter placed five Apostles on the five several pathways that led up the mountain, and they taught the people, because all could not hear Peter on account of the crowd.  He himself stood on the pillar in the center, the Apostles, disciples, and many of the people around him, and proclaimed the Passion, the resurrection, the apparitions of the Lord, and the obligation of following Him.

     Jesus approached by the same route Peter had come.  He went up the mountain.  The holy women, who were standing on one of the paths, prostrated before Him, and He spoke to them as He passed.  As, resplendent with light, He stepped in through the crowd, many shuddered and became alarmed.  These did not remain faithful.  Then Jesus went to the pillar on which Peter was standing.  Peter resigned his place and took up a position opposite Jesus, who now addressed the multitude.  He spoke of abandoning one's relatives, of following Him, and of the persecution that they would have to endure.  He uttered some very grave words upon the sufferings and persecution of those that would follow Him upon earth, and He alluded to their eternal reward.  He told them that they should at first remain in Jerusalem.  When He should have sent them the Spirit, they should baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and should at once establish a Community.  Then He told them how they should disperse, form distant Communities, meet together once more, again separate for far-off countries, and receive at last the baptism of blood.

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

     After that Peter, Jude, Andrew, and James Alpheus went to another place where they healed many sick people whom before they had not been able to cure.  Their fault had been that, wishing to imitate the great dignity and reserve of Jesus in His demeanor, they did something extraordinary.  They assumed an air of importance.  They did not give humbly what they had received, but rather gave it as something coming from themselves, so they were not successful.  By humbling themselves, kneeling down by the sick, and begging their pardon for failing to assist them, they cured the sick.  Those who were cured went with the Apostles to Bethania for the Sabbath.

     The whole interior of the Last Supper room was on the eve of the Feast of Pentecost ornamented with green bushes in whose branches were placed vases of flowers.

     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 their breast as they silently prayed near the pillars of the Supper Room and in the side halls.  Stillness pervaded the house, and silence reigned throughout the whole enclosure.  Toward morning from over the Mount of Olives, a glittering white cloud of light come down from heaven and drew near to the house.  Coming nearer, it looked larger and floated over the city like a luminous mass of fog until it stood above Sion and the house of the Last Supper.  It seemed to contract and to shine with constantly increasing brightness, until at last with a rushing, roaring noise as of wind, it sank like a thunder cloud floating low in the atmosphere.  The whole thing was like a storm that had suddenly gathered, but instead of rising from the earth, came down from heaven, that was light instead of dark, that instead of thundering came down with a rushing wind, a rushing motion.  It was like a warm breeze full of power to refresh and invigorate.

     The luminous cloud descended low over the house, and with the increasing sound, the light became brighter.  The Apostles, the disciples, and the women became more and more silent, more deeply recollected.  Afterward there shot from the rushing cloud streams of white light down upon the house and its surroundings.  In that same instant the whole house and its surroundings were penetrated through and through with light.  The assembled Faithful were ravished in ecstasy.  Each involuntarily threw back his head and raised his eyes eagerly on high, while into the mouth of every one there flowed a stream of light like a burning tongue of fire.  It looked as if they were breathing, as if they were eagerly drinking in the fire, and as if their ardent desire flamed forth from their mouth to meet the entering flame.  A joyous courage pervaded the assembly.  All were full of emotion, and as if intoxicated with joy and confidence.  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 meanwhile vanished.  Peter delivered an instruction to the disciples.

     An extraordinary movement pervaded all nature.  Good people were roused interiorly, while the wicked became timid, uneasy, and still more stiff necked. (Acts 2:1-4)

     In the house of the Last Supper, Peter imposed hands on five of the Apostles who were to help to teach and baptize at the Pool of Bethsaida.  They were James Alpheus, Bartholomew, Mathias, Thomas, and Jude.  The last named had a vision during his ordination.  It seemed to him that he was clasping to his breast the Body of the Lord.

     Before departing for the Pool of Bethsaida to consecrate the water and administer baptism, they received on their knees the benediction of the Blessed Virgin.  Before Jesus' ascension, this ceremony was performed standing.  On the following days this blessing was given whenever the Apostles left the house and also on their return.  On such occasions, and generally when she appeared among the Apostles in her post of dignity, the Blessed Virgin wore a large white mantle, a creamy white veil, and scarf of sky blue material that hung from her head down both sides to the ground.  It was ornamented with embroidery, and was held firmly on the head by a white silken crown.

