THOMAS - APOSTLE

                         THOMAS - APOSTLE

     The Apostle Thomas was a native of Alpheca, a city near the Mediterranean Sea on the east coast of the Galilean Country.  Physically he was short and stocky with reddish brown hair.

     Jesus went from Ono with the disciples to the middle place of baptism, that one above Bethabara and opposite Gilgal.  Here He permitted Andrew, Saturnin, Peter and James to baptize.  Immense crowds were coming and going, causing fresh excitement among the Pharisees.  They detached letters to the Elders of all the Synagogues throughout the country, directing them to deliver Jesus wherever He might be found, to take the disciples into custody, to inquire into their teachings, and to inflict punishment upon them.  But Jesus, accompanied by only a few disciples, left the place of baptism, and journeyed through Samaria and Galilee to the area of Tyre.  The rest of the disciples separated and returned to their homes.

     While Jesus with, a few of His disciples, was crossing the Valley Esdrelon on His way through Samaria, Bartholomew passed.  Returning home to Debbaseth from the baptism of John, he fell in with some of the disciples.  Andrew spoke to him very enthusiastically of the Lord.  Bartholomew listened with delight and reverence, and Andrew, whose joy it was to add intelligent men to the number of Jesus' disciples, pointed him out to Jesus.

     Jesus had to endure great privations on this hurried journey.  saturnin had charge of a basket of bread, and Jesus had to soak the hard crust in water in order to eat it.

     Jesus put up at an inn in Tyre.  Peter, Andrew, James Alpheus, Thaddeus, Nathanael Chased and all the disciples that had been with Him at the marriage feast in Cana, had followed.  They traveled in separate bands and met Jesus in the Jewish meeting house.

     It was touching to see Jesus saluting the disciples on their arrival.  He passed among them giving His hands to first one, then to another.  They were full of respectful confidence, for they regarded Him as an extraordinary, supernatural Being.

     Issachar, a man well known to Thomas because of his commercial pursuits, was a wealthy man of about fifty who was suffering from dropsy.  He had espoused a young woman named Salome aged twenty-five.  This union was according to legal prescription analogous to that of Ruth and Boaz; it gave Salome the right to inherit Issachar's property.  The evil tongues of the city, especially those of the Pharisees, found great fault with this marriage, which at once became the general talk.  But Issachar and Salome put their trust in Jesus, for at His last visit to this part of the country, they had recommended their affairs to Him.

     Salome was the widow of Issachar's brother, Issachar himself being the widower of Salome's sister.  The house and all the property were to revert to Salome, for neither she nor Issachar had had children by their previous unions.  they were childless and the only descendants of an illustrious family.  They had espoused each other trusting to the healing power of Jesus.

     Upon His entrance into the house, Jesus was met by Salome who cast herself at Jesus' feet and begged her husband's cure.  Jesus went with her into the camber of the sick man who was covered up on his couch.  He was dropsical as well as paralyzed on one side.  Jesus touched the sufferer and gave him his hand.  Instantly the sick man arose, threw on another garment and left his bed.  He and his wife cast themselves at Jesus' feet.  The Lord addressed them a few words of exhortation, blessed them, promised them posterity, and then led them out of the chamber to their assembled household who were filled with joy.  The miraculous cure was kept a secret all that day.

     Issachar invited Jesus and all His followers to stay that night in his house, and after the exercises of the synagogue to dine with him.

     Toward the end of His discourse the Pharisees and Sadducees began to strive against Him.  From the explanation of Abraham's marriage with Ketura, He had come to speak of marriage itself.  The Pharisees broached that of Issachar and salome.  They declared it insane in a man so sick and old to marry a young woman.  Jesus replied that the couple had married in obedience to the Law, and He asked, how could they, who held so strictly to the same, blame them?  they answered by asking how He could look upon such a union as prescribed by Law, since so old and sick a man could hope for no blessing on his marriage, consequently such an affair was no other than a scandal.  Jesus responded, "His faith has preserved to him the fruit of wedlock.  Do you set limits to the almighty power of God?  Has not the sick man married in obedience to the Law?  In trusting God and believing that He will help him, he has done excellently well.  But this is not the cause of your indignation.  You hoped that the family would die for want of heirs, and then you would get their property into your own hands."  then He cited the example of many devout old people whose faith had been rewarded with posterity, and said many other things upon the subject of matrimony.  the Pharisees were furious, but had no word in reply.

     The Sabbath over, Jesus left the Synagogue and accompanied by the disciples, went to Issachar's where a good banquet had been prepared for Him.  Issachar himself sat at one table while Salome, the wife came and went doing the honors.  The other disciples ate in a side hall.  Previously to sitting down Jesus had healed several sick.  It was dusk and the miracles were performed by torchlight outside the Synagogue and near Issachar's dwelling where the sick had gathered.  Among the disciples were Judas Iscariot, Bartholomew and Thomas, also a full brother and a half brother of Thomas.  They had come there for the Sabbath from Alpheca, seven hours distance and they put up at Issachar's, Thomas being well known to him because of his commercial pursuits.

