NEPHTALI BARTHOLOMEW - APOSTLE

  

                  NEPHTALI BARTHOLOMEW - APOSTLE

                                by

                         Harriet Shikoski

To my Readers,

     Many details included in this story of Bartholomew 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 Nephtali Bartholomew captures his true character and helps us to understand the man who was an Apostle and a close associate of Jesus.

  

                  NEPHTALI BARTHOLOMEW - APOSTLE

     Nephtali Bartholomew, one of the twelve Apostles, is commonly known only by his patronymic name, Bartholomew, meaning "son of Tholmai."  He was a descendant of the same royal family of Gessur from which Maacha had come.  Maacha was a wife of David and the mother of Absalom, the third son of David. (2 Sam 3:2-3)

     Bartholomew was a handsome and very active man.  His complexion was fair, his forehead high.  He had large eyes, black curly hair, and a short crisp beard, black and parted on the chin.  He was a writer.  His refined manners distinguished him among the other Apostles.  He lived in Debbaseth which could be seen from the road when first starting from Naim to Mageddo, but on a nearer approach the heights of the latter place concealed it from view.  It was situated about an hour and a half to the west on the Cison River, at the entrance of the valley of Zabulon.

     At about the beginning of His public life Jesus journeyed through Nazareth on His way from Capharnaum to Hebron.  He passed through indescribably beautiful country that led by some hot baths.  These baths were on the slope of a mountain, about an hour's distance farther on from Magdalum in the direction of Tiberias.

     The meadows were covered with very high, thick grass, and on the slope stood the houses and tents between rows of fig trees, date palms, and orange trees.  The road was crowded, for a kind of national feast was going on.  Men and women in separate groups were playing for wagers, the prizes consisting of fruit.  There Jesus saw Nathanael, who was also called Chased, standing among the men under a fig tree. (John 1:48)  Just at the moment when Nathanael was struggling against a sensual temptation that had seized him and was glancing over at the women's game, Jesus passed and cast upon him a warning look.  Without knowing Jesus, Nathanael was deeply moved by His glance, and thought, "That man has a sharp eye."  He felt that Jesus was more than an ordinary man.  Because of Jesus' look, he became conscious of his guilt, entered into himself, overcame the temptation, and from that time kept a stricter guard over his senses.  Bartholomew, standing near, also received a glance from Jesus that greatly affected his thoughts.

     Jesus and His disciples were at the middle place of baptism.  Immense crowds were coming and going, raising fresh excitement among the Pharisees.  They dispatched letters to all the synagogues throughout the country, directing them to deliver Jesus over to Pharisees wherever He might be found, to take the disciples into custody, to inquire into their teachings and inflict punishment upon them.  Jesus left with only a few disciples.  The rest of His disciples separated and returned to their homes.

     While Jesus with His few disciples were crossing the Valley Esdrelon on His way through Samaria, Bartholomew passed.  Returning home to Debbaseth from his baptism of John, he fell in with some of the disciples.  Andrew spoke to Bartholomew enthusiastically about the Lord.  Bartholomew listened with delight and reverence; and Andrew, whose joy it was to add intelligent men to the number of His disciples, went forward to Jesus, spoke to Him of Bartholomew who was desirous of following Him.  Just at this moment, Bartholomew passed.  Andrew pointed him out to Jesus who, glancing toward Bartholomew, said to Andrew, "I know him; he will follow Me.  I see good in him, and I shall call him in time."  Soon after this incident Bartholomew met Thomas with whom he was acquainted.  He spoke to him about Jesus, urging him to also follow Jesus.

     Judas had recently been in Cyprus where he gave various accounts of Jesus and of His miracles.  He kept well informed about popular ideas and actions, and had been very interested in Jesus.  He told the Cyprians about the various opinions of Jesus that were being circulated, telling them that some looked upon Him as the Son of David, others called Him the Christ, and the majority esteemed Him the greatest of the Prophets.  The Cyprians had also heard many wonderful things of Jesus' visit to Tyre and Sidon.  This talk made the Jews and pagans of Cyprus very inquisitive with regard to Jesus.  In consequence of all these marvelous accounts, a Cyprian pagan was sent by his master to visit Jesus in Ophra.  Judas had accompanied this pagan officer back to Cyprus.  On his return journey to Galilee he stopped at Ornithopolis, where the parents of Saturnin, originally from Greece, then lived.

     When Judas learned that Jesus was going into the region of Meroz, where he himself was well known, he went to seek Bartholomew in Debbaseth.  They were already well acquainted with each other.  Judas invited him to go with him to Meroz and present him to Jesus.  Bartholomew expressed his willingness to do so.  But first he went to Tiberias with Thaddeus and Philip where Simon Zelotes joined them.  After that they stopped at Naim for Judas who had gone there to meet them.  Judas begged them again 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.

     Jesus was very joyfully received at some distance from their city by the poor citizens of Meroz.  They knew of His approach and had gone out to meet Him, carrying sandals and garments for Him to use while they cleaned and brushed His own.  Jesus thanked them and went with the disciples into the city where they washed His feet and offered the customary refreshments.  The Pharisees also came to greet Jesus.  Toward evening He taught in the synagogue before a large audience, taking for His subject the slothful servant and the buried talent. (Mat 25:14-30)  By this parable Jesus indicated the inhabitants of Meroz themselves.  Born of the maid servant, they had received one talent only which they should have put out at interest; but instead of that they had buried it. (Judg 5:23)  The Master was coming and they should hasten to gain something.  Jesus also rebuked them for their little love for their neighbor and their hatred of the Samaritans.