     The Apostles and disciples went in solemn procession, two by two, from the house of the Last Supper to the Pool.  Some of the disciples carried a leather bottle of holy water and an asperges.  The five Apostles, upon whom Peter had imposed hands, separated, each taking one of the five entrances to the pool, and addressed the people with great enthusiasm.

     As many presented themselves for baptism, Peter, assisted by John and James Alpheus, solemnly blessed the water.  The holy water, which they had brought in a leather bottle from the house of the Last Supper, Peter sprinkled in five streams far over the pool with an asperges.  Those baptized here today were they that had received John's baptism only.  The holy women were also baptized.  The people added to the Community today amounted to three thousand. (Acts 2:41-42)  That evening the Apostles and disciples returned to the house of the Last Supper where they took a repast and distributed blessed bread.  Then came the evening prayer.

     When persecution flared in Jerusalem during the first year after the Ascension, Jude and his brother Simon went together to Samaria to evangelize, following the directions given by Jesus when, during the Last Supper, He had foretold this persecution.

     About three years after the Ascension the Apostles met in Jerusalem.  It was then that they drew up the Apostles' Creed, set up Church regulations and formed dioceses.

     After this synod, Jude and Caisar traveled northward to the region of Osroene and its capitol Edessa.  Caisar was a young convert, pure and chaste.  He had told some disciples that he had dreamed that he had carried a great many people through water.  The disciples thought that it signified, perhaps, that he would convert many, baptizing them with water.

     In Edessa Jude baptized Abgarus, King of Osroene, who had been cured of leprosy by the portrait sent to him by Jesus.  This incident, coupled with Jude's vision of Jesus resting on his breast at the time of his ordination, is commemorated even in our own times by the common picturing of a portrait of Jesus hanging over St. Jude's breast, or held in his hand. From Abgarus Jude received permission to preach openly in Edessa and Osroene.

     Later Jude and Caisar accompanied Thomas on an evangelizing journey along the Euphrates River.  While Jude continued in the general area of Osroene, Thomas and Caisar travelled down into Chaldea where they preached and baptized.  It was then that the Kings, who had gone to Bethlehem to honor Jesus at His birth, were baptized along with their people.

     Thomas sent Caisar to preach in a place where, though he was innocent, he was crucified as a robber and criminal, to the great joy of his soul.  Thomas journeyed on into India and other parts of Asia.

     As the Blessed Virgin felt her end approaching, in accordance with the directions of her Divine Son, she called the Apostles to her by prayer.  At her prayer the Apostles received, through the angels, admonitions to return to her at Ephesus.  In the various places in which they had been they had erected little churches here and there.

     Jude and Simon were in Persia when they received their summons.  On entering the house of Mary in Ephesus, they laid aside their mantles, staves, pouches and girdles, allowed their white robes to fall in broad folds down to their feet, and each put on a wide girdle inscribed with letters, which he had brought with him.  Then with deep emotion they drew near Mary's couch to greet her, though she could now say only a few words.  The travelers took nothing on their arrival, excepting some kind of beverage from a little flask, with which each one came provided.  They did not sleep in the house, but outside under light awnings, which were put up on posts against the walls, and which were divided off and enclosed by movable screens and wickerwork.

     An altar with its covers, one red, the other white, was placed in front of the Crucifix of the Blessed Virgin's own oratory.  Peter here celebrated the Holy Mass with the same ceremonies as he had used in the church near the Pool of Bethsaida.  Tapers, not lamps, were burning on the altar.  Mary was in a sitting posture on her couch during the whole celebration.  Peter was vested in a large mantle and pallium, whose colors glanced from white to red.  These he wore over his white robe.  The four Apostles assisting him were also vested in festal mantles.  After Communion, Peter gave the Blessed Sacrament to all present.       Peter bore the Blessed Sacrament to Mary in the cross hanging on his breast, and John carried, on a shallow dish, the chalice containing the Most Sacred Blood.  This chalice was white, small as if for pouring, and of the same shape as that used at the Last Supper.  Its stem was so short that it could only be held with two fingers.  Jude now brought forward a little incense basin.  Peter first gave the Blessed Virgin the last anointing.  Next he administered Holy Communion, which she received sitting up without support.  Then she sank back again on her pillow and, after the Apostles had offered a short prayer, she received the chalice from John, but not now in such an upright a posture.