     Though Thomas had acquaintances among the disciples, he had not yet spoken to Jesus, for was anything but obtrusive.

     The entertainment consisted of birds, fish, honey and bread.  There were in Dothan numbers of pigeons, turtle doves, and colored birds which ran like hens around the houses and often took to flight to the beautiful plain of Jezrael.  During the meal Issachar spoke of Mary.  he recalled the fact of her having been in that house in her youth and said that his wife's parents often related the circumstances, telling how young and beautiful and pious she was.  All the disciples found hospitality in this house.  Next morning when Jesus and the disciples went to walk outside the city, Thomas approached and begged Jesus to admit him to the number of His disciples.  He promised to follow Him and fulfil all His commands for, as he said, by His preaching and he was convinced of the truth of what John and all the disciples of his acquaintances had said about Him.  He begged, also, to be allowed a part in His Kingdom.  Jesus replied that he was no stranger to Him and that He knew that he, Thomas, would come to Him.  But Thomas would not subscribe to that.  He asserted that he had never before thought of taking such a step, for he was no friend to novelty, and had only now determined upon it since he was convinced of His truth by his miracles.  Jesus responded, "You speak like Nathanael.  You esteem yourself wise and yet you talk foolishly.  Shall not the gardener know the tries of his garden?  The vine dresser, his vines?  Shall he set out a vineyard, and not know the servants whom he sends into it?"  Then He related a similitude of the cultivation of figs upon thorns.

     There were crowds around the fountain on the invitation of Jesus and Issachar.  From the teacher's chair Jesus delivered a discourse to the people on the fulfillment of the promise, the nearness of the Kingdom, on penance and conversion, and of the way to implore the mercy of God and to receive His graces and miracles.  He spoke also for a long time on prayer and good works, related the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, and told His hearers that they ought to adorn and perfume themselves on their fast days instead of parading their piety before the people.  The inhabitants of this place, who were very much oppressed by the Pharisees and sadducees, were greatly encouraged by Jesus' teaching.  But the Pharisees and Sadducees on the contrary were enraged upon seeing the joyous multitude and hearing the words of Jesus.  Their rage increased when they beheld Issachar in perfect health going around the people joyfully helping the disciples and his own servants to distribute food to them as they seated themselves along the stone benches.  This so exasperated them that they stormed violently against Jesus.  It looked as if they were about to take Him into custody.  They began again to rail at His curing on the Sabbath.  Jesus' bade them to listen to Him calmly.  He placed them in a circle around Him and, making use of His customary argument, said to the chief among them, "If on the sabbath you should happen to fall into the well here, would you not wish to be drawn out at once?"  And so He continued to speak until they slunk back covered with confusion.  After this Jesus left the city with several of His disciples.

     Issachar had distributed large alms in Dothen and sent also to the inn of the little community beverages provided by the disciples and which had become stale he caused to be exchanged for better.  He gave each of them a cup and a flat jug or pitcher made with a ring by which it could be hung.  The stoppers were a king of sponge tightly compressed.  The jugs contained a refreshing drink made of balm.  He also gave each disciple a sum of money for alms and other necessities.

     Judas Iscariot and many other disciples returned from Dothan to their own homes.  Jesus kept with Him only nine, among whom were thomas, James Alpheus, Jude Barsabas, Simon, Thaddeus, little Cleophas (Nathanael), Manahem and Saturnin.

     After Jesus' departure, the Pharisees recommenced their mockery and insults.  They said to the people, "One can easily see who He is.  He has allowed Himself to be sumptuously entertained by Issachar.  His disciples are a set of lazy vagrants whom He supports and feasts at the expense of others.  If He did right He would stay at home and support His poor Mother.  His father was a poor carpenter, but that respectable calling does not suit Him, and He goes wandering around disturbing the whole country."

     While Issachar was distributing his alms he constantly repeated, "Help yourselves freely!  Take freely!  It is not mine.  It belongs to the Father in heaven.  Thank Him, for it is only lent to me."

     After a journey of about five hours, and night having set in, Jesus and the disciples arrived at a lonely inn where only sleeping accommodations were to be found.  Near by was a well first owned by jacob.  On the way Jesus had had a long conversation with them, intended principally for the instruction of Thomas, Simon, Manahem, Little Cleophas, and the others newly arrived.  He spike of them following Him, and through the deep conviction of the worthlessness of earthly goods, of their leaving their relatives without regret and without looking back.  He promised that what they had left behind should be restored to them in His Kingdom a thousandfold, but they should reflect maturely whether or not they could break their earthly ties.

     To some of the disciples, and especially to Thomas, Judas Iscariot was not particularly pleasing.  He did not hesitate to say to Jesus that he did not like Judas Simonis because he was too ready to say "Yes," and "No."  Why, he asked, had He admitted that man among His disciples, since He had been so difficult to please in others.  Jesus answered evasively that from eternity it was decreed by God for Judas, like all the others, to be one of the members of His disciples.

     When the disciples had retired to rest, Jesus went alone into the mountains to pray.

