PHILIP, APOSTLE

                        

                         PHILIP - APOSTLE

                                by

                         Harriet Shikoski

To my Readers:

     Many details included in this story of Philip, an Apostle of Jesus, originated in the visions of Van. 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 revelations 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 in an effort to prove the truth of the events described here, but to help you compare the two sources.

     Though the total accuracy may be questioned, I still believe that the following story of Philip captures his true character and helps us to understand Philip who followed Jesus as His Apostle and was crucified for that faith.

                         PHILIP, APOSTLE

     The Apostle Philip resided in Bethsaida and was well acquainted with Peter, Andrew, and other fishermen. (John 1:43-44)  He was a cousin of the wife of the Apostle Peter; Peter's father-in-law was Philip's uncle.  Philip was educated but he was not a well-learned man, though he spent much time in writing.  The name "Philip" is Greek meaning "lover of horses."

     At Bethsaida, Jesus taught very forcibly in the synagogue on the Sabbath.  There were many people in the synagogue, Philip being one of them.  Jesus told His hearers that they should now enter into themselves, repair to the baptism of John, and purify themselves by penance; otherwise a time would come when they would cry woe! woe!  John was the preparer, who washed from the people their rawness, their coarseness.  He had come to prepare the people that they might be open to receive the coming Messiah.

     In Capharnaum Jesus taught in the school.  The place consisted of only a few houses and a school.  Of the future Apostles, Peter, Andrew, James Alpheus and Philip, all disciples of John, came to hear Jesus.  Jesus did not tarry long here.  He took no meal, only taught.  The future Apostles had, probably, celebrated the Sabbath in the neighborhood, for the Jews often visited other places on the Sabbath.  Being informed of Jesus' presence, they had come to hear Him.  Without exchanging words with Him they went again to the Sea of Galilee.  He had not yet spoken to any one of them in particular.

    
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 answered with great boldness and energy, announced to them the coming of the Messiah and charging them with impenitence and hypocrisy.  Not long afterwards many were sent from Nazareth, Jerusalem, and Hebron by the Elders and Pharisees to question John upon his mission.  They complained about his having taken possession of the place he had chosen for baptism.

     In Salem for about two weeks John the Baptist had been attracting much public attention by his teaching and baptizing.  Salem was a beautiful city but it had been ruined during the war at the time when the first Temple had been destroyed.  Herod, having heard much about him, sent some messengers to John.  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.  He 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 to me himself."

     Herod travelled 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 if from a canopied throne.  He invited John to meet him in a that city.  John, not wanting Herod to desecrate the baptismal place, went to a man's hut outside the city, and Herod came there alone to meet him.  Herod asked John why he dwelt in so miserable an abode at Ainon, adding that he, Herod, would have a house built for him there.  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 all the while with his face turned away from Herod.

     John left Herod and returned to his baptism place at Ainon.  Simon, James, and Thaddeus, the sons of Mary Cleophas by her deceased husband Alpheus, and Joseph Barsabas, her son by her second marriage with Sabas, were baptized by John at Ainon.  At the same time Andrew and Philip also were baptized by him, after which they returned to their occupations.  Peter had been baptized previously.

     A three days festival was to be celebrated at the stone of the Ark of the Covenant, where John's teaching tent had been erected.  It was to commemorate the passage of the Israelites through the Jordan River when they had entered the Promised Land. (Josh 3:17)  John's disciples adorned the place with branches of trees, garlands, and flowers.  Peter, Andrew, Philip, James Alpheus, Simon, Thaddeus, and many of the subsequent disciples of Jesus were there helping.  This spot was always regarded as sacred by devout Jews, but by John's time it had become rather dilapidated.  John had it repaired.

     John delivered to his disciples at the Jordan a discourse upon the nearness of the Messiah's baptism.  He told them that the waters of the Jordan would divide and from their midst an island would arise.  This happened at the same spot over which the children of Israel crossed the Jordan with the Ark of the Covenant on their way into the Promised Land after being freed from slavery in Egypt. (Josh 3:1-17)  Also at this spot Elijah and Elisha had divided the waters with Elijah's mantle. (2 Kings 2:8-14)

     The new island, the spot upon which the Ark rested in the river at the time of the passage through the Jordan, appeared to be rocky.  It was to become the place of Jesus' baptism.

     When the tribes of Israel first entered the Promised Land, the Ark of the Covenant had been borne by the Levites far into the river bed to this spot, upon which were four square, blood-red stones arranged in order.  On either side lay two rows of triangular stones six in number.  They were smooth as if cut with a chisel.  Besides these there were twelve others on each side.  The twelve Levites set the Ark of the Covenant down on the four central stones and stepped, six to the right, six to the left, on the twelve lying near.  These stones, too, were triangular, very large and massive, and were differently variegated.  Joshua had commanded twelve men from the twelve Tribes to be chosen to bear these stones on their shoulders to the shore, and then to a place at some distance away where they were deposited in a double row for a memorial.  The names of the Twelve Tribes and of those who bore them were engraved on the stones.  Those upon which the Levites stood were still larger than the others and, before the Israelites left the bed of the river after crossing, these stones were turned so that their points stood upward.  The stones borne to the shore were no longer to be seen in John's time.

     The twelve triangular stones upon which the Levites had stood, extended to both sides of Jesus' baptismal well, their sharp ends rising out of the ground.  In the well itself lay those four red stones upon which the Ark had rested.  They were now below the surface of the water though in earlier times, when the waters of the Jordan were low, their points were distinctly visible.

     Near the shore of the island was a deep hole in which welled up clear water.  Some steps led down to it.  Nearby, rising above the surface of the water lay a smooth red stone of triangular shape upon which Jesus was to stand, and to the right of it was a slender fruit-bearing palm tree which He was to clasp with one arm during His baptism.

     Close to the edge of the well was a three-cornered pyramidal stone resting on the sharp end.  It was on this that Jesus was standing at His baptism when the Holy Spirit came upon Him.  On His right and close to the edge of the well, arose the slender palm tree which He clasped during the baptism; on His left stood the Baptist.  This triangular stone upon which Christ stood was not one of the twelve that surrounded the inside of the well.  There was a mystery connected with it.

     Before the stone on the bank of the Jordan upon which the Ark of the Covenant had rested, stood a small altar.  In the center of the surface was a cavity covered by a grating, and below it a hole for ashes.  John, as well as some of his disciples, was in priestly robes.  (John, the son of Zacharias, belonged to the priestly Tribe of Levi. Luke 1:5)  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 engraved 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 long linen scarf, a white and yellow stole fringed at the ends.  His robe 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.

     The priestly garments and ornaments of the Baptist had all been prepared at this place of baptism.  In those days there dwelt 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.

     From Maspha to Galilee the news had spread that John was to hold this great meeting for instruction, consequently multitudes of men were present.  Almost all of the Essenians had come.

     Also present at the festival were many disciples in white garments and broad girdles such as the Apostles used to wear in the early assemblies for divine worship.  They 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.

     Most of the people coming were clothed in long, white garments.  Married couples arrived, the wives sitting between baskets of doves on asses which the husbands led.  The men offered bread; the women doves.  During the ceremony John stood behind a grating and received the loaves which were laid on a grated table.  He removed the flour clinging to them.  They were then piled up in pyramids on dishes, blessed by John who raised them up on high as if for an offering.  The bread was afterward cut in pieces and distributed among the people.  Those who came the farthest receiving the largest portions, since they had the most need of it.  The flour scraped from the loaves and the crumbs of the cutting fell through the grated table onto a tray and were burned on the altar.  The doves brought by the women were divided also.  The ceremony occupied almost half a day.  The whole festival lasted during the Sabbath, three days in all.  At its conclusion John was busy again in the place of baptism.