     After communion, Mary spoke no more.  Her countenance, blooming and smiling as in youth, was raised toward Heaven.  A pathway of light arose from Mary up to the heavenly Jerusalem, up to the throne of the Most Holy Trinity.  Her body with all its wrappings was floating high above the couch.  The hour of Mary's death was that of None, at which time Jesus had also died on the cross.

     At last the women covered the blessed remains with a sheet, put all the furniture of the house aside and covered it, even covering the fire place.  Then they veiled themselves and prayed together in an area in the front of the house, sometimes kneeling, sometimes sitting.  The Apostles too covered their head with the scarf they wore about their shoulders, and ranged in order for prayer.  They took turns, two at a time, to kneel and pray at the head and feet of the blessed remains, exchanging places with one another four times in the day.  In the same manner they took turns making the Way of the Cross.

     While the women were preparing the holy body for burial, the Apostles prayed, choir and choir, sometimes in the front apartment, sometimes outside the house.  The women went about their task most devoutly and reverently.  The body of the Blessed Virgin was lifted in the linen of the deathbed and laid in a long basket, which had a lid.

     When it was time to bear the coffin to the grotto, about a half hour distant, six of the Apostles carried it in turn.  Four of the Apostles bore the coffin into the grotto, and placed it in the hollow of the tomb.  All went, one by one, into the grotto where they knelt in prayer before the holy body, honoring it and taking leave of it.  Then the tomb was closed in by a wicker screen that extended from the front edge of the tomb to the top of the vaulted wall above.

     The next day when the Apostles were engaged in choir service, Thomas made his appearance.  Thomas was greatly grieved when he heard that the Blessed Virgin had already been buried.  He wept with an abundance of tears quite astonishing to behold, for he could not forgive himself for coming so late.  The Apostles, who had not interrupted their choir chanting on account of his coming, now gathered around him, raised him up, embraced him, and set before him  bread, honey, and some kind of beverage.  After that they accompanied him with lights to the tomb.  Thomas, Eleasar, and John went in and prayed before the coffin.  Then John loosened the three straps that bound it.  They stood the lid of the coffin on one side and, to their intense astonishment, saw only the empty winding sheets lying like a husk, or shell, and in perfect order.  The swathing bands of the arms and hands lay separate, as if gently drawn off.  The Apostles gazed in amazement, their hands raised.  John cried out, "She is no longer here!"  The others came in quickly, wept, prayed, looked upward with raised arms, and finally cast themselves on the ground, remembering the radiant cloud of the preceding night.

     The Apostles and disciples stood together in circles and relating where they had been and giving their experience.  Before they left Mary's house to journey again into distant parts, they made the grotto of the tomb wholly inaccessible by raising an embankment of earth before the entrance.  The Apostles with tears and embraces took leave of one another after they had once more celebrated solemn service in Mary's house.  An Apostle or disciple often returned at different times to pray there.

     After the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, Jude and Simon returned to Osroene for a number of years and then decided to move south along the Euphrates into Chaldea and Ur, the land of Abraham.

     Sometime during his missionary travels, Jude wrote his beautifully written Epistle which appears in the Bible.  It warns against false teachers and provides an outline of Christian life, including faith, prayer, love, mutual assistance and avoidance of corrupters.

     Jude and Simon converted many in Chaldea, but upset the local rulers, who tried to force them to sacrifice to the local deities.  When they refused, a demonic presence in the form of two black figures fled from the Persian temple howling furiously.  This enraged the rulers even more.  They stirred up a howling mob which converged on the two elderly men.  A man with a spear came up to Jude and rammed it through his body.  Simon was seized by several thugs and was sawn in pieces.  They suffered martyrdom not far from Ur, the native land of Abraham. (Gen 11:27-28)

     For centuries St. Jude was seemingly unknown among the people.  Usually he was honored only in conjunction with his brother, St. Simon, with whom he evangelized in Mesopotamia, and suffered martyrdom together.  Often through the years veneration of Jude suffered when his name became confused with Judas Iscariot.  In the 14th century when Jesus appeared to St. Bridget of Sweden, He told her that "in accord with his second name, 'Thaddeus' [meaning Heart or Love] he will show himself most willing to help."

     St. Jude's veneration has become ever more popular.  In the present time he is celebrated as the patron of hopeless or desperate cases.  He is often pictured with one or more of the following symbols; a portrait of Our Lord over his heart; a book or pen because of his epistle in the New Testament; a club commemorating his martyr's death; and/or a flame above his head indicating the inspiration and assistance of the Holy Spirit.