     Jesus and the disciples continued on their journey and approached near Endor where Jesus cured a seven year old boy who had been possessed.

     Jesus did not enter Endor.  The suburb in which He was had more beautiful edifices than the city itself.  there was something about Endor that spoke of death.  Part of the city was a waste, its walls in ruins, its streets overgrown with grass.  Many of the inhabitants were heathens under the power of the Jews, and were obligated to labor at all kinds of public works.  The few rich Jews found in endor used to peep timidly out of their doors and quickly draw in their heads, as if they feared that someone was stealing their money behind their back.

     At Endor Thomas left Jesus and those disciples with Him and returned to Apheca.

     Jesus turned back to Capharnaum.  He turned off into the street that led to the heart of the city. and for an hour cured numbers of sick that had been brought together, also some possessed.  After that Jesus with several of the disciples left the city and went to a little vale beyond Magdalum not far from damna.  There they found a public inn, at which were Maroni, the widow of Naim, the pagan Lais of Naim and her two daughters, Sabia and Athalia, both of whom Jesus when at Meroz had from a distance delivered from the devil.

     Bartholomew had arrived bringing with him Joses, the little son of his widowed sister.  Thomas was there too with him Jephte, the little cured son of Achias, the Centurion of Giskala,  achias himself was not present, but Judas Iscariot had come from Meroz.  Lais and her two daughters had already embraced Judaism in Naim, and renounced idolatry before the Jewish priests.  At this ceremony a kind of baptism was performed by the priests, which however consisted only of a sprinkling with water and other purifications.  In such cases Jews baptized women, but the baptism of Jesus and John was not conferred upon females before Pentecost.

     All the future Apostles were now in Capharnaum with the exception of Mathias.  A great many of Kesis' disciples and relatives, among the latter many women related to Him by blood, were present.  Of the number was Mary Heli, Mary's elder sister.  She was now perhaps seventy years old, and together with her second husband, Obed, had come bringing an ass laden with presents to Mary.  She was greatly rejoiced at seeing her sons, James, Sadock and Heliacim, all disciples of John.

     The Pharisees and Sadducees determined to oppose Jesus today in the synagogue.  they laid their plans and bribed the people to raise a tumult in which Jesus was to be formally thrust out of the edifice or taken prisoner.  But the affair turned out quite differently.  Jesus commenced His teaching in the synagogue by a very vigorous address, like one having power tna authority to speak.  The rage of the exasperated Pharisees increased at each moment.  It was about to be let loose upon Him when suddenly a great disturbance arose in the synagogue.  A man belonging to the city and possessed by the devil, and who because of his madness had been fast bound, had while his keepers were in the synagogue broken his bonds.  He came plunging like a fury into the synagogue, and with frightful cries pressed his way through the people whom he tossed right and left, and who also began to utter screams of terror.  He ran straight to the spot where Jesus was teaching, crying out, "Jesus of Nazareth!  What have we to do with You?  Have You come to drive us out!  I know Who You are!  You are the Holy One of God!"  But Jesus remained quite unmoved.  He scarcely turned from His elevated position toward him, made only a menacing gesture sideways with His hand and said quietly, "Be still, and go out of him!"  Whereupon the man, becoming silent, sank down, still tossed to and fro on the ground, and Satan departed from him under the form of a thick black vapor.  The man now grew pale and calm, prostrated on the ground, and wept.  All present were witnesses to this awful and wonderful spectacle of Jesus' power.  Their terror was changed to a murmur of admiration.  The courage of the Pharisees forsook them and they huddled together, saying to one another, "What manner of man is this?  He commands the spirits, and they go out of the possessed!"  Jesus went on quietly with His discourse.  the man who had been freed from the devil, weak and emaciated, was conducted home by his wife and relatives who had been in the synagogue.  When the sermon was over, he met Jesus as He was leaving the synagogue, thanked Him and asked for some advice.  Jesus warned him to refrain from his evil habits lest something worse might befall him, and exhorted him to penance and baptism.  The man was a cloth weaver.  He made cotton scarfs, narrow and light, such as were worn around the neck.  He returned to work perfectly cured in mind and body.  Such unclean spirits often domineer over men that freely give themselves up to their passions.

     Jesus repaired to the garden in the neighborhood of Peter's house.  It was enclosed by a hedge, and in it all the preparations for baptism had been made.  There were several circular cisterns, formed in the ground and surrounded by a little channel, into which the water of a stream running nearby could be turned.  A long arbor could by hanging screens be divided into little compartments for the convenience of the neophytes when disrobing.  an elevated stand had been erected for Jesus.  The disciples were all present and about fifty aspirants to baptism, among the latter some relatives of the Holy family.  There were present Cyrinus from Cyprus; the Roman Centurion achias and his little, miraculously cured son Jephte of giskala; the centurion Cornelius, his yellow slave who had been cured by Jesus and several of his domestics; many pagans from Upper galilee; a dark skinned slave of Zorobabel; the five publicans of Mageddo; some boys among whom was Joses, the nephew of Bartholomew; and all the cured lepers and possessed of these parts.  The last named was indeed free from ulcers, but their faces were still disfigured and bore the marks of suffering.