     The Pharisees were not well pleased with Jesus, but the people of Meroz were much more accepting of His teaching because they were very greatly oppressed by the Pharisees.  The people also rejoiced at Jesus' visit because their whole region seemed to lie forgotten by all the world, and no one ever came to help or instruct them in any way.

     After the sermon Jesus went with His disciples to an inn that stood outside the western gate of the city.  Lazarus had erected it, especially for their use, on some ground that he owned in these parts.  Bartholomew, Simon Zelotes, Jude Thaddeus, and Philip came here to see Jesus, and they were cordially received by Him.  They had already spoken with those disciples who were already following Jesus.  They dined with Him and remained with Him 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.

     Judas Iscariot had come to Meroz with the newly arrived disciples.  He did not however spend the evening with Jesus at the inn, but at a house in the city where he had often stayed before.  Bartholomew and Simon spoke with Jesus about Judas.  They said that they knew him to be an active, well-informed man, very willing to be of service, and very desirous of a place among the disciples.  Jesus sighed as they spoke and appeared troubled.  When they asked Him the cause of His sadness, He answered, "It is not yet time to speak, but only to think of it."  He taught during the whole meal, and all slept at the inn.

     The newly arrived disciples had come from Capharnaum where they had met Peter and Andrew.  They carried messages from them, and had also brought Jesus some money for the expenses for His journey, the charitable gift of the women.  Judas had met them at Naim, and accompanied them to Meroz.  Even at this early period, he was already known to all the disciples.

    

     Jesus and the disciples returned to their inn by the western gate of the city of Meroz.  On their way through the streets some furious possessed men that had been allowed to leave their place of confinement, cried after Jesus.  He commanded them to be silent.  They instantly ceased their cries and threw themselves humbly at His feet.  Jesus cured them and admonished them to purify themselves.  From the inn he went to the hospital of the lepers, a short distance from the city, entered, called the lepers before Him, touched them, healed them, and commanded them to present themselves before the priests for the customary purifications.  Jesus did not allow the disciples to follow Him into the lepers' hospital.  He sent them up to the mountain where, after healing the lepers, He was to deliver an instruction.

     On the way the disciples were met by Judas Iscariot.  When Jesus again joined them, Bartholomew and Simon Zelotes presented him to Jesus with the words, "Master, here is Judas of whom we have spoken to You."  Jesus looked at him graciously, but with indescribable sorrow.  Judas bowing said, "Master, I pray You allow me to share in Your instructions."  Jesus replied sweetly and in words full of prophetic meaning, "You may have a place among My disciples, unless you prefer to leave it to another."

     Issachar invited Jesus and all His followers to stay that night at his house and to dine with him after the exercises of the synagogue.  Jesus accepted the invitation, and then went to preach in the synagogue.  Toward the end of His discourse the Pharisees and Sadducees began to strive against Him.  From the explanation of Abraham's marriage with Ketura, (Gen 25:1) He came to speak of marriage itself and of the marriage of Issachar and Salome, the union of an older man with a younger woman.

     The Sabbath over, Jesus left the synagogue and accompanied by the disciples, went to Issachar's where a grand banquet had been prepared for Him.  Jesus, the disciples related to Him, and Issachar himself sat at one table, while Salome, the wife, came and went doing the honors of hosting.  The other disciples ate in a side hall.  Before sitting down to eat Jesus healed several sick.  It was dusk, and the miracles were performed by torchlight outside the synagogue and near Issachar's dwelling where the sick had gathered.  Among the disciples present were Judas Iscariot, Bartholomew, and Thomas, also Thomas' brother and a half-brother.  They had come there for the Sabbath from Apheca, seven hours distance, and they put up at Issachar's.

     The refreshments consisted of birds, fish, honey, pigeons, turtle-doves and colored birds which ran like hens around the houses, and often took flight to the beautiful plain of Jezrael.  During the meal, Issachar spoke of Mary.  He recalled the fact of her having been in that house in her youth, and said that his wife's parents had often related circumstance, telling how young and beautiful and pious she was.  He expressed the hope that God, who had cured him through Joseph's Son, (he did not guess his Savior's origin) would likewise give him posterity.  All the disciples found hospitality in this house.  There were large, open porticos around it on which beds were prepared for them, separated from one another by movable partitions.

     Jesus returned to Capharnaum.  As He was again passing the leper's hut, the leper himself came out and threw himself down before Him.  "Lord," he said, "If You will, You can make me clean."  Jesus replied, "Stretch out your hands!"  He touched them and said, "I do will it.  Be clean!" and the leprosy fell from the man.  Jesus commanded him to present himself to the priests for inspection, to make the offering prescribed by the Law, and to speak to no one else of his cure. (Mat 8:2-4 & Mk 1:40)  The man went to the Pharisaical priests and submitted himself to their examination as to whether he was cured or not.  They became enraged, examined him rigorously, but were forced to acknowledge him cured.  They disputed so lively with him that they almost drove him from their presence.

     Bartholomew arrived bringing with him Joses, the little son of his widowed sister, to be baptized.  Thomas was there too, and with Jephte, the little cured son of Achias, the Centurion of Giskala.  All the future Apostles were now in Capharnaum, with the exception of Matthias.

     When Jesus was in Maggedo not far from Debbaseth where Bartholomew lived, some disciples sent by John the Baptist confronted Jesus.  They had watched with amazement the miracles He had wrought.  They addressed Him, "John the Baptist has sent us to You to ask if You are He who is to come or should we look for another?"  Jesus answered, "Go and tell John what you have heard and seen.  The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise again, widows are consoled, the poor have the Gospel preached to them, what is crooked is made straight.  And blessed is he that shall not be scandalized in Me." (Mat 11:2-6 & Luke 7:18-22)  After these words Jesus turned away and John's disciples left.