     John gave a long and vehement discourse here.  Tiers of seats were erected within the walls of the inclosure, and on them was a huge crowd of listeners.  John spoke of the Savior, Who had sent him, and Whom he had never seen in the flesh. (John 1:30-31)  He also spoke of the passage of the Israelites through the Jordan.  Incense and fragrant spices were again offered in the tent.  The ceremonies performed by John at this time reminiscent of the opening of a new church.

     John wore a long, white garment whenever he baptized.  He performed no manual labor, with the exception of completing the place for Jesus' baptism, all of which he prepared with his own hands, with the disciples carrying the materials to him.

     A crowd more numerous than usual was assembled.  To them John, with great animation, preached of the nearness of the Messiah, and of penance, proclaiming at the same time that the moment was approaching for him to retire from his office of teacher.  Jesus was standing in the throng of listeners.  John felt His presence.  He also physically saw Him, and that fired him with zeal and filled his heart with joy, but he did not on that account interrupt his discourse, and when he had finished he began to baptize.

     He had already baptized very many and it was nearing ten o'clock, when Jesus in His turn came down among the aspirants to the pool of baptism.  John bowed low before Him, saying, "I ought to be baptized by You, and You come to me?"  Jesus answered, "Suffer it to be so for now, for so it becomes us to fulfil all justice that you baptize Me and I by you be baptized."  He also said, "You shall receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and of blood." Then John begged Him to follow him to the island.  Jesus said that He would do so, provided that some of the water with which all were baptized should be poured into the basin, that all present should be baptized at the same place with Himself, and that the tree by which He was to support Himself should be transplanted to the ordinary place of baptism, that all might share in the same conveniences.

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

     John's words when baptizing Jesus were something like the following, "May Jehovah through the ministry of His cherubim and seraphim, pour out His blessing over You with wisdom, understanding, and strength!"  They were expressive of three gifts, for the mind, the soul, and the body respectively.  In them was contained all that was needed to convert every creature, renewed in mind, in soul, and in body, to the Lord. (Matt 3-11 & Acts 19:2-6)

     This part of the ceremony over, they were just about mounting the steps when the Voice of God came over Jesus who was still standing alone and in prayer upon the stone.  There came from heaven a great, rushing wind like thunder.  All trembled and looked up.  A cloud of white light, a winged figure of light, descended over Jesus as if flowing over Him like a stream.  The heavens opened.  An apparition of the Heavenly Father in the figure of an aged Prophet appeared and, in a voice of thunder was heard the words, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." (Mat 3:13-17 & Mark 1:9-11 & John 1:29-34)

     Jesus was perfectly transparent, entirely penetrated by light, one could hardly look at Him.

     The place upon which the Ark of the Covenant rested in the Jordan, was the exact spot where later on Jesus was baptized.

     During Jesus' forty days fast, (Mat 4:1-2) rumors about Him were numerous.  The wonders at the time of His baptism, the testimony given by John, and the accounts of His scattered disciples were everywhere talked about.  They said that He went wandering about, no one knew where, that He neglected His mother, that after the death of His father it was His duty to undertake some business for His mother's support, etc.

     At break of day Jesus went over the Jordan at that same narrow place which He had crossed forty days before.  Some logs lay there to facilitate a passage.  This was not the usual crossing place, the terminus of public road, but a neighboring one.  Jesus proceeded along the east bank of the river up to the point directly opposite John's place of baptism.  John at the that moment was busy teaching and baptizing.  Pointing straight across the river he exclaimed, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world."  Jesus then turned away from the shore and returned to Bethabara.

     Andrew and Saturnin, who had been standing near John, hurried over the river by the same way that Jesus had passed.  They were followed by one of the cousins of Joseph of Arimathea, and two others of John's disciples.  They ran after Jesus who came turning to meet them, asking what they wanted.  Andrew, overjoyed at having found Him once more, asked Him where He stayed.  Jesus answered by bidding them to follow Him, and He led them to an inn near the water and outside of Bethabara.  There they entered and sat down.  Jesus stayed all this day with the five disciples in Bethabara, and took a meal with them. (John 1:35-40)

     Jesus talked of His teaching mission about to begin and of His intention to choose His disciples.  Andrew mentioned to Him many of his own acquaintances whom he recommended as suitable for the work, among others Peter, Philip and Nathanael.  Then Jesus spoke of baptizing here at the Jordan, and commissioned some of them to do so.  Whereupon they objected that there was no convenient place around those parts.  The only suitable locality was where John was baptizing, and it would never do to interfere with him.  But Jesus spoke of John's vocation and mission, remarking that his work was very near its completion, and confirming all that John had said of himself and of the Messiah.

     Jesus alluded also to His own preparation in the desert for the mission of teaching that was before Him, and of the preparation necessary before undertaking any important work.  Jesus was cordial and confidential toward the disciples, but they were humble and somewhat shy.

     Jesus came to Bethsaida where He taught very forcibly in the synagogue on the Sabbath.  There were many people present.  Philip, Peter, Andrew and James Alpheus, having been informed of Jesus' presence, came to listen to Him.  These four were all disciples of John the Baptist, having heard the fiery exhortations of John and receiving his baptism.  Jesus had not yet spoken to any of them in any special way or received them as disciples.

     Jesus with Andrew reached the neighborhood of Tarichaea.  He put up at a house belonging to Peter's fishery near the Sea of Galilee.  Andrew had previously given orders for preparations to be made for Jesus' reception.  Jesus passed several days in Tarichaea because 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 desired also that by more frequent intercourse, they should better understand one another.

     While Jesus roamed around Tarichaea, Andrew remained in the house.  He was busy writing letters with a reed upon strips of parchment.  The writings could be rolled into a little hollow, wooden cylinder and unrolled at pleasure.  Some men and youths seeking employment frequently entered the house.  Andrew engaged them as couriers to carry his letters to Philip and Jonathan, also to Peter and some others at Gennabris.  These letters notified the recipients that Jesus would go to Capharnaum for the Sabbath and encouraged them to meet Him there.

    

     Jesus set out from Tarichaea to go to Capharnaum.  He and His companions went in separate groups.  Andrew walked with his half brother Jonathan and Philip, both of whom had come in answer to his 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 sign, a word to join His followers.

    

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

     When on the Sabbath Jesus taught in the synagogue, 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 uplifting in its eloquence. (Mark 1:21-22)  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.

     After the close of the Sabbath, Jesus went with His disciples into a little vale near the synagogue.  It seemed intended for a promenade or a place of seclusion.  There were trees in front of the entrance, as well as in the vale.  The sons of Mary Cleophas and of 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 which words Philip went on joyously with the others.  There were about twelve in the little band. (John 1:43-44)

     Jesus taught here under a tree.  His subject being "Vocation and Correspondence."  Andrew, who was full of zeal for his Master's interests, rejoiced at the happy impression made upon the disciples by the Jesus' teaching on the preceding Sabbath.  He saw that they were convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, and his own heart was so full that he lost no opportunity to recount to them again and again all that he had seen at Jesus' baptism, and also the miracles that He had wrought. (John 1:40-41)

     Jesus called to Heaven to witness that they should behold still greater things, and He spoke of His mission from His Heavenly Father.

     He alluded also to their own vocation, telling them to hold themselves in readiness.  They would, He continued, have to forsake all when He called them.  He would provide for them, they should suffer no want.  They might still continue their customary occupations, because, as the Passover was now approaching, He would have to discharge other affairs.  But when He would call them, they should follow Him immediately.  The disciples questioned Him unrestrainedly as to how they should manage with regard to their families.  Peter, for instance, said that just at present he could not leave his old father-in-law, who was also Philip's uncle.  But Jesus relieved his anxiety by His answer, that He would not begin before the Paschal feast; that only in so far as the heart was concerned, should they detach themselves from their occupations; that exteriorly they should continue their activities until He called them.  In the meantime however they should take the necessary steps toward freeing themselves from their different avocations.