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

     Jesus left Capharnaum accompanied by The Twelve and about thirty disciples.  He arrived about three in the afternoon at a beautiful mountain.  five roads branched from it and about as many little towns lay around it.  The people who had followed Jesus thus far now took their leave, while He with His own party, having first taken some refreshment at the foot of the mountain, began to ascend the height.  He instructed the Apostles and disciples upon their vocation.  among other things He told them that none should be greater than the others, they should live poorly and humbly, being burdensome to no one.

     After that the Apostles knelt down in a circle around Jesus as He prayed and laid His hands upon the head of each.  The disciples He only blessed.  Then they embraced and separated.

     Sic of the Apostles continued to remain with Him: Thomas, Peter, James Alpheus, John, Philip, and Judas.  Also remaining with Him were Mary Heli's three sons (James, Sadock, and Heliachim), Manahem, Nathanael (called Little Cleophas) and several others.

     At a fountain a blind man and several cripples were awaiting Jesus' coming.  They implored Him for help.  Jesus ordered the blind man to wash his face at the fountain.  When he had done so He anointed his eyes with oil, broke off a little twig from a bush near by, held it before his eyes and asked whether he saw it or not.  The man answered "Yes, I see a very tall tree."  Jesus anointed his eyes once more and repeated His question, whereupon the man cast himself on His knees before Him crying out joyfully, "I see mountains, trees, people!  I see everything!"  there was great jubilation among the people as they escorted the man back into the city.  Jesus went on curing the lame and the palsied who were standing around on crutches made of light but very firm wood.  Each had three feet so it could stand alone, and when the two were crossed together, the sick could rest the breast against them.

     Toward evening Jesus arrived at Bethan.  He and the disciples put up with some relatives--the daughter of Elizabeth's sister.  she had some sons about eighteen to twenty.  all belonged to the married eEessenians and the husband of Elizabeth's niece was the Superior.  They were very pious people.  They spoke to Jesus about John the Baptist, and asked Him with anxiety whether or not he would soon be released.  Jesus answered in words that made them very grave and sad, though without disturbing their peace of mind.

     They spoke to Jesus about their sons whom they intended to send soon to the fishery at Capharnaum.  Jesus replied that those fishermen, that is Peter and his companions, had begun another kind of fishing, and that their young sons would follow Him in their own good time.  They did indeed join the Seventy-two.

     Jesus said that He would go back to Judea.  Thomas showed great pleasure at the prospect of this journey because he anticipated opposition on the part of the Pharisees and hoped to be able to dispute with them.  He expressed his sentiments to the other disciples, but they did not appear to share his satisfaction.  Jesus reproved his exaggerated zeal, and told him the time would come when his own faith would waver.  But thomas could in no way understand His words.

     While Jesus was teaching on the beatitudes in the school at Bethan, the Pharisees of Saphet came down to invite Him to their city for the sabbath.  He explained before them the parable of the seed falling on different kinds of ground, but they would not understand the allusion contained in the rocky soil.  They disputed the point with Him, but He soon reduced them to silence.  when they invited Him for the sabbath He replied that He would go with them for the sake of the lost sheep, but that both they and the Sadducees (some of whom were at saphet) would be scandalized on His account.  They replied, "Rabbi, leave that to us."  Jesus responded that He knew them well, and that their unrighteousness filled the land.  He went up to saphet followed by many from bethan.

     Saphet could boast of many Pharisees, sadducees, Scribes and simple Levites.  there was a kind of religious school there in which youths were educated in all the Jewish liberal arts and in theology.  Thomas, a couple of years before had been a student at this school.  He now went to visit one of the head teachers, a Pharisee, who expressed his wonder at seeing him in such company.  But Thomas silenced him by his zealous defence of Jesus' actions and teachings.  some Pharisees and Sadducees from Jerusalem had managed to insinuate themselves into this school, and their arbitrary dealings rendered them insupportable to even the Pharisees and teachers of this place.  Among them were some of those who had sent for Jesus.  They addressed Him in very insinuating speech in which, alluding to His fame and His miracles, they suggested that He should raise no excitement of commotion in their city.  they had been very much scandalized at the solemn reception tendered Him by the people.  As the sabbath had not yet begun, Jesus replied to them in the outer porch before all the people.  He spoke in very strong language of the disturbance and scandal which, owing to their efforts, had been spread throughout the country.  He challenged them to upbraid Him with anything wherein He had violated the Law, He Who had been sent by His father for its perfect accomplishment.

     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, and revealed to each his own peculiar disposition and character.  Peter, andrew, John, James Zebedee and Matthew stood in the first row; Thaddeus, Bartholomew, James Alpheus and the disciple 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.

     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 disciples and nearest to The Twelve.  Consequently Jesus placed him in the second row with the Apostles and revealed to him his hopes and fears.

     Several times 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, Saturnin, Judas barsabas and another went northward to Sarepta.

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 ready for what He was going to communicate to them.