     John was always anxiously wishing Jesus to proclaim Himself as the Messiah.  He had sent his disciples to again urge Him to declare publicly and forcefully Who He was.  But Jesus could not speak more plainly about Himself, for who would have understood Him?  His disciples were good, simple hearted, generous and pious souls, but as yet quite incapable of comprehending such a mystery as a Messiah Who was God Incarnate.  Many of His followers were related to Him by blood, consequently they would have been scandalized at the more precise explanation on Jesus' part, or would have conceived erroneous ideas of Him.  As for the multitude at large, they were altogether unprepared for such a truth, and besides, He was encompassed by spies.  Even among John's disciples the Pharisees and Herodians had their creatures.

     When John's messengers had departed, Jesus began to teach.  Among His audience were the cured, the crowds of people, the Scribes of the place, His disciples, and the five publicans that lived there.  The instruction was continued by the light of flaming torches.  The remaining sick were afterward cured.  Jesus knew that some of the Pharisees present had taken occasion from the brevity of His reply to John's messengers to say to the people that He, Jesus, made little account of John and was willing enough to see him ruined in public estimation, in order that He Himself might be exalted.  Because of this He took for the subject of His discourse His own reply to John's disciples.  He spoke of how they should use the benefits received from God, and exhorted them to penance and a change of life.  He explained the answer He had given as well as what He had said on the score of penance.  He also recalled to them what they themselves had heard John say of Him.  Why, He asked, were they always doubting?  What did they expect from John?  He said, "What did you go out to see when you went to John?  Did you go to see a reed shaken in the wind? or a man effeminately and magnificently clothed?  Listen!  They that are clothed sumptuously and who live delicately are in the palaces of kings.  But what did you desire to see when you went in search of him?  Was it to see a Prophet?  Yes, I tell you, you saw more than a Prophet when you saw him.  This is he of whom it is written, 'Behold, I send my angel before your face, who shall prepare the way before you." (Mal 3:1)  Amen I say to you, there has not risen among them that are born of woman a greater Prophet than John the Baptist, and yet he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffered violence, and the violent bear it away.  For all the Prophets and Law prophesied of it until John, and if you will receive it, he is Elias who is to come.  He that had ears to hear, let him hear!" (Mat 11:7-15)

     All present were very much impressed by Jesus' words, and wanted to receive baptism.  The Scribes alone murmured.  They were especially scandalized at Jesus because He accepted hospitality from the publicans, who also were present at this instruction.  Jesus therefore used this opportunity to speak of all the reports they had set afloat concerning both John and Himself, particularly of the reproach made against Him of frequenting the company of publicans and sinners. (Mat 11:18-19 & Luke 7:24-30)

     After that Jesus entered the house of one of the publicans, where He found the other four.  Some of the publicans there determined to amend their life and to receive baptism.  This house was near the enclosure wherein Jesus had just cured the sick.  There was another publican's house at the entrance of the city, and still others beyond.

     The Pharisees were mad with rage.  They cried out to Jesus, "What!  Do You heal on the Sabbath!  And do you also forgive sins!  How can You forgive sins?" (John 5:18)  Then turning to the people they cried, "He has a devil who helps Him!  He is a madman!  That is easily seen in His wandering about.  Scarcely had He begun to carry on His game here, when off He goes to Naim to raise the dead, (Luke 7:11-17) then to Mageddo, and then back here again!  No good man in his senses would carry on in that way!  He has a powerful, wicked spirit who helps Him!"  And they added, "When Herod finishes with John, this Man's turn will come, unless He takes Himself out of the way!"  But Jesus went out through the midst of them.

     Jesus left the city.  He spent the whole night in prayer.

     The next morning Jesus entered the garden in the neighborhood of Peter's house.  It was enclosed by a hedge, and in it all the preparations for baptism had been made.  There were several circular cisterns, formed in the ground and surrounded by a little channel, into which the water of a stream running near by could be turned.  A long arbor could, by hangings and screens, be divided into little compartments for the convenience of the neophytes when disrobing.  An elevated stand had been erected for Jesus.  Present were all the disciples and about fifty aspirants to baptism.  Among these aspirants were some relatives of the Holy family, an old man and three youths from Sephoris, the boy whom Jesus had healed at that same place, and the old woman from there who had recently visited Jesus in Abez.  Also present were Cyrinus from Cyprus; the Roman centurion of Giskala, Achias, and his little, miraculously cured son Jephte; the Centurion Cornelius, his yellow slave who had been cured by Jesus, and several of his domestics; many pagans from Upper Galilee; a dark skinned slave of Zorobabel; the five publicans of Mageddo; some boys, among whom was Joses, the nephew of Bartholomew; also all the cured lepers and possessed of these parts, including the two young scribes healed the preceding evening. These last named were indeed free from ulcers, but their countenance was still disfigured and bore the markings of suffering.

     All the neophytes were clothed in penitential robes of gray wool, a four cornered kerchief over their head.  Jesus instructed and prepared them for baptism, after which they retired into the arbor and put on their baptismal garment, a white tunic long and wide.  The head was uncovered, the kerchief now thrown around their shoulders.  They stood in the channel around the basins, their hands crossed on their breast.  Andrew and Saturnin baptized, while Thomas, Bartholomew, John and others imposed hands as sponsors.  The neophytes with bared shoulders leaned over a railing around the edge of the basin.  One of the disciples carried a vessel of water that had been blessed by Jesus, from which the baptizers scooped some water up with the hand and poured it three times over the heads of those being baptized.  Thomas was sponsor to Jephte, the son of Achias.  Although several received baptism at the same time, yet the ceremony lasted until nearly two o'clock in the afternoon.