     Very early the next morning, Jesus with His relatives and disciples started for Cana.  Mary and the other women went by themselves taking the more direct and shorter route.  It was only a narrow foot path running for the most part over a mountain.  The women chose it as being more private.  Besides it was wide enough for them, as they usually walked single file.  A guide went on ahead, and a servant followed at some distance.  Jesus and His companions took a more circuitous route through Gennabris.  The road was broader and better suited to conversation.  Jesus taught along the way.  He often halted, gave utterance to some truth, and then explained it.  This road was more to the south than that which Mary took.  It was almost six hours by it from Capharnaum to Gennabris, at which place it turned southward, and three hours more took the traveller to Cana.

     Gennabris was a beautiful city.  It had a school and a synagogue.  There was also a school of rhetoric, and the trade carried on was extensive.  Nathanael Chased had his office outside the city in a high house that stood by itself, though there were others at some distance around it.  In spite of the invitation received from the disciples, he did not go into the city to meet Jesus.

     Jesus taught in the synagogue and, with some of the disciples, took a luncheon at the house of a rich Pharisee.  The rest of the disciples had already continued their journey to Cana.  Jesus had commissioned Philip to go to Nathanael and bring him to meet Him on the way.

     Philip went to Nathanael's office in which he found several clerks, Nathanael being in a room upstairs.  Philip had never before spoken about Jesus to Nathanael, since Nathanael had not accompanied his friends to Gennabris.  They were, however, well acquainted with each other.  Philip full of joy was enthusiastic when speaking of Jesus.  "He is," he said, "the Messiah of whom the Prophets have spoken.  We have now found Him, Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of Joseph." (John 1:45)

     Nathanael was of a bright, lively disposition, energetic and self reliant, consequently frank and sincere.  In reply to Philip's remarks, Nathanael said, "Can anything very good come from Nazareth?"  He knew the reputation of the Nazareans, that they were of a contrary spirit and were not distinguished for the wisdom of their schools.  He thought that a man who had been educated there might indeed shine in the eyes of his credulous and simple minded friends, but that no one from Nazareth could ever satisfy his own pretentious claims to learning.  But Philip bade him come and see for himself, for Jesus would soon pass that way to Cana.

     Accordingly Nathanael accompanied Philip down by the short road to that house which stood a little off the highway to Cana.  Jesus with some of His disciples was standing where the road branched off into the highway.  Philip, since Jesus' injunction to follow Him, had been as joyous and unrestrained as before he had been timid.  Addressing Jesus in a loud voice as they approached he said, "Rabbi!  I bring you here one who has asked, "What good can come from Nazareth?"  But Jesus turning to the disciples who were standing around Him, said as Nathanael came forward, "Behold! a true Israelite, in whom there is no guile!"  Jesus uttered the words in a kind, affectionate manner.  Nathanael responded, "How do You know me?" meaning to say, How do you know that I am true and without guile, since we have never before spoken to each other?  Jesus answered "Before Philip called you, I saw you when you were standing under the fig tree."  With these words Jesus gave a significant look at Nathanael intending to recall something to him.

     This glance of Jesus instantly awoke in Nathanael the remembrance of a certain passer-by whose warning look had given him a wonderful strength at a moment in which he was struggling with temptation.  He had indeed been standing at the time under a fig tree on the pleasure grounds around the warm baths, gazing upon some beautiful women who, on the other side of the meadow, were playing for fruit.  The powerful impression produced by that glance and the victory which Jesus had then enabled him to gain over his temptation, were fixed in his memory.

     Now that Jesus reminded him of it and repeated the significant glance, Nathanael became greatly agitated and impressed.  He felt that Jesus in passing had read his thoughts, and had been to him a guardian angel.  Nathanael was so pure of heart that just a thought contrary to that holy virtue had power to trouble his soul.  He recognized therefore in Jesus his Savior and Deliverer.  This knowledge of his thoughts was enough for his upright, impetuous, and grateful heart, enough to make him, on the instant, joyfully acknowledge Jesus before all the disciples.

     Humbling himself before Him as He uttered those significant words, Nathanael exclaimed, "Rabbi!  You are the Son of God!  You are Israel's King!"  Jesus responded, "You believe now because I have said that I saw you under the fig tree.  Verily, you shall greater wonders see!" and then turning to all He said, "Verily! you shall see the heavens open and the angels of God ascending and descending over the Son of Man!" (John 1:45-51)

     The other disciples however did not understand the real import of Jesus' words concerning the fig tree, nor did they know why Nathanael Chased had so quickly declared for Jesus.  It was like a matter of conscience hidden from all except John, to whom Nathanael himself entrusted it later at the marriage feast of Cana.  Nathanael asked Jesus whether he should at once leave all things and follow Him.  He had a brother, to whom he could make over his employment.  Jesus answered him as He had the others on the preceding evening, and invited him to Cana for the marriage feast.

     That evening several of the men and women began their preparations to go to Bethoron, where Jesus was to preach next day.  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 past midnight.  They cut through the desert on their way.

     When about two hours distant 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, their half brother Jonathan, James Zebedee, John, James Alpheus, and Jude Thaddeus (who was with them now for the first time), Philip, Nathanael Chased, the bridegroom of Cana, and several others.

     Jesus rested with them under a tree in the desert for a long time, and gave them an instruction.  He spoke again on the parable of the lord of the vineyard who had sent his son to the vine dressers. (Matt 21:33-41)  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.

     On the way there the Lord had been conversing with them about the harvest, a subject which He now continued.  He said, "There is a proverb often on the lips "yet four months and the harvest cometh."  Sluggards are ever desirous of putting off their work, but they should look around and see all the fields standing white for the harvest."  Jesus meant the Samaritans and others who were ripe for conversion. "You, My disciples, are called to the harvest, though you have not sown.  Others have sown, namely, the Prophets and John and I Myself.  He that reaps receives wages and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that both He that sows and he that reaps may rejoice together.  For in this is the saying true, that it is one man that sows and it is another that reaps.  I have sent you to reap that for which you did not labor.  Others have labored and you have benefited from their labors."  In this way Jesus spoke to the disciples in order to encourage them to the work.  They rested only a short time and then separated, Philip, Andrew, Saturnin, and John remaining with Jesus, while the others went on to Galilee passing between Thebez and Samaria. (John 4:35-38)

     Jesus, leaving Sichar to the right, journeyed about an hour southward to a field around which were scattered twenty shepherd huts and tents.  In one of the larger huts, the Blessed Virgin, Mary Cleophas and two of the widows were awaiting Him.  They had been there the whole day, having brought with them food and little flasks of balsam.  They now prepared a meal.  On meeting His Mother, Jesus extended both hands to her, while she inclined her head to Him.  The women saluted Him by bowing their head and crossing their hands on their breast.  There was a tree in front of the house, and under it they took a meal.

     The Blessed Virgin begged Jesus to cure a lame boy whom some neighboring shepherds had brought there.  Before doing so they had implored Mary's intercession.  Such things happened very often, and it was quite affecting to see her asking Jesus for these favors.  Jesus commanded that the boy be brought, and the parents bore him on a little litter to the door of the house in which Jesus was.  The child was about nine years old.  Jesus addressed some words of exhortation to the parents and, as they fell back, somewhat timidly awaiting the result, the disciples gathered around Jesus.  He spoke to the boy, leaned a little over him, then took him by the hand and raised him up.  The boy jumped out of the litter, took a few steps, and then ran into the arms of his parents, who cast themselves at Jesus' feet.  The crowd uttered cries of joy, but Jesus reminded them to thank the Heavenly Father.  He then addressed a short instruction to the assembled shepherds.  Then with His disciples He took a light meal which the women had prepared in an arbor under the great tree in front of the house.  Mary and the women sat apart at the end of the table.