     When at 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 oldest disciples repeated various conjectures of the people concerning Him as the had heard here and there in different places.  Some said He was the Baptist, other Elias, and others Jeremias.

     Jesus was very grave, and they fixed their eyes on Him 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, took one step forward into the circle and with hand raised like one solemnly affirming declared loudly and boldly, "You are The Christ, the Son of the Living God!"

     Jesus replied with great earnestness, His voice strong and animated, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of John, because flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven! And I say to you, you are a rock and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against It, and I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.  Whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatsoever you shall loose upon the earth shall be loosed in Heaven!"

     Peter in the same spirit in which he had confessed to the Godhead received Jesus' words in their full signification.  the other Apostles did not fully comprehend the meaning and still formed to themselves earthly ideas.  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.

     Very early in the morning Jesus sent the disciples and Apostles out on various missions.  Upon the Apostles and the oldest disciples He imposed hands but the rest He merely blessed.  By this ceremony He filled them with mew strength and energy.  It was not a priestly ordination, but only an imparting of grace and vigor to the soul.  He also addressed to them many words on the value of obedience to superiors.

     Thomas received his mission to the country of the Gergeseans where he went with a troop of disciples, taking circuitous route to Asach, a city situated on a height between two valleys, about nine hours from Sephoris.  There were a great many Jews in this city which belonged to the Levites.

     Jesus took a ship to Cyprus where He visited some Jewish settlers and taught among them, and among some pagan philosophers.  Among many other people he visited the relatives of Barnabas.  Many Cypriots welcomed His teaching and wished to follow Jesus from Cyprus to Galilee that they might practice their new found faith.  Arrangements were made for three ships to carry them.  When returning Jesus landed near the mouth of the Cison east of Hepha which lies on the coast.  He was received on shore by several of the Apostles and disciples among them thomas, Simon, thaddeus, Nathanael Chased and Heliacim.  All of them were unspeakably delighted to embrace Him and His companions.  They proceeded to the Levitical city Misael which faced the sea on the west.  On the south rose Carmel with its beautiful valley.

     Jesus walked in the garden with His disciples and related the parable of a fisherman that went out to sea to fish and took five hundred and seventy fish.  He told them that an experienced fisherman would put into pure water the good fish found among the bad, that like Elias he would purify the springs and wells, that he would remove good fish from bad water where the fish of prey would devour them and that he would make for them new spawning ponds in better water.  A few Cypriotes, who had continued with Jesus from Cyprus could not restrain their tears when they heard Him speak of the laborious task of transporting the fish from bad to good water.  Jesus mentioned clearly and precisely the number "five hundred and seventy good fish" that had been saved, and said that that was indeed enough to pay for the labor.

     Judas, who loved to execute business commissions, and thomas, whose family owned rafts in the port and who was well known there, went with several disciples to Hepha to make arrangements for the expected Cypriotes.

     When at last all the disciples returned from their missions, the latest being Thomas, John, and Bartholomew, Jesus went with them to Cana where the seventy disciples and the holy women from Capharnaum also came.

     Jesus taught.  He said that He had not come into this world to enjoy the comforts and pleasures of life, and that it was foolish to demand of Him anything else than the fulfillment of His Father's will.  He said in terms more significant than ever that He Himself was the One so long expected but that He would be received by only a few, and that when His work was done, He would return to His Father.  He spoke warningly and entreatingly, begging His hearers most earnestly not to reject salvation and the moment of grace.

     From Cana Jesus went with all the Apostles and disciples to the mount of instruction near Gabara.  He commanded them to relate their experience, to tell how things had gone with them.  the Apostles spike first.  Jesus told them that they should act and work in His name and by Him in humility and faith, never harboring the thought that one could o more than another.  He said, "Behold I have given you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and upon all the might of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.  But yet rejoice in this that your names are written in Heaven>"  Several times He addressed them kindly and lovingly in the words, "Beloved little children," and listened to the account given by many of them.  Thomas and Nathanael received a reprimand for some negligence of which they had been guilty, but it was given with great love and sincerity.

     After the raising of Lazarus from the dead a new storm against Him arose among the Pharisees.  Jesus told His followers that He would go on a long trip until things settled down.  He gave them instructions as to what they should do and where they would again meet.  When He came back to Bethania, His Mother was at the inn with some other women.  Also waiting for him were Judas, Thomas, Simon, James alpheus, thaddeus, John Marc and some others.  The Apostles had gone out to meet Jesus at a well where they washed His feet.  Jesus gave an instruction which was followed by a meal.

     The next day Jesus taught again.  Many sick came or were brought to be healed.  Many of the cured threw themselves prostrate at Jesus' feet.  His companions raised them and led them away.  Jesus sent out disciples two by two from bethania into the country to teach and to heal.

     While at the inn three men from Jerusalem came to Him.  They asked why He had so long abandoned them, why He had in other places done so much of which they knew nothing.  In His answer to these questions Jesus spoke of tapestry and other precious things, which looked new and beautiful to one who had not seen them for some time.  He also said that if the sower sowed his seed all at once in one place, the whole might be destroyed by a hailstorm, so the instructions and cures that were scattered far and wide would not soon be forgotten.