     As Jesus with the Apostles and disciples were making the journey from Capharnaum to Cana and Cydessa, He stopped in the region of Giskala.  Placing The Twelve in three separate rows, He revealed to each his own peculiar disposition and character.  Peter, Andrew, John, James Zebedee, and Matthew stood in the first row; Thaddeus, Bartholomew, James Alpheus, and the disciple Barsabas, in the second; Thomas, Simon, Philip, and Judas Iscariot, in the third.  Each had 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 and the disciples 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 always to effect, by imposition of hands and anointing with oil, what He Himself could do.  This communication of power took place without the imposition of hands, though not without a substantial transmission. (Mat 10:1 & Mark 6:7-13 & Luke 9:1-6)  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 infused with strength!  Your 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.

     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 deep 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 you and understand!  Not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.  He that has ears to hear, let him hear!"  The disciples who had remained behind 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!  Let them alone!  They are blind and leaders of the blind.  If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the pit."(Mat 15:1-20 & Mark 7:1-16)

     While 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 latter 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.

     Jesus journeyed seven hours northeastward from Rechob to Gessur, where He stopped with the publicans, many of whom lived on the highroad leading to Damascus.  Gessur was a beautiful, large city garrisoned by Roman soldiers.  Jews and pagans occupied separate quarters, but the communications between them were very intimate.  Because of this the Jews of Gessur were held in low esteem by those Jews of other places.

     Many of the Jews and pagans of Gessur had been present at the sermon on the Mount of Beatitudes, and some of their sick were cured by the Apostles who had recently visited the place.  There was also a blind man who had been restored to sight at the instruction before the multiplication of the bread.  The husband of Mary Suphan was from Gessur, but he was now residing with her at Aimon.

     When Absalom was fleeing from David, he took up his abode in Gessur for a time, as his mother Maacha was the daughter of the king of the place.  His name was Tholmai. (Sam 15:8)

     The Apostle Bartholomew, who had accompanied Jesus here, was a descendant of that same royal house.  His father had for a long time made use of the Baths of Bethulia, and because of this he had moved to Cana and settled in the valley of Zabulon.  It was owing to this that Bartholomew had become an inhabitant of that part of the country.  He still had in Gessure a very aged grand-uncle on his mother's side, a pagan possessed of great property and riches.  This old man resided in a large house in the heart of the city.  He had himself conducted to the publican quarter in order to see Jesus, who was teaching on a terrace upon which the merchandise of caravans passing this way were examined, taxed, and repacked.  The old uncle conversed with the Apostles, especially with his nephew Bartholomew, and invited Jesus to his house to dine.  All the inhabitants, men and women, Jews and pagans, attended Jesus instructions.  It was an indiscriminate audience.  Jesus also took a meal with the publicans and many others.  There was considerable bustle attending it, for the publicans were putting all their goods in order, planning to make a distribution to the poor.

     When Jesus entered the pagan quarter of the city to visit Bartholomew's uncle, He was received with magnificence according to pagan style.  Carpets were spread before Him, and sumptuous refreshments set forth, all in accordance with pagan manners.

     The pagans of Gessur adored a many-armed idol, which supported a bushel measure filled with ears of wheat on its head.  Many of them inclined to Judaism, and many others to the doctrines of Jesus.  Numbers of them had already been baptized either by John, or by the Apostles at Capharnaum.

     The publicans distributed the greater part of their wealth.  On the place upon which Jesus had taught they heaped up great quantities of wheat which they afterward measured out to the poor.  They likewise bestowed fields and gardens upon poor day laborers and slaves, and repaired all the wrong they had done.

     When Jesus was again teaching at the custom house before the pagans and Jews, some strangers arrived, Pharisees, to celebrate the Sabbath here.  They reproached Jesus for lodging among the publicans and for having familiar communications with them and the pagans.

     Bartholomew's uncle, along with sixteen other aged men, were baptized in a bathing garden.  The water from a well of the city was conducted into the garden by a very elevated canal.  Joses Barsabas administered the baptism.  The garden had been adorned in festive style, the ceremony was most solemn, and the poor were abundantly supplied with alms to which the old uncle largely contributed.

     Jesus closed the Sabbath by an instruction in the synagogue, took leave of all the people at the custom house, distributed alms to the poor, and went, accompanied by a numerous retinue, a distance of five hours to the fisher village on the borders of the lake of Phiala.  This lake was on a plateau about three hours east of Paneas.  He arrived late and lodged with the teacher in a house next the school.  The people of the place were for the most part Jews.

     Before daybreak The Twelve again gathered around Jesus.  They stood around Him in a circle.  On His right were first, John, then James Zebedee, and thirdly Peter.  The disciples stood outside the circle, the oldest of them nearest.  Then Jesus, as if resuming the discourse of the preceding night, asked, "Who do men say that I am?"  The Apostles and the oldest 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 the Baptist, others Elias, while others again took Him for Jeremias, who had arisen from the dead.  They related all that had become known to them on this subject, and then remained in expectation of Jesus' reply.  There was a short pause.  Jesus was very grave, and they fixed their eyes upon His countenance with some impatience.  At last, He said, "And you, for whom do you take Me?"  No one else 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 loudly 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 John, because flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in Heaven!  And I say to you; you are a rock, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.  And whatever you shall bind upon the earth, it shall be bound also in heaven; and whatever you shall loose on 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.  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 16:13-20 & Mark 8:27-30 & Luke 9:18-20)  Even John allowed his anxiety to become so manifest that Jesus afterward, when walking along the road with him alone, reproved him gravely for his expression of surprise.