     Jesus landed above Bethsaida not far from the house of the lepers, where Philip, Peter, Andrew, John, James Zebedee, and James Alpheus were awaiting His coming.  He did not go with them through Bethsaida, but took the shorter route over the height to Peter's dwelling in the valley between that city and Capharnaum, where Mary and the other women were assembled.  They washed the Master's feet and then sat down to a meal during which the conversation turned principally upon the fact that, from the several most famous schools in Judea and Jerusalem, fifteen Pharisees had been sent to Capharnaum to spy Jesus' actions.  From the larger places, two had been sent; from Sephoris only one; and from Nazareth, came that young man who had several times begged of Jesus to be admitted to His disciples, and whom Jesus had again rejected at His last visit to His native city.  This man had married lately, and was now appointed scribe of the commission.  Jesus said to the disciples, "Behold, for whom you interceded!  He desired to become My disciple, and yet he is now come to lay snares for Me!"  This young man wanted to join Jesus through a motive of vanity and, not being allowed to do so, he took part with Jesus' enemies.

     The Pharisees forming the commission were empowered to remain for some time in Capharnaum.  Of those that came in pairs, one returned home to report, the second remained to spy Jesus' conduct and teachings.  They had already held a meeting before which the Centurion Zorobabel, the son, and the father had to appear and answer interrogatories respecting the boy's cure and Jesus' doctrine.  (This boy had been healed by Jesus)  The Pharisees could neither deny the cure nor challenge the doctrine, nevertheless they could not reconcile themselves to what had happened.

     They were angry because Jesus had not studied under them; they found fault with His frequenting the company of common people, such as the Essenians, fishermen, publicans, and sinners; they were indignant at His presuming to teach without a mission from Jerusalem, from the Sanhedrin; they were offended at His not having recourse to themselves for counsel and instruction; and they could not endure that He was neither Pharisee nor Sadducee, that He taught among the Samaritans, and cured on the Sabbath day.  They were, in short, furious at the thought that to render Him justice would be to denounce and condemn themselves.  The young man from Nazareth was a violent enemy of the Samaritans, whom he persecuted in many ways. (John 15:25)

     Attended by the Levites, Jesus went from Abila to Gadara and reached the small Jewish quarter of the city in the evening.  It was separate from the larger pagan quarter which had as many as four idolatrous temples.  An idol of Baal stood under a large tree.  Jesus was well received here.  There were Pharisees and Sadducees among the inhabitants, also a Sanhedrin for the country around, although the male Jews of the place numbered only from three to four hundred.  Jesus found some Galilean disciples awaiting Him in Gadara.  They were Philip, Nathanael Chased, and Jonathan.  Jesus put up at the inn outside the Jewish quarter, where already a great number of arbors had been erected for the Feast of Tabernacles.

     Next morning when Jesus went to the synagogue to preach He was met by a great crowd of sick who had assembled outside to wait for Him, and also by several raging possessed.  The Pharisees and Sadducees, though apparently well-disposed, wanted to drive these people away.  They said those people should not be so troublesome and insistent, it was not the time or place for that.  But Jesus very graciously intervened "Let them remain," He said, "for it was for them that I came," and He cured many of them.

     Jesus was very joyfully received by the citizens of Meroz.  They knew of His approach and went out to meet Him carrying sandals and garments for His 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 came to salute Him.  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 designated the inhabitants themselves.  Born of the maid servant (Gen 16:2-4), they had received one talent only which they should have put out at interest, but instead of that they had buried it.  The Master was coming and they should hasten to gain something.  Jesus rebuked them also for their little love for their neighbor and their hatred of the Samaritans. (Judg 5:23)

     The Pharisees were not well pleased with Jesus, but the people, who were very greatly oppressed by them, welcomed Him all the more.  They 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 for their use on some ground that he happened to own in these parts.  Philip, Bartholomew, Simon Zelotes, and Jude Thaddeus came here to see Jesus, by whom they were cordially received.  They had already spoken with the disciples.  They dined with Jesus and remained over night.  Jesus had called all these men to follow Him when, on His last visit to Capharnaum at Peter's fishery on the lake, He had spoken of their soon being summoned to do so.

     The Pharisees 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 in this way, they said, the children of the Prophets and the 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!" and He told the disciples that they should learn to practice it, instead of covering up its abuse by means of exterior practices. (Matt 22:37-40 & Mark 12:28-31)

     Jesus spoke somewhat figuratively, consequently Philip and Thaddeus 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.  Along the way He met a great number of sick awaiting His coming.  They were of all kinds, lying 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 to them at the same time words of consolation and exhortation to a change of life.

     Among the directions given to the Apostles, Jesus had indicated to them the place and time at which they should again join Him, in order to bring Him news and exchange places with the disciples that remained with Him.  Six of the disciples continued with Him; Philip, Peter, James Alpheus, John, Thomas and Judas, besides twelve of the disciples, among whom were the three brothers, James, Sadoch, and Heliachim (Mary Heli's sons); Manahem, Nathanael (also called Little Cleophas), and several others.  The other six Apostles had with them eighteen disciples among whom were Joses Barsabas, Judas Barsabas, Saturnin, and Nathanael Chased.  Nathanael, the bridegroom of Cana, did not travel around.  He attended to other affairs for the Community, and, like Lazarus, rendered service in his own immediate circle and area.  All shed tears on separating.

     When Jesus came down the mountain, He was again surrounded by a crowd returning home from Capharnaum.  From the foot of the mountain Jesus started with the disciples southward from Saphet, which was situated on another high mountain, to a place called Hucuca.  Before reaching this place, He was met by many people who received Him and the disciples with expressions of great joy.

     The instructions over, the multitude dispersed the next day at the place on which this sermon on the mount had been delivered.  Jesus with the Apostles and disciples then retired higher up the mountain to a shady, solitary spot.  Besides The Twelve there were with Jesus seventy-two disciples.  Among these seventy-two were some that had not yet been formally received as disciples and others that had never been on a mission.  The sons of Joseph's brother were there.  Also among them were the two soldiers from Machaerus who had been prison guards of John the Baptist.  When Herod had ordered that John's head be delivered to Salome, they had fled their post and began to follow Jesus.

     Jesus then instructed the disciples upon the work in store for them.  He told them that they should take with them neither purse nor money nor bread, but only a staff and a pair of sandals, that wherever they were ungraciously received, they should shake the dust from their shoes.  He gave them some general directions for their coming duties as Apostles and disciples, called them the salt of the earth, and spoke of the light that must not be placed under a bushel, and of the city seated upon a mountain. (Mat 5:1-15)  Still He did not inform them of the full measure of persecution awaiting them.

     The main point, however, of this instruction was Jesus' drawing a definitive line between the Apostles and the disciples, the former of whom were set over the latter.  To the Apostles He said that they should send and call back the disciples just as He Himself sent and called them, namely, the Apostles.  This they were empowered to do by virtue of their own mission.  Among the disciples Jesus likewise formed several classes, setting the eldest and best instructed over the younger and more recently received.  He arranged them in the following manner, the Apostles two by two headed by Peter and John.  The elder disciples formed a circle around them, and back of these the younger ones according to the rank He had assigned them.  Then He addressed to them words of earnest and touching instruction, and imposed hands upon the Apostles as a ratification of the dignity to which He had raised them; the disciples He merely blessed.  All this was done with the greatest tranquility.  The whole scene was deeply impressive.  No one offered the least resistance or showed the least sign of discontent.  By this time it was evening, and Jesus with Andrew, John, Philip and James Alpheus plunged deeper into the mountains, and there spent the night in prayer.

     Jesus taught about the Eight Beatitudes and went as far as the sixth.  The instruction on prayer, begun at Capharnaum, He repeated and explained some of the petitions of the Our Father. (Mat 6:9-15)

     Teaching and healing went on until after four o'clock, and all this time the listening crowds had had nothing to eat.  They had now followed Jesus for some days because they had seen Him heal and cure.  The scanty provisions they had brought with them several days before were exhausted.  Many among them were quite weak and languishing for nourishment.