     These disciples brought news that the High Priests and Pharisees were going to station spies in the places around Jerusalem in order to seize Him as soon as He appeared.  Hearing this, Jesus took with Him only His two latest disciples and traveled the whole night.

     Jesus afterward celebrated the Sabbath in Bethabara.  Thomas, Andrew, Judas, James Alpheus, Thaddeus, Zacheus and seven other disciples were present, having come from Bethania to meet Jesus.

     Jesus went back to Bethania for the Sabbath.  While He was teaching in the Temple the Jews had been ordered to keep their houses closed, for it was forbidden to offer Him or His disciples any refreshment.  They went to the public house of Simon the healed leper where a meal was waiting for them.  Magdalen met the Lord at the door.  She wore a penitential robe and girdle, her flowing hair concealed in a black veil.  She cast herself at His feet and with her hair wiped them from dust.  She did it openly before all and many were scandalized at her conduct.

     Toward the end of the meal Magdalen, urged by love, gratitude, contrition and anxiety, again made her appearance.  She went behind Jesus' couch, broke a little flask of precious balm over His head and poured some of it upon His feet which she wiped with her hair.  then she left the dining hall.  several of those present were scandalized, especially Judas, who excited Matthew, Thomas and John Marc.  But Jesus excused her on account of her love.

     Jesus spent the whole day at Lazarus' with the holy women and the Twelve Apostles.  In the course of His instruction Jesus told them they would not now be together long.  They would not again eat at Lazarus' though they would do so once more at Simon's.  On the last occasion they would not be so tranquil as they were then.  He invited them to be perfectly free with Him, and ask Him whatever they wanted to know.  On hearing this, they began to ask numerous questions, especially Thomas, who had a great many doubts.  John too frequently put a question, but softly and gently.

     When they asked Jesus about the Kingdom that was to come to them, His answer was inexpressibly kind.  He told them that another Spirit would come upon them and then only would they understand all things.  He had to go to the father and send them the Spirit which proceeded from the Father and Himself.  He had come in the flesh in order to redeem man, that there was something material in His influence upon them, that the body works in a corporeal manner, and it was for that reason they could not understand Him.  But He would send the spirit, Who would open their understanding.  He spoke of troublesome times to come when all would have to suffer like a woman in the pains of childbirth, of the beauty of the human soul created in the likeness of God, and He shoed how glorious a thing it is to save a soul and lead it home to Heaven.  He recalled how often they had misunderstood Him and His forbearance with them.  In like manner they should treat with sinners after His departure.

     Jesus and His Apostles prepared for the Passover Supper.  They put on the travelling dresses of ceremony.  Their tunics were tucked up into their girdles and the wide sleeves turned up.  each took a staff in his hand and then walked in pairs to the table at which each stood in his place, his arms raised, and his staff resting on one of them.  Jesus stood at the center of the table.  The table was narrow and only high enough to reach about a half foot above the knee.  It was in the form of a horseshoe.  Opposite Jesus was a space left free for the serving of the dishes.  John, James Zebedee and James Alpheus stood on Jesus' right, then came Bartholomew and round the corner stood Thomas and next to Judas Iscariot.  On Jesus' left were Peter, andrew and Thaddeus, then came Simon and around the corner Matthew and Philip.

     After the prayer the master of the feast laid on the table in front of Jesus the knife for cutting the Paschal lamb, placed a cup of wine before Him and from a jug filled six other cups each of which he set between two of the Apostles.  Jesus blessed the wine and drank, the Apostles drinking two from one cup.  The Lord cut up the Paschal lamb.  the Apostles reached their loaves and received on them a share of the lamb.

     While the Apostles were eating the herbs, Jesus continued to converse with them quite lovingly, though He afterward became grave and sad.  They arose from the table and while putting on and arranging their robes, Jesus ordered some water be brought Him in the anteroom.  There He washed their feet.  Jesus went from one to another, and from the basin held under them by John He scooped up water over the feet presented to Him and wiped them with the towel He was girded with.

     After the washing of feet they again gathered around the table.  Peter and John brought forward the chalice they had brought from veronica's house.  Jesus' place was between Peter and John.  the doors were closed for everything was conducted with secrecy and solemnity.  Jesus became more recollected.  Again Jesus prayed and taught.  He took the plate with the morsels of bread and said, "Take and eat.  This is My Body which is given for you."  While saying these words He stretched forth His right hand over the bread as if giving a blessing and as He did so a brilliant light emanated from Him.  Jesus next raised the chalice by its two handles to a level of His face, and pronounced into it the words of consecration.

     Jesus gave the Apostles an instruction full of mystery.  When He was finished He said, "It is enough!  Let us go!"  Then they recited the hymn of thanksgiving, put aside the table and went.

     It was about nine o'clock when Jesus reached Gethsemani with the disciples.  the moon was beginning to light up the sky.  Jesus was very sad.  He announced to the Apostles the approach of danger, and they became uneasy.  He bade eight of them to remain in the Garden of Gethsemani where there was a kind of summer house built of branches and foliage.