     Jesus' words to Peter were spoken just at the moment of sunrise.  The whole scene was so much the 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; and James told John, as they walked together, that very probably they themselves would receive places next after Peter.

     Jesus now told the Apostles in plain terms that He was the promised Messiah.  He applied to Himself all the passages to that effect found in the Prophets, and said that they must now go to Jerusalem for the Feast. (Mat 16:21)  They then traveled southwesterly and returned to the Jordan bridge.

     If Jesus were to come among us now, would He encounter still greater difficulties than He had in His day?  Back then how freely He and His followers were to come and go around teaching and healing!  Apart from the Pharisees, thoroughly hardened and vainglorious as they were, no one put obstacles in His way.  Even the Pharisees themselves did not know on what ground they stood with Him.  They did indeed know that the time of the Promise had come in which the Prophecies were to be fulfilled, and they saw in Him something irresistible, something holy and wonderful.  How often they sat consulting the Prophets and the ancient commentaries upon those Prophets!  But they never yielded assent to what they read, for they expected a Messiah very different than Jesus.  They thought that He would be their friend, one of their own sect.  Still, they did not venture to decide upon Jesus.  Even many of the disciples thought that He must certainly possess some secret power, a connection with some nation or king.  They fancied that He would one day mount the throne of Jerusalem, the holy king of a holy people, and that then they themselves would hold desirable positions in His kingdom and would also become holy and wise.  Jesus allowed them to indulge in these thoughts for awhile.  Others looked upon the affair in a more spiritual sense, though never going so far as to think of the humiliation of the Crucifixion.  Very few acted through childlike, holy love, and in the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

     When at last all the Apostles were returned from their missions, the latest arrivals being Thomas, John and Bartholomew, Jesus went with them to Cana, where the seventy-two disciples (Luke 10:1) and holy women had also come from Capharnaum.  On an imminence in the center of the city there was a teacher's chair, from which Jesus taught, taking for His subject His own mission and its accomplishment.  He said that He had not come into this world to enjoy the comforts and pleasures of life, and that it was foolish to demand of Him anything else than the fulfillment of His Father's will.  He said in terms more significant than ever that He Himself was the One so long expected, but that He would be received by only a few, and that when His work was done, He would return to His Father.  He spoke warningly and entreatingly, begging His hearers most earnestly not to reject salvation and the moment of grace.  He again pointed out the accomplishment of the Prophecies.  His teaching was so wonderful, so impressive that the people of Cana said one to another; "He is more than a Prophet!  No one has ever before spoken this way in Israel!"

     In the house of the father of the Bride of Cana, an entertainment was given, at which the poor of the place were fed and presents bestowed upon them.  Jesus and the Apostles served.  At the close of the feast, Jesus related the parable of the wise and the foolish virgins, (Mat 25:1-13) explained it to His hearers, and spoke much of the near coming of the Bridegroom.  It was a kind of memorial feast of the marriage at Cana, (John 2:1-11) for now as then all the Apostles, disciples, and friends were once again assembled together.  The house was garlanded with flowers, and the water urns of the first miracle were again in use.  Children, bearing wreaths and pyramids of flowers, entered the festive hall playing on musical instruments.  Bartholomew, Nathanael Chased, and some of the disciples had made some beautiful mottos relative to the spiritual nuptials of the soul with God.

     Jesus spoke of adulterated virtues; of a love wherein self-love and covetousness predominate; of a humility mixed up with vanity; and He showed how easily evil glides into all things.  He said that many believed that His Kingdom was an earthly kingdom, and that they expected some post of honor in it could be theirs, and that they hoped by His means to become elevated without pain or trouble on their own part, just as even the pious mother of the sons of Zebedee had petitioned Him for a distinguished place for her children (Mat 20:20-23).  He forbade them to heap up perishable treasures, and He inveighed against avarice.  This was aimed at Judas though without revealing his tendency.  He spoke also of mortification, of prayer, of fasting, and of hypocrisy which influences many in these holy practices.  Here He made mention of the wrath of the Pharisees against the disciples when the latter, one year before, had stripped some ears of corn (Mat 12:1-2).  He repeated many of His former instructions, and gave some general explanations upon His own manner of acting in the past.

     Jesus spoke with much emotion.  Then He touched upon the near fulfillment of His mission, His Passion, and the speedy approach of His own end.  He would however make a solemn entrance into Jerusalem before His passion (Mat 20:17-19 & Luke 18:31-34).  He alluded to the merciless treatment He would undergo, but added that He must suffer and suffer exceedingly in order to satisfy Divine Justice.  He spoke of His Blessed Mother, recounting what she too was to suffer with Him, and in what manner it would be effected.  He exposed the deep corruption and guilt of mankind, and explained that without His Passion no man could be justified.  The Jews stormed and jeered when Jesus spoke of His sufferings and their power to satisfy for sin.  Some of those who had been appointed to spy on Jesus left the hall to make their report.  As some people had come from Nazareth to the Temple out of curiosity to hear Him, He said in a way understood by them that they were not in earnest.