     The Apostles, noticing this, approached Jesus with the request that He would 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 here to eat!"  Philip answered Him, "Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread and give them to eat?"  This he said with some unwillingness, because he thought Jesus was about to lay upon them the fatigue of gathering up from the surrounding countryside 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 is 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 penny worth would not be sufficient for all this crowd."

     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 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.

     While the disciples numbered the people and seated them in fifties and hundreds as Jesus had directed, He cut the five loaves with a bone knife, and 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.

     He began to break the cross sections of bread into pieces, and these again into smaller portions.  Every portion immediately increased to the original size of the loaf, and on its surface appeared dividing lines as before.  Jesus then broke the individual pieces of fish into portions sufficiently large to satisfy a man.  Saturnin, who was at His side, laid a 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 in the fish, and the honeycomb appeared to increase.  Thaddeus laid the portions of bread, which had received the fish and honey, in the flat baskets.  They were then borne away to those in most need; those who sat in the fifties were served first.

     When all had satisfied their hunger, Jesus bade the disciples to go around with the baskets and gather up the scraps, that nothing might be lost.  They collected twelve baskets full. (John 6:5-14)

     As Jesus with the Apostles and disciples was making the journey from Capharnaum to Cana and Cydessa, He stopped in the region of Giskala and placed The Twelve in three separate rows.  He revealed to each one 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 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.  Joses Barsabas stood foremost in the row of the disciples, and nearest to The Twelve; consequently, Jesus placed him also in the second row with the Apostles, and revealed to him his hopes and fears.

     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 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 darted toward them of different colors, according to the nature of the gifts received and the peculiar disposition of each recipient.  They exclaimed, "Lord, we feel ourselves endued 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.

     Jesus went with the disciples to Ornithopolis.  This city, which was not large, contained some beautiful buildings and a pagan temple.  In this city lived a Syrophoenician.  She was a pagan, a widow and a rich woman.  Her husband had been dead five years.  She owned whole villages. She had large weaving and dying factories.  Jesus with His disciples, visited her.  They were received with great solemnity.  On the Sabbath Jesus visited every one of the Jewish families that lived here, distributed alms, cured and comforted.  Many of these Jews were poor and abandoned.

     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 pass current in Israel.  "Every one that abides by the Word of God announced by Me, that does penance and receives baptism, no longer bears the sins of his father."  The people were extraordinarily rejoiced upon hearing these words. (Jer 31:27-34 & Ezek 18:1-4)

     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, Thaddeus, and James Alpheus went with some of the disciples down to the tribe of Aser.  They were allowed to take nothing with them.  Jesus with the nine remaining Apostles, with Saturnin, Judas Barsabas, and another, went northward to Sarepta (Zarephath).  Sixteen of the Jews accompanied Jesus the whole of the way, while all the rest and many of the pagans went only a part.  He did not enter Sarepta, which was about two and a half hours distant from Ornithopolis, but stopped at a row of houses a short distance from the city.  They occupied the site of the spot upon which the widow of Sarepta was gathering sticks when Elias approached the city. (1 Kings 17:10)  Some poor Jews had settled there.  These people were still poorer than those of Ornithopolis who enjoyed the bounty of the Syrophoenician.  Here too was an inn prepared for Jesus and His followers, and presents for the poor had been sent on in advance, all through the goodness of that same lady, the Syrophoenician.  The inhabitants, unspeakably happy and deeply impressed, came out with the women and children to meet Jesus and to wash His feet, and those of His followers.

     Jesus went to the citadel, or stronghold of Regaba, where a great multitude including many from a caravan had gathered.  The citadel looked as if hewn out of a rock.  Around it stood some rows of houses and a synagogue.  Six of the Apostles again joined Jesus here.  They had been to neighboring places east of Caesarea, the others having gone to greater distances.  These six were Philip, Peter, Andrew, John, James Zebedee, and James Alpheus.  There were many Pharisees here.  The synagogue was so crowded that even the standing room was occupied.  Jesus took His text from Jeremias.  He said that now they were eager to see and to hear Him, but the time would come when they would all abandon Him, mock and maltreat Him.

     The Pharisees began a violent dispute with Jesus, again bringing forward their charge that He drove out the devil through the power of Beelzebub.  Jesus called them children of the father of lies, and told them that God no longer desired bloody  sacrifices.  He spoke of the Blood of the Lamb, of the innocent Blood that they would soon pour out, and of which the blood of animals was only a symbol.  With the Sacrifice of the Lamb, He continued, their religious rites would come to an end.  All they that believed in the Sacrifice of the Lamb would be reconciled to God, but they to whom He was addressing Himself should, as the murderers of the Lamb, be condemned.

     He warned His disciples in the presence of the Pharisees to beware of them.  This so enraged these men that Jesus and His disciples had to withdraw and hurry off into the desert.  Among the listening crowd were some men with cudgels.  Jesus had never before attacked His aggressors so boldly.  He and His disciples passed the night in the desert and then went to Corozain.

     Crowds of people flocked thither, and laid their sick along the road by which Jesus was to come.  On His way to the synagogue, He cured the dropsical, the lame, and the blind.

     In spite of the violent attacks of the Pharisees, Jesus spoke in prophetic terms of His future Passion.  He alluded to their repeated sacrifices and expiations, notwithstanding which they still remained full of sins and abomination.  Then He spoke of the goat which at the Feast of Atonement was driven from Jerusalem into the desert with the sins of the people laid upon it. (Lev 16:5-10)  He said very significantly (and yet they did not understand Him) that the time was drawing near when in the same way they would drive out an innocent Man, One that loved them, One that had done everything for them, One that truly bore their sins.  They would drive Him out, He said, and murder Him amid the clash of arms.  At these words, a great din and jeering shouts arose among the Pharisees.  Jesus left the synagogue and went out into the city.  The Pharisees came to Him and demanded an explanation of what He had just said, but He replied that they could not now understand it.

     On the way to the mount and until 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.  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 Elijah, 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 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 of the voice and tongue of all; "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!"  Jesus replied with great earnestness, His voice strong and animate; "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 to you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.  And whatsoever you shall bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven; and whatsoever you shall loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven!" (Matt 16:13-19)

     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 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 the Living God!"  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 this 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)

     In Great Corozain, Jesus taught on the Sabbath in the synagogue.  Philip, Peter, and Andrew were with Him.  Toward noon a man from Capharnaum who had been waiting for Jesus, approached Him.  His son, he said, was sick unto death, and He implored the Lord to go with him and cure him.  But Jesus commanded him to return home, for his son was already restored to health. (John 4:46-53)  There were many others gathered around Jesus, some belonging to the city, and others from a distance.  Some were sick and looking for a cure, others were in search of consolation.  He satisfied some at once, but to others He held out the promise of future assistance.

     On the evening of that Sabbath, Jesus took leave of the inhabitants outside the synagogue, and proceeded with several of the Apostles up to where the Jordan empties into the sea, in order to cross to the other side.  The ferry was higher up, but that would make the journey much longer.  Here they crossed on a kind of raft formed of beams laid one over another like a grating.  In the center, on a raised platform, was a coop, or little half-tub into which the water could not penetrate, and there the baggage of the passengers was deposited.  The raft was propelled by means of long poles.  The shore of the Jordan was not very high in this place.  There were some little islands lying around in this part of the river.

     The Lord and the three Apostles travelled by moonlight.  Outside of Bethsaida, as was customary at the entrance to the cities of Palestine, stood a long shed, under which travellers used to ungirth their garments and brush off the dust of travel before entering the city; generally some people were to be found there to wash their feet.  This was the case on the arrival of the Lord and the Apostles, after which they went to Andrew's.  Andrew was married and went on ahead of Jesus who was accompanied by Philip and Peter.  There they were served a meal of honey, rolls, and grapes.