     When Judas and the band of soldiers came to arrest Jesus they caught sight of the eight Apostles who, at the sound of the noise, came from the Garden of Gethsemani.  Immediately they called four of the archers to come to their assistance.  Peter wished to repel them by force.  He exclaimed, "Lord, the Eight from Gethsemani are close at hand.  Let us make an attack on the archers!"  But Jesus told him to hold his peace.  Judas, seeing his plans to appear innocent of the presence of the soldiers, upset, was filled with rage and spite.  Just at this moment four of the disciples issued from the Garden of Gethsemani and inquired what was going on.  Judas began to exchange words with them, and would fain have cleared himself by a lie, but the guards would not allow him to go on.  These four last comers were James Alpheus, Philip, Thomas and Nathanael.  The last named, who was the son of the aged Simeon, had along with several others, been sent by Jesus' friends to the eight Apostles in the Garden of Gethsemani to find out what was going on.  they were actuated as much by anxiety as by curiosity.  With the exception of these four the disciples were straggling around in the distance, furtively on the look out to discover what they could.

     In the open entrance hall outside that of the Last Supper, Nicodemus prepared a repast for the Apostles, the holy women, and the disciples.  This was the first Agape (Love-feast) after the resurrection.  Thomas was not present at it.  He kept himself in absolute retirement.  all that took place at this feast was in strict accordance to Jesus' instructions which He had given at the Last Supper.

     Early in the morning Peter and John went with Andrew into the hall of the Last Supper and vested in their priestly robes while the other Apostles entered the ante hall.  The three Apostles entered the curtained chamber where the Blessed Sacrament had been reposed.  They lit the lamp of sacrifice hanging in the center of the hall, carried the Communion table forward into the hall, placed the Blessed sacrament on it and extinguished the lamp in the Holy of Holies.  The other Apostles, Thomas among them, took their places around the table.  after Peter and John bowing reverently received Holy Communion, Peter sent the plate around and each one communicated himself.  This was the first divine service celebrated after the Last Supper.

     After that Thomas went to a little place near Samaria with a disciple from that part of the country.

     Cleophas and Luke left Jerusalem and were on their way to Emmaus when they encountered Jesus.  After recognizing Him in the breaking of the bread, they hurried back at once to Jerusalem.  That evening many of the disciples and all the Apostles except Thomas were assembled in the hall of the Last supper, the doors being closed.  although Jesus had appeared to Peter, John and James, yet the greater number of Apostles and disciples did not fully believe in the resurrection.

     All had arranged for prayer when Luke and Cleophas knocked at the closed door and were admitted.  Their joyful news interrupted the prayer, but scarcely was it again continued when Jesus came in through the closed doors.

     The Apostles went with a troop of disciples, among them Luke in the direction of Sichar.  Peter said joyfully as they were setting out, "We shall go to the sea and catch fish," by which he meant souls.  They separated and went different ways, teaching at inns and in public places of the Passion and resurrection of Jesus.

     They met again at the inn outside Thanath-Silo.  Thomas also with two disciples joined them as they were gathered at a meal prepared for them.  the Apostles told Thomas about the apparition of the risen Savior in their midst.  But he raised his hands to silence them, and said he would not believe it until he had touched His wounds.  He did the same before the disciples when they declared to him that they had seen the Lord.  Thomas kept a little aloof from the followers of Jesus, and was thereby somewhat weakened in faith.

     After the close of the Sabbath the Apostles laid aside their robes of ceremony.  A meal was spread in the outer hall.  It was a love-feast such as had taken place on the preceding Sunday.  Thomas had celebrated the Sabbath somewhere else in the neighborhood.  He did not come in until after the meal when they had again returned to the Supper Room.  The Apostles and disciples had robed themselves in long white garments and prepared for prayer.  While these preparations were being made, Thomas entered the Supper Room.  He passed through the Apostles who were already robed and put on his own long white garment.  As he went along the Apostles accosted him.  Some caught him by the sleeve, others gesticulated with the right hand as they spike, as if emphatically protesting against him, but he behaved like one in a hurry to vest and as if he could not credit the account given him of the wonderful things which had happened in that place.

     As soon as Mary and Magdalen entered the doors were closed and all arranged for prayer.  After some time there was a pause in the assembly, an intermission of prayer, or as if prayer was at an end, and they began to speak of going to the Sea at Tiberias and of how they would disperse, when Jesus appeared.  He walked quickly and stepped between Peter and John who moved back from either side.

     Jesus' first words were, "Peace be to you!"  Then He spoke to Peter and John.  then Jesus stepped under the lamp and the Apostles closed around Him.  Thomas, very much frightened at the sight of the Lord, timidly drew back, but Jesus grasping his right hand in His own right hand, took the forefinger and laid the tip of it in the wound in His own left; then taking the left hand in His own left hand He placed the forefinger in the wound of His right hand; and lastly taking again Thomas' right hand in His own right, He put it, without uncovering His breast, under His garment and laid the fore and middle fingers in the wound of His right side.  He spoke some words as He did this.  With the exclamation, "My Lord, and my God!" Thomas sank down like one unconscious, Jesus still holding his hand.  the nearest Apostles supported him, and Jesus raised him up by the hand.