     When the Apostles and disciples alone were standing around Jesus, He touched upon many things that would take place after His return to the Father.  He told them not to be troubled, that His time was not yet come, and that this also was a part of His Passion.  In this instruction He made some allusion, though without naming it particularly, to the Cenacle, to the house in which the Last Supper was to be eaten and in which later on they were to receive the Holy Spirit.  He spoke of their assembling in it and of their partaking of a strengthening and life-giving Food in which He Himself would remain with them forever.  There was some mention made also of His secret disciples, the sons of Simeon, and others.  He excused them before the open disciples, and called their caution a necessity, for, as He said, they had a different vocation.

     Jesus and His Apostles prepared to celebrate the Passover (Luke 22:7-13).  The slaughter of their Paschal lamb presented a most touching scene.  It took place in the anteroom of the Cenacle, Simeon's son, the Levite, assisting at it.  The Apostles and disciples were present chanting the 118th Psalm.  Jesus spoke of a new period then beginning, and said that the sacrifice of Moses and the signification of the Paschal lamb were about to fulfilled, that on this account the lamb was to be immolated as formerly in Egypt, but that now in reality were they to go forth from the house of bondage.

     All the necessary vessels and instruments were now prepared.  Then a beautiful little lamb was brought in, around its neck a garland, which was taken off and sent to the Blessed Virgin, who was at some distance with the other women.  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 dipped into it.  Then stepping to the door of the hall, He signed the two posts and the lock with the blood, and stuck the bloody branch above the lintel.  He then uttered some solemn words, saying among other things; "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 till the end of the world."

     They then proceeded to the Paschal hearth.  There they found a fire already lit.  Jesus sprinkled the hearth with blood, and consecrated it as an altar.  The rest of the blood along with the fat was thrown into the fire under the altar, after which Jesus, followed by the Apostles, walked around the Cenacle singing Psalms, and consecrated it as a new temple.  During this ceremony, the doors were closed.

     Jesus next gave the Apostles an instruction upon the Paschal lamb and the fulfillment of what it symbolized, and as the time was drawing near and Judas had returned, they began to prepare the tables.

     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 the dishes.  In the center of the table lay the Paschal lamb on a dish, its head resting on the crossed forefeet, the hind feet stretched out full length.  All around the edge of the dish were little bunches of garlic.  Directly in front of Jesus' place stood a bowl of yellowish green herbs and another with some kind of a brownish sauce.  Small round loaves served the guests for plates, and they made use of bone knives.

     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 all drank, the Apostles drinking two and two from one cup.  The Lord cut up the Paschal lamb.  The Apostles in turn reached their little loaves on some kind of instrument that held them fast, and each one received a share of the lamb on his loaf.  They ate it in haste, separating the flesh from the bone with their ivory knives.  The bones were afterward burned.  They also ate, and that very quickly, the garlic and green herbs, first dipping them into the sauce.  They ate the Paschal lamb standing, leaning a little on the backs of the seats.  Jesus then broke one of the loaves of unleavened bread, covered up one part of it, and divided the other among the Apostles.  After that they ate the little loaves that had served as plates.  Another cup of wine was brought.  Jesus thanked, but did not drink 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" (Luke 22:14-18).  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 preceding ceremony, they had been standing, and everything was done in haste.

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

     Jesus, still in the anteroom, commanded John to take a basin, and James Alpheus a leathern bottle of water.  The latter carried the bottle before his breast, the spout resting on his arm.  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.

     Entering the hall in this order, Jesus in a few words reproved the Apostles for the strife that had arisen among them.  He said among other things that He Himself was their servant, and that they should take their places on the seats for Him to wash their feet.  They obeyed, observing the same order as at table.  They sat on the backs of the seats, which were arranged in a half circle, and rested their naked feet upon the seat itself.  Jesus went from one to another.  From the basin held under them by John, He scooped up water with His hand, and streamed it 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.  After each washing, John emptied the water into the large basin in the center of the room, and then returned to the Lord with the empty basin.  Then Jesus again poured water from the bottle held by James over the feet of the next Apostle, and so on (John 13:1-5).

     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 others 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.

     Peter and John now brought forward, from the Paschal hearth in the back part of the hall, the chalice they had received from Veronica.  They carried it between them in its case, holding it on their hands.  It looked as if they were carrying a tabernacle.  They placed the case on the table before Jesus.  The plate with the ribbed Paschal loaves, thin and whitish, stood near under a cover, and the other half of the loaf that had been cut at the Paschal Supper was also on the table.  There was a wine and a water vessel, also three boxes, one of thick oil, another with liquid oil, and a third empty.  A spatula, or flat knife, lay near.

     Jesus' place was between Peter and John.  The doors were closed, for everything was conducted with secrecy and solemnity.  When the cover of the chalice had been removed and taken back to the recess in the rear of the cenacle, Jesus prayed and uttered some very solemn words.  He was explaining the Last Supper to the Apostles, and the ceremonies that were to accompany it.  It appeared like a priest teaching others the Holy Mass.

     Again Jesus prayed and taught.  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 the bread, as if giving a blessing, and as He did so, a brilliant light emanated from Him.  His words were luminous as was the Bread which entered the mouths of all the Apostles excepting Judas.  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 of His face, and pronounced into it the words of consecration.  While doing so, He was wholly transfigured and as it were, transparent.  He was as if passing over into what He was giving (Mat 26:26-29 & Mark 14:22-25 & Luke 22:19-20).  He caused Peter and John to drink from the chalice while yet in His hands, and then He set it down.  With a little spoon, John removed some of the Sacred Blood from the chalice to the small cups, which Peter handed to the Apostles who, two by two, drank from the same cup.