     There were in all twelve men present at the meal, and at the end of it, six women came in to hear Jesus' teaching.  Next day, as He was leaving Bethsaida with the three Apostles, He paused for awhile in a house outside the city, in which were all kinds of goods and merchandise peculiar to fishing.  A great many men were assembled there, and Jesus gave them an instruction.  Setting out at last, He journeyed up the shore of the Jordan, crossed the bridge far above the ferry mentioned above, and proceeded through eastern Galilee to the land of Basan.

     After Jesus raised Lazarus the Pharisees were incensed and determined to stop Jesus' activities. (John 11:47-48 & John 12:9-11)  In order to let affairs cool, Jesus left on a long journey.  When He came back after His extended absence He travelled more by night, in order that the news of His return to Judea might not be the occasion of some sudden uprising among the people.  He took the route through the shepherd valleys near Jericho to Jacob's Well, where He arrived during the evening twilight.  He had now sixteen companions, since some other youths had followed Him from the vale of Mambre.

     In the neighborhood of the well was an inn where, in a locked place was stored all that was necessary to contribute to the traveller's comfort when he stopped to rest.  A man had the care of opening both the inn and the well.  The country stretching out from Jericho to Samaria was one of indescribable loveliness.  Almost the whole road was bordered by trees, the fields and meadows were green, and the brooks flowed sweetly along.  Jacob's Well was surrounded by beautiful grass plots and shade trees.  The Apostles Philip, Peter, Andrew, John, and James were waiting here for Jesus.  They wept for joy at seeing Him again, and washed His and the disciples' feet.

     Jesus was very grave.  He spoke of the approaching Passion, of the ingratitude of the Jews, and of the judgement in store for them.  It was now only three months before His Passion.  When the Apostles and the disciples alone were standing around Jesus, He touched upon many things that would take place after His return to the Father.  To Peter He said that he would have much to suffer, but he should not fear, he should stand firm at the head of the Community (the Church) which would increase wonderfully.  For three years he should, with John and James Alpheus, remain with the Faithful in Jerusalem.  Then He spoke of the youth who was to be first to shed his blood for Him, but without mentioning Stephen by name, and of the conversion of his persecutor, who would afterward do more in His service than many others.  Here too He did not give Paul's name.  Jesus' hearers could not readily comprehend His last words.

     He predicted the persecutions that would arise against Lazarus and the holy women, and told the Apostles where they should retire during the first six months after His death.  Peter, John and James Alpheus were to remain in Jerusalem; Zacheus was to go to the region of Galaad; Philip and Bartholmew to Gessur on the confines of Syria.

     Jesus arranged for His procession into Jerusalem.  He ordered the Apostles to proceed, two and two, before Him, saying that from this moment and after His death they should head the Community (Church).  Peter went first.

     Crowds came out of the city to meet the Apostles and disciples who were approaching with songs and canticles.  Many of the crowd that followed Jesus to the Temple broke off branches from the trees and strewed them in the way.  Many snatched off their mantles and spread them down, singing and shouting. (Mat 21:1-11)

     Jesus wept as did the Apostles also when He told them that many who were now shouting acclamations of joy would soon deride Him, and that a certain one would even betray Him.  He looked upon the city of Jerusalem and wept over its approaching destruction. (Mat 23:37)

     The next day as Jesus was going to Jerusalem with the Apostles, He was hungry, but His hunger was for the conversion of the Jews and the accomplishment of His own mission.  He sighed for the hour when His Passion would be over, for He knew its immensity and dreaded it in advance.  He went to a fig tree on the road, and looked up at it.  When He saw no fruit, but only leaves upon it, He cursed it that it should wither and never more bear fruit.  And thus, did He say, would it happen to those that would not acknowledge Him.  The fig tree signified the Old Law; the vine, the New. (Mark 11:12-14 & 20-21)

     On the way to the Temple, a heap of branches and garlands from yesterday's triumph lay in the outer portico of the Temple.  Many vendors had again established themselves.  Some of them had on their back cases, or boxes, which they could unfold, and which they placed on a pedestal.  The pedestals they carried along with them.  When folded, they were like walking sticks.  Lying on the tables were heaps of money, bound together in different ways by little chains, hooks, and cords.  Some were yellow; others, white, brown, and variegated.  Numbers of cages with birds stood one above another and, in one of the porticos, there were calves and other cattle.  Jesus ordered the dealers to be off and, as they hesitated to obey, He doubled up a cincture like a whip, and drove them from side to side and beyond the precincts of the Temple. (Mat 21:12 & Mark 11:15-16)

     While Jesus was teaching, some strangers of distinction from Greece despatched their servants from the inn, to ask Philip how they could converse with the Lord without mingling with the crowd.  Philip passed the word to Andrew, who in turn transmitted it to the Lord.  Jesus replied that He would meet them on the road between the city gate and the house of John Mark when He should have left the Temple to return to Bethania.

     After this interruption, Jesus continued His discourse, saying "The hour has not yet come for the Son of man to be glorified.  Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies it remains alone, but if it dies it bears much fruit.  He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world keeps it for eternal life."

     He was thinking of His own Passion in which He would die in order to give the fruit of life to all men.  He was very much troubled.  Then, with folded hands, He raised His eyes to heaven and prayed, "What shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour?'  No! for this purpose I have come to this hour.  Father glorify Your Name."  A voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again."  A flash of light descend upon Him from a resplendent cloud, and a loud report thundered.

     The people glanced up frightened, and began to whisper to one another, but Jesus went on speaking.  "This voice has come for your sake, not mine.  Now is the judgement of this world,  Now shall the rulers of this world be cast out, and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself."  This was repeated several times, after which Jesus come down from the teacher's chair, mingled with the disciples in the crowd and left the Temple. (John 12:20-33)

     When Jesus taught, the disciples threw around Him a white mantle of ceremony, which they always carried with them; and when He left the teacher's chair, they took it off so that, clothed like the others, He could more easily escape the notice of the crowd.  Around the teacher's chair were three platforms, one above the other, each enclosed by a balustrade, which was ornamented with carving and molding.  No carved images were in the Temple, although there were various kinds of ornamentation: vines, grapes, animals for sacrifice, and figures like swathed infants, such as Mary used to embroider, which were symbols of Moses.

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

     All the Paschal lambs of the Jews were immolated in the forecourt of the Temple, in one of three different places, according as their owners were rich, or poor, or strangers.  The lamb of Jesus was not slaughtered in the Temple, (Ex 12:3-11) though He observed all other points of the Law most strictly.  That lamb was only a figure.  Jesus Himself would on the next day become the true Paschal Lamb. (1 Cor 5:7)

     Jesus 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.  After that they put on the travelling dresses of ceremony, which were in the anteroom, and changed their shoes.  The dress consisted of a white tunic like a shirt, and over it a mantle, shorter in front than in the back.  The tunic was tucked up into the girdle, and the wide sleeves were turned up.  Thus equipped each set went to its own table; the two bands of disciples into the side halls, Jesus and the Apostles into the Cenacle proper.  Each took a staff in his hand, and then they walked in pairs to the table at which each stood in his place, his arms raised, and the staff resting against one.

     Jesus stood in the center of the table.  He had two small staves that the master of the feast had presented to Him.  They were somewhat crooked on top, and looked like short shepherd crooks.  On one side they had a hook, like a cut-off branch.  Jesus stuck them into His girdle crosswise on His breast and when praying supported His raised arms on the hooks.  It was a most touching sight to see Jesus leaning on these staves as He moved. It was as if He had the Cross, whose weight He would soon take upon His shoulders, now supporting Him under the arms.  Meanwhile all were chanting, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel," "Praised be the Lord," etc.  When the prayer was ended, Jesus gave one of the staves to Peter, the other to John.  They put them aside.