     Jesus did not disappear immediately after Thomas' declaration of faith.  He continued to speak to the Apostles.

     Before going to the Sea the holy Apostles went over the Way of the Cross and Mount Calvary.  From there they went to Bethania, from where they with some disciples, went to a fishery outside Teberias.  There they went aboard two ships, one somewhat larger and better than the other.  Peter went aboard the larger.  With him was Thomas, Nathanael and one of the owner's servants.  Peter did not let anyone else row.  He wanted to do it himself.  Although so distinguished by Jesus he was exceedingly humble and modest, especially before Nathanael who was polished and educated.  They sailed the whole night with torches, casting nets here and there between the two ships, but always drawing them in empty.  They had laid aside their garments while fishing, retaining only a linen bandage and a little mantle.  When about to resume their clothing, they saw a figure behind the reeds on the shore.  It was Jesus.  He cried out, "Children, have you any meat?"  They answered, "No!"  then He cried out again telling them to cast the net to the west of Peter's ship.  They did, and John, who was in the other boat, had to sail around to the other side to help.  the net was so heavily filled that John recognized Jesus, and called to Peter across the water, "It is the Lord!"  At these words Peter instantly girded his coat about him, leaped into the water and waded through the reeds to the shore where Jesus was standing, but John pushed on in a very light and narrow boat what was fastened to his ship.  Thomas was the third one of those that had on the ship a perception of Jesus' presence.  They were all timid and frightened for Jesus was more spirit-like than before, and the whole meal and the hour had in them something full of mystery.  No one dared ask a question.  A feeling of holy awe stole over them and gave rise to solemn silence.  Jesus was wrapped in a mantle, His wounds were not visible.

     Of the fish that the Apostles caught none were used at that meal.  When Jesus said that they should bring them ashore, Peter threw them down in rows at Jesus' feet that they might be numbered.  By this it was acknowledged that they had caught the fish not by themselves or for themselves, but by His miraculous power and for Him.  there was a mystery connected with this meal.  This spiritual meal indicated that the Church suffering, the holy souls, should be committed to Peter's care, should be incorporated with the Church Militant and the Church Triumphant, in short, that they should occupy a third place in the Church as a whole.

     The Apostles were in bethania.  They were followed by about three hundred of the faithful, among them fifty women.  the Blessed Virgin had some from Jerusalem to bethania.  There was a great Love-Feast of bread breaking and passing around the cup held in the open hall of Lazarus' hall.

     Peter gave an instruction before a great multitude.  There were some spies among the listeners.  About fifty soldiers, the same that seized the Lord on Mount of Olives came from Jerusalem to Bethania and summoned the Apostles before them.  Peter, John, and Thomas presented themselves and replied boldly and openly to the charge that they convened assemblies and occasioned disturbance among the people.  Soldiers were placed at Lazarus'.  The deputies from Jerusalem interrogated the Apostles publicly before the Council House.  The magistrates of Bethania opposed them, saying that if they knew anything against those men they ought to take them into custody, but they must not disturb the peace of the place by the presence of soldiers.  Peter, in order to avoid giving offence, dismissed one hundred and twenty three of the assembled Faithful.  Those from the greatest distance were directed to remain at the dwellings in the neighborhood, for they already had all things in common.  The fifty women also withdrew and lived together in separate abodes.  Peter gave orders for all to return to bethania before the day of christ's Ascension.

     After midnight there arose a wonderful movement in all nature.  It communicated itself to all present as they stood in deep recollection, their arms crossed on their breast near the pillars of the Supper Room and in the side halls silently praying.

     A luminous cloud descended low over the house and with increasing sound there shot from the rushing cloud streams of white light down upon the house and its surroundings.  In that instant the whole house was penetrated through and through with light.  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.  The Apostles embraced one another in joyful confidence.  their joy found vent in thanksgiving.  They ranged for prayer, gave thanks and praised God with great emotion.

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

     After the Resurrection the Apostles and disciples assembled

every day in the Last Supper room for prayer in choir.  The Apostles stood along either side of the hall facing the Holy of Holies, while the disciples occupied the vestibule thrown open for the occasion.  They sand and prayed, choir and choir.  Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea and Obed were present also.  The Blessed Virgin usually stood under the middle entrance of the vestibule, her face turned toward the Holy of Holies.  Jesus had Himself arranged the choral service.  He had, about the time of the eating of fish at Tiberias, wxplained to the Apostles the mysterious significance of this religious ceremony.  He had repeated the same on occasion of Thomas' touching His sacred wounds and giving testmony of his faith.  They daily assembled twice, in the evening and before dawn in the morning.  Below the pulpit the congregation was cut off from the choir by a grating, through many places of which the Blessed Sacrament could be reached to them.  On either side of the pulpit were small doors by which the Apostles and disciples could enter the choir.  the congregation was arranged in a certain order, the women separate from the men.

     Council IV pg 458