     The Lord poured the remains of the Sacred Blood in the chalice into the small cup that fitted into it.  Then holding His fingers over the chalice, He bade Peter and John pour water and wine upon them.  This ablution He gave to the two to drink from the chalice and, pouring what remained into the smaller cups, passed it down among the rest of the Apostles.  After that Jesus wiped out the chalice, put into it the little cup with what was left of the Sacred Blood, laid upon it the plate with the remains of the consecrated Paschal Bread, replaced the cover, wrapped the whole in the linen cloth, and deposited it in its case among the smaller cups.

     Jesus now gave to the Apostles an instruction full of mystery.  He told them how they were to preserve the Blessed Sacrament in memory of Him until the end of the world, taught them the necessary forms for making use of and communicating It, and in what manner they were by degrees to teach and publish the Mystery.  He likewise told them when they were to receive what remained of the Consecrated Species, when to give some to the Blessed Virgin, and how to consecrate It themselves after He should have sent them the Comforter.

     Then He instructed them upon the priesthood, the sacred unction, and the preparation of the Chrism and the Holy Oils.  From the center of the table, where He was standing, Jesus stepped a little to one side and imposed hands upon Peter and John, first on their shoulders and then on their head.  During this action, they joined their hands and crossed their thumbs.  As they bowed low before Him, the Lord anointed the thumb and forefinger of each of their hands with chrism, and made the sign of the Cross with it on their head.  He told them that this anointing would remain with them to the end of the world.  James Alpheus, Andrew, James Zebedee, and Bartholomew were likewise consecrated.  The Lord twisted crosswise over Peter's breast the narrow scarf that he wore around his neck, but that on the others He drew it across the breast over the right shoulder and under the left arm.

     Jesus at this anointing communicated to the Apostles something essential, something supernatural.  He told them also, that after they should have received the Holy Spirit They were to consecrate bread and wine for the first time, and anoint the other Apostles.

     All that Jesus did at the institution of the Blessed Eucharist and the anointing of the Apostles was done very secretly, and was later taught as a Mystery.  It has to this day remained essentially in the Church, though she has, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, developed it according to her needs.

     When these holy ceremonies were concluded, the chalice, near which stood the consecrated Chrism, was re-covered, and the Blessed Sacrament carried by Peter and John into the back part of the room.  This portion of the hall was cut off from the rest by a curtain that opened in the middle, and it now became the Holy of Holies.  The Blessed Sacrament was deposited back of and a little above the Paschal oven.  Afterwards Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus always took care of the Sanctuary and the Cenacle in the Apostles' absence.

     When Jesus left the Cenacle with The Eleven, His soul was already troubled and His sadness on the increase.  The Apostles were still full of the enthusiasm and devotion inspired by the reception of the Most Holy Sacrament, and the loving, solemn discourse of Jesus afterward.  They crowded eagerly around Him and expressed their love in different ways, protesting that they never could, they never would abandon Him.  They walked and paused alternately.  Jesus' sadness continued in increase.  The Apostles tried to dissipate it by human arguments, assuring Him that just the opposite of what He dreaded would take place.  But finding their efforts vain and fruitless, they grew weary, and already began to doubt and fall into temptation.

     They crossed the brook Cedron but not by the bridge over which later on Jesus was led bound, for they had taken a by-way.

     It was about nine o'clock when Jesus reached Gethsemani with the disciples.  Darkness had fallen upon the earth, but the moon was beginning to light up the sky.  Jesus was very sad.  He announced to the Apostles the approach of danger, and they became uneasy.  Jesus asked eight of them to remain in the Garden of Gethsemani, where there was a kind of summer house built of branches and foliage.  "Remain here," He said, "while I go to My own place to pray (Mark 14:32-33 & Luke 22:39-42).

     When Jesus was tried before Caiaphas and he solemnly uttered the words, "I am He," and Caiaphas rent his garments crying out, "He is guilty of death!" (Mark 14:61-65); when the hall resounded with the mocking cries and furious shouts of the rabble; when all gave free vent to its rage; when all was horror and consternation; then were Peter and John, who had suffered much from having to witness silently and passively the frightful abuse to which Jesus was subjected, no longer able to remain.  John went out with many of the crowd and some of the witnesses who were leaving the hall.  He hurried off to the Mother of Jesus, who was staying at Martha's.  But Peter could not bear go; he loved Jesus too much.  He could scarcely contain himself.  He wept bitterly, though trying to hide his tears as well as he could.  He could not remain standing any longer in the judgment hall, for his deep emotion would have betrayed him, nor could he leave without attracting notice.  So, he retired to the atrium and took a place in the corner near the fire, around which soldiers and people of all kinds were standing in groups.

     In the other court were many people, among them some of Jesus' friends, who not being able to get nearer to the scene of action, had climbed on the wall to be better able to hear.  Peter, being allowed to go out, found among them a number of disciples whose anxiety had forced them from their caves on Mount Hinnon.  Among them were Bartholomew, Nathanael, Saturnin, Judas Barsabas, Simeon (later on, Bishop of Jerusalem), Zacheus, and Manahem, the youth endowed with the gift of prophecy but born blind, to whom Jesus had restored sight.  They went straight up to Peter, and with many tears questioned him about Jesus.  But Peter was so excited and so fearful of betraying himself that he advised them in a few words to go away, as there was danger for them where they were.  Then he turned off and wandered gloomily about, while they, acting on his word, hastened to leave the city.

     Peter could not rest anywhere.  His love for Jesus drove him back into the inner court that surrounded the house.  They let him in again on account of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea.