     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.  John, James Zebedee, and James Alpheus stood on Jesus' right; then came Bartholomew, still on the right, but more toward the narrow end of the table; and round the corner, at the inner side stood Thomas and next to him Judas Iscariot.  On Jesus' left, were Peter, Andrew, and Thaddeus; then as on the opposite side, came Simon: and round at the inner side, Matthew and Philip.

     As Jesus taught the Apostles he said, "Where I am going you cannot come.  A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all men will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another." (John 13:33-35)

     "Let not your hearts be troubled, believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself that where I am, you may be also.  And you know the way where I am going."

     Thomas said to Him, "Lord we do not know where you are going, how can we know the way?"  Jesus answered, "I am the Way, and the Truth and the Life.  No one comes to the Father but by Me.  If you had known Me you would have known My Father also; hence forth you know Him and have seen Him."

     Philip said to Him, "Lord show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied."  Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long and yet you do not know Me, Philip?  He who has seen Me has seen the Father, how can you say, 'Show us the Father?'  Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me?" (John 14:1-11)

     At this time Philip did not yet comprehend what was in store for Jesus, or the supereminence of the spiritual over the earthly.  He would later when he would come to know and understand the fullness of Jesus' teachings.

     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.  Jesus elevated this custom to the dignity of the Most Holy Sacrament, for until then it was only a typical ceremony.  One of the charges brought before Caiphas 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.

     The doors were closed, for everything was conducted with secrecy and solemnity.  When the cover of the chalice had been removed, Jesus prayed.  He then took the white linen that was hanging over the chalice, and spread it on the table.  He next took a round, flat plate, from the chalice, and place it on the linen.  Then taking the loaves from the covered plate near by, He laid them on the one before Him.  The loaves were four cornered and oblong, in length sufficient to extend beyond the edge of the plate, though narrow enough to allow the plate to be seen at the sides.

     Then He drew the chalice somewhat nearer to Himself, took from it the six little cups that it contained, which He set to the right and left around the chalice.  He next blessed the Passover loaves and also the oil that was standing near.  He elevated the plate of bread with both hands, raised His eyes toward heaven, prayed, offered, set it down on the table, and again covered it.  Then taking the chalice, He received into it wine poured by Peter and water poured by John.  The water He blessed before it was poured into the chalice.  He then added a little more water with the small spoon, blessed the chalice, raised it on high, praying and offering, and set it down again.

     After that Jesus held His hands over the plate upon which the loaves had lain, while at His bidding Peter and John poured water on them; then with the spoon that He had taken from the foot of the chalice, He scooped up some of the water that had flowed over His own hands, and poured it upon theirs.  Lastly, that same plate was passed around, and all the Apostles washed their hands in it.

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

     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, and at the same moment the Blessed Virgin received the Blessed Sacrament, although she was not present in the Cenacle.

     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 was 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 presented the Bread first to Peter, then to John, and next made a sign to Judas, who was sitting diagonally from Him, to approach.  Thus Judas was the third to whom Jesus presented the Blessed Sacrament, but the word of the Lord turned back from the mouth of the traitor.  Jesus said to Judas, "What you are about to do, do quickly."  The Lord then administered the Blessed Sacrament to the rest of the Apostles, who came up two and two, each one holding for his neighbor the little, stiff cover with an ornamental edge that had lain over the chalice.

     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 as it were transparent.  He was as if passing over into what He was giving.  He caused Peter and John to drink from the chalice while yet in His own hands, and then He set it down. (Mat 26:26-28 & Mark 14:22-24 & Luke 22:19-20)  With the 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.  Judas did not return to his place, for he immediately left the Cenacle.  The others thought that Jesus had given him some commission to execute.  He left without prayer or thanksgiving.

     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 told them likewise when they were to received 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.  Three boxes, two with a mixture of balsam and oil, also some raw cotton, stood near the chalice case.  They were so formed as to admit being placed one on the other.  Jesus taught many secret things concerning them; how to mix the ointment, what parts of the body to anoint, and upon what occasions.

     After that Jesus anointed Peter and John, on whose hands at the institution of the Blessed Sacrament, He had poured the water that had flowed over His own, and who had drunk from the chalice in His hand.

     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 very low before Him, the Lord anointed the thumb and forefinger of each of the 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.

     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.  On the day of Pentecost and before the great baptism, Peter and John imposed hands upon the other Apostles, and eight days later upon several of the disciples.

     The garden of Olives was separated by a road from that of Gethsemane and was higher up the mountain.  It was open, being surrounded by only a rampart of earth.  It was smaller than the pleasure garden of Gethsemane, a retired corner of the mountain full of grottos, terraces, and olive trees.  One side of it was kept in better order.  There were seats and benches and roomy caverns, cheerful and cool.  Whoever wished, might here find a place suited to prayer and meditation.  The spot chosen by Jesus was the wildest.

     It was about nine o'clock when Jesus reached Gethsemane with the disciples.  Darkness had fallen upon the earth, but the moon was lighting up the sky.  Jesus was very sad.  He announced to the Apostles the approach of danger, and they became uneasy.  Jesus bade eight of them to remain in the Garden of Gethsemane, 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."  He took Peter, John and James Zebedee with Him, crossed the road and went on for a few minutes, until He reached the Garden of Olives farther up the mountain. (Mat 26:36-38 & Mark 14:32-33)

     When Jesus with the three Apostles went out upon the road between Gethsemane and the Garden of Olives, there appeared at the entrance, about twenty paces ahead, Judas and the band of soldiers, between whom a quarrel had arisen.  Judas wanted to separate from the soldiers and go forward alone to Jesus, as if he were a friend returning after an absence.  They were to follow, and act in such a way as to make it appear that their coming was altogether unknown to him.  But they would not agree to his proposal.  They held him fast, exclaiming, "Not so, friend!  You shall not escape us until we have the Galilean!"

     When they caught sight of the eight Apostles, who at the sound of the noise came forth from the Garden of Gethsemane, they called up four of the archers to their assistance.  But this Judas by no means assented to, and a lively dispute arose between him and the soldiers.

     When Jesus and the three Apostles by the light of the torches saw the armed and wrangling band, Peter wished to repel them by force.  He exclaimed, "Lord The Eight from Gethsemane are close at hand.  Let us make an attack on the archers!"  But Jesus told him to hold his peace. (John 18:3-11)  Jesus took a few steps with them back on the road to a green plot.

     Judas, seeing his plans quite upset, was filled with rage and spite.  Just at this moment four of the disciples issued from the Garden of Gethsemane and inquired what was going on.  Judas began to exchange words with them, and would have tried to clear himself by a lie, but the guards would not allow him to go on.

     These four men who came from Gethsemane were Philip, James Alpheus, Thomas and Nathanael.  The last named, who was a son of the aged Simeon, had along with several others been sent by Jesus' friends to the eight Apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane to find out what was going on.  They were anxious as well as curious.  With the exception of these four, all the disciples were straggling around in the distance, furtively on the look out to discover what they could.

     On Saturday after the Crucifixion the Apostles gathered in the Cenacle.  They took some refreshments and spent some moments in tears and mourning, relating to one another all that had happened.  The men changed their garments and stood under the lamp, celebrating the Sabbath.  Then they ate lambs but without any ceremony.  It was not the Paschal lamb.  They had already eaten that the day before.  All were in trouble and sadness.

     On the first day of the week the Apostles, the holy women and many disciples gathered in the open entrance hall outside the Last Supper room.  Nicodemus prepared a repast for them.  All that took place at this feast was in strict accordance with Jesus' directions.  The Apostles had put on their festal garments.  In addition Peter and John each wore a stole crossed on his breast which was fastened with a clasp.  The other Apostles wore a stole over one shoulder and across the breast and back and fastened under the arm.  They stood around Peter and John during this ceremony.  They received the Eucharist that Jesus Himself had consecrated and reserved at the Last Supper.

     On the evening of the same day the Apostles and many of the disciples assembled with Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea in the hall of the Last Supper, the doors being closed.  They stood in a triple circle under the lamp and prayed.  All wore long white garments.  Peter preached at intervals during the prayers.