     After the crucifixion Joseph of Arimathea asked for and received permission of Pilate to bury the body of Jesus.  All that took place in the grotto where He was laid was accomplished by torchlight for it was dark in there (Mark 15:42-45 & Luke 23:50-53).  During the burial several men lurked around in the neighborhood of the garden and of Mount Calvary.  They looked timid and sorrowful.  They were disciples who, having heard accounts of what was going on, had ventured forth from their caves to gather what news they could.  They then returned to hidden places.

     Bartholomew with the other Apostles experienced the Resurrection, the forty days communion with the risen Christ and the Ascension.  They formed the Christian Community.  After Peter, John and the lame man had been arrested (Acts 4:1-4), and after the seven deacons had been appointed (Acts 6:2-6), Jesus' followers began leaving Jerusalem.  Andrew and Zacheus went to the region of Galaad.  Philip and  Bartholomew went to Gessure on the borders of Syria.  Not far from the city of Gessure was Bartholomew's birthplace.  He had descended from a king of that city.  The four disciples were together when they crossed the Jordan near Jerico.  They then proceeded northward.  They did not remain together, but worked separately in different parts of the country.

     Three years after the Crucifixion all the Apostles met in Jerusalem, after which Peter and John left the city and Mary accompanied John to Ephesus.

     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.  Before His ascension Jesus had made known to His most holy Mother what she should say at the end of her earthly career to the Apostles and some of the disciples who would be with her.  He also told her that she should bless them; that her blessing would contribute very much to their welfare and eternal salvation.  He entrusted to her also certain spiritual labors for the general good, which being accomplished, her longing after heaven was to be realized.

     At the prayer of the Blessed Virgin, angels delivered to the Apostles her message, that they should return to her at Ephesus, that her earthly life was coming to a close.  They hurried back to bid her farewell.  Bartholomew was in Asia east of the Red Sea when he received her call.  He had already converted a king and all his royal family.

     On entering the house, the Apostles 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.  With deep emotion they drew near Mary's couch to greet her, though she could now say only a few words.  The travelers took no refreshment 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.

     When the Apostles went all together into Mary's little sleeping chamber in order to take leave of her, they wore their long white albs and broad mantles.  The screens that separated the front of the house from the back had been removed.  The disciples and holy women remained standing in the front apartment.  Mary sat upright, while the Apostles knelt in turn at the side of her couch.  She prayed over each one and blessed him with her hands laid upon him crosswise.  Afterward she did the same to the disciples and to the women.  Mary then addressed them in a body, and did all that Jesus had in Bethania directed her to do.

     Peter bore the Blessed Sacrament to Mary in the cross hanging on his breast, and John carried the chalice containing the Most Sacred Blood on a shallow dish.  Peter first gave the Blessed Virgin the last anointing, like that Sacrament is administered at the present day.  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 so upright a posture.

     After Communion, Mary spoke no more.  Her countenance, blooming and smiling as in youth, gazed heavenward.  A path of light arose from Mary to the heavenly Jerusalem.

     Mary's blessed body was prepared for burial by the women.  When it was time to bear the coffin to the grotto, one half hour distant, Peter and John raised it from the litter and carried it in their hands to the door of the house, outside of which it was again laid on the litter which Peter and John then raised upon their shoulders.  Six of the Apostles thus carried it in turn.  The coffin hung between the bearers as in a cradle, for the poles of the litter were run through leather straps, or matting.  The Apostles walked before the coffin praying, and after it came the women.  Lamps or lanterns on poles were carried in procession.

     The next day when the Apostles were engaged in choir service, Thomas made his appearance with two companions.  Thomas was greatly grieved when he heard that the Blessed Virgin was already buried.  He could not forgive himself for coming so late.

     The Apostles, who had not interrupted their choir chanting on account of his coming, now gathered around him, raised him up, embraced him, and set before him and his companions bread, honey, and some kind of beverage in little jugs.  After that they accompanied him with lights to the tomb.  Two disciples bent the shrubbery to one side.  Thomas, Eleasar, and John went in and prayed before the coffin.  Then John Loosened the three straps that bound it, for the grotto rose high enough above the trough-like couch to permit coffin to be opened.  They stood its lid on one side and, to their intense astonishment, beheld only the empty winding sheets lying like a husk, or shell, and in perfect order.  Only over the face had it been drawn apart, and over the breast slightly opened.  The swathing bands of the arms and hands lay separate, as if gently drawn off, but in perfect order.  The Apostles gazed in amazement, their hands raised.  John cried out, "She is no longer here!"  The others came in quickly, wept, prayed, looking upward with raised arms, and finally cast themselves on the ground, remembering the radiant cloud of the preceding night.  Then rising, they took the winding sheet just as it was and returned to the house by the Holy Way of Mary's Stations of the Cross, praying and singing Psalms.

     The Apostles and disciples stood together in circles and related where they had delivered the Gospel, and telling about their experiences.

     Before the Apostles left Mary's house to journey again into distant parts, they rendered the grotto of the tomb wholly inaccessible by raising an embankment of earth before the entrance.  The little garden in front of the tomb, and especially the whole of Mary's Way of the Cross, was beautified by them.  While engaged in this task of love, they prayed continually, and chanted Psalms.  The apartment of the house in which Mary had her oratory and sleeping alcove, was converted into a little church.  Peter appointed two of the disciples to care for the chapel for the benefit of the Faithful dwelling in that section of the country.  Mary's maid continued living in the front part of the house.

     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 Mary's Assumption the Apostles did not again meet in a body.  Bartholomew continued as a missionary of the Gospel in Armenia and other parts of Asia.  After being flayed alive and skinned, his spirit rose to meet his Lord in the Heavenly Kingdom of God.