     All had arranged for prayer after Peter's instruction when Luke and Cleophas knocked at the closed doors and received admittance.  Their joyful news of Jesus' resurrection interrupted the prayers. (Luke 24:13-35)

     Scarcely had the prayers begun again when Jesus came in through the closed doors.  He showed them His hands and feet, and opening His garment, exposed the wound in His side.

     Jesus taught and imparted strength.  He explained to the Apostles several points of Holy Scripture relative to Himself and the Blessed Sacrament, ordering that It be venerated at the close of the Sabbath solemnities.  He spoke also of the Mystery contained in the Ark of the Covenant.  He said that that Mystery was now His Body and Blood which He gave to them forever in the Sacrament. (Luke 24:36-45)

     On the night before His wonderful ascension, Jesus assembled with the Apostles in the house of the Last Supper.  The disciples and the holy women were praying in the side halls.  Toward morning Matins were solemnly recited under the lamp.  Jesus again imparted to Peter jurisdiction over the others.  He gave some instructions on baptism and the blessing of water.  Before leaving the house Jesus presented the Blessed Virgin to the apostles and disciples as their Mother, their Mediatrix, and their Advocate, and she bestowed upon Peter and all the rest her blessing which they received bowing very low.  At dawn He left the house with His Eleven Apostles.

     The sun was already high when Jesus rose up and ascended in a broad pathway of light. (Luke 24:50-51 & Acts 1:9-11)

     The whole interior of the Last Supper room was ornamented with green bushes in whose branches were placed vases of flowers.  At 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 breasts.  Stillness pervaded the whole house.  A white cloud of light came down from heaven and drew near to the house.  It came nearer, floated over the city like a luminous mass until it stood above Zion and the house of the Last Supper.  It contracted, increased in brightness until at last with a rushing roaring noise as of wind it sank like a thunder cloud floating low in the atmosphere.  It was like a storm that came down from heaven, that was light instead of dark, that instead of thundering came down with a rushing wind.  It was like a warm breeze full of power to refresh and invigorate.

     The light became brighter.  There shot from the rushing cloud streams of white light down upon the house and its surroundings.  The streams intersected one another in seven-fold rays, and beneath each intersection resolved into fine threads of light and fiery drops.  The point at which the seven streams intersected was surrounded by a rainbow light in which floated a luminous figure with outstretched wings or rays of light that looked like wings, attached to the shoulders.  In that 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 everyone there flowed a stream of light like a burning tongue of fire.  It looked as if they were breathing, as if they were eagerly drinking in the fire, as if their ardent desire flamed forth from their mouth to meet the entering flame.  The sacred fire was poured forth upon the disciples also, and upon the women present in the antechamber.  The resplendent cloud gradually dissolved as if in a rain of light.  The flames descended on each in different colors and in different degrees of intensity.  A joyous courage pervaded the assembly.  All were full of emotion, as if intoxicated with joy and confidence.  The Apostles embraced one another and urged by joyous confidence exclaimed, "What were we?  What are we now?"  A new life full of joy, of confidence, of courage had been infused into all. (Acts 2:1-4)

     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.  The Apostles in that reunion brought together all that belonged to the body of the Church.

     A great persecution rose up against the Church in Jerusalem.  Stephen, the first martyr, was stoned. (Acts 6:8 & 7:54-60)  Saul laid waste to the Church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women, committing them to prison. (Acts 9:1-2)

     Many disciples fled Jerusalem and scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.  Philip went to a city in Samaria where he preached the word of Jesus.  Multitudes listened to what he had to say and saw the miracles he performed.  Through the help of the Holy Spirit, he caused unclean spirits to depart from the possessed.  They cried out in loud voices.  The lame and the paralyzed were healed.  When those who heard Philip preach about the Good News of the Kingdom of God, with great joy they believed and were baptized. (Acts 8:4-8)  When the Apostles at Jerusalem heard that the Samaritans had accepted the word of God, Peter and John came to Samaria and confirmed them with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:14-17)

     After Philip had preached the Gospel in many cities of Samaria, he heard an angelic voice telling him to take the caravan road that went south of Jerusalem toward Egypt.  At that time a eunuch, who was the finance minister of Queen Candace of Ethiopia and in charge of all her wealth, was returning home after a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.  He was riding in an open carriage and reading from the 53rd chapter of Isaiah.  The spirit told Philip to run and catch up with the eunuch's carriage.  As he did, Philip heard the eunuch reading and asked him if he understood what he was reading.  Admitting that he did not, he asked Philip to come in and sit with him to explain the meaning of the scripture passage.

     The eunuch asked Philip who the prophet was writing about, himself or some one else.  Philip began to explain the scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.  So enthusiastic was Philip that the minister wanted to be baptized immediately.  When they came to some water near Bethoron (sometimes called Bethzur) on the route between Bethlehem and Hebron, they stopped, both went down into the water and Philip baptized the eunuch.

     The spirit of the Lord caught up Philip.  The eunuch saw him no more but went on his way rejoicing.  Philip found himself back in Samaria and continued preaching to all the towns on his way to Caesarea on the coast. (Acts 8:26-40)

     About six years after the Crucifixion the Apostles again assembled in Jerusalem.  It was then that they drew up the Creed, made rules, relinquished all that they possessed, distributed it to the poor and divided the Church into dioceses.  Then they again separated for far distant places.

     When the persecutions arose in Judea, the Apostles spread out to farther regions.  Andrew and Zacheus went to Galaad.  Philip and Bartholomew went to Gessur near the border of Syria.  These four men started out together.  They crossed the Jordan near Jericho and then proceeded northward.  They did not stay together, but worked in different parts of the country.  Philip healed a woman in Gessur where he was at first greatly beloved, though later he was persecuted.

     As the Blessed Virgin felt the end of her life approaching she called the Apostles to her by prayer, in accordance to the direction of her Divine Son.  At her prayer the Apostles received through angels the advice to go to her in Ephesus at once.  The journeys of the Apostles so distant, so exceedingly remote, were not made without divine assistance.  They passed through many dangers in a supernatural manner.

     The first to arrive prepared a suitable place in the front apartment of her house for prayer and the offering of the Holy Sacrifice.  They placed an altar in front of the crucifix in the Blessed Virgin's own oratory.  Peter here celebrated the Holy Mass.  Tapers, not lamps, were burning on the altar.

     Mary was in a sitting posture on her couch during the whole celebration of mass.  Peter was vested in the large mantle and the pallium, whose colors glanced from white to red.  These he wore over the white robe.  The four Apostles assisting him were also vested in festal mantles.  After the Communion, Peter gave the Blessed Sacrament to all present.  During this Holy Mass, Philip arrived from Egypt.  Weeping bitterly he received the benediction of the Blessed Virgin, and after the others he also received the Blessed Sacrament.

     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, and of the same shape as that used at the Last supper.  Its stem was so short that it could be held by two fingers only.

     After Communion, Mary spoke no more.  Her countenance, blooming and smiling as in youth, was raised upward.  The roof of her chamber could no longer be seen.  The lamp appeared to be suspended in the open air.  A pathway of light arose from Mary up to the heavenly Jerusalem, up to the throne of the Most Holy Trinity.

     Philip preached in Phrygia and Galatia.  He supervised the churches in Phrygia as bishop.  In Hierapolis he attracted the ire of the Roman governor when he cured the governor's wife of an eye disease by praying for her, and was crucified for his actions and teachings.

     He had listened to Jesus and followed Him.  Gradually he began to comprehend that which he had not understood before, when he had once asked Jesus to show him the Father.  He came to realize the super-eminence of the spiritual over the earthly.  He had loved, lived and preached that spiritual superiority by his actions and teachings, until, by his crucifixion, he rose to his reward in the Heavenly Jerusalem.