Notes for this keyword

Isaiah of Esdrelon (Yokhanan peasant)

Reading comfort

GRM 109.1-7.13

The Gospel as revealed to me

Translation in progress

Keywords

GRM 190.1-3 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

The sun is setting in a red sky when Jesus comes in view of Johanan’s fields.
«Let us quicken our pace, My friends, before the sun sets. And you, Peter, go with your brother to inform our friends, Doras’ men.»
«I will go indeed, to see also whether the son has really gone away.» Peter stresses the word «son». And he goes away.
In the meantime Jesus proceeds at a slower pace, looking around to see whether any of Johanan’s men are about. But He can only see the fertile fields, in which the ears of grain are already well formed.
At last, a face, wet with perspiration, appears among the vine-leaves and an exclamation is heard: «Oh! Blessed Lord!» and the peasant runs out of the vineyard and prostrates himself at Jesus’ feet.
«Peace to you, Isaiah!»
«Oh! You remember my name too?»
«It is written in My heart. Stand up. Where are your companions?»
«Over there. In the apple-orchards. But I will tell them at once. You will be our guest, will You not? The master is not here and we can welcome You. In any case… what with the fear, what with the joy… it is better. Just imagine, he gave us a lamb this year and will allow us to go to the Temple! He has only given us six days…. but we will run all the way… We will be in Jerusalem, too… Imagine!… And thanks to You.» The man is in his seventh heaven of delight because he has been treated as a man and as an Israelite.
«I have done nothing, as far as I know…» says Jesus smiling.
«Eh! no! You have done a great deal. Doras, and the fields of Doras, and these ones here, which are instead so beautiful this year… Johanan was informed of your visit, and he is not a fool. He is afraid and… and he is afraid.»
«Of what?»
«He is afraid that what happened to Doras may happen to him. Both with regards to his life and to his property. Have You seen Doras’ fields?»
«I have come from Nain…»
«In that case You have not seen them. They are a complete ruin. (The man whispers that in a low but clear voice, like someone imparting a secret concerning something dreadful.) They are all ruined! There is no hay, no fodder, no fruit. Vines and orchards withered… Dead… everything is dead… like Sodom and Gomorrah… Come, I will show You.»
«It is not necessary. I am going to see those peasants…»
«But they are no longer here! Did You not know? Doras, the son of Doras, has scattered them or dismissed them, and the ones he sent to the other country places which belong to him, must not speak of You, or they will be lashed… Not to speak of You! That will be difficult! Also Johanan said so to us.»
«What did he say?»
«He said: “I am not so foolish as Doras and I will not say to you: ‘I do not want you to speak of the Nazarene’. It would be useless, because you would do it just the same and I do not want to lose you by lashing you to death like untameable animals. On the contrary I say to you: ‘Be good as the Nazarene certainly teaches you and tell Him that I treat you well’. I do not want to be cursed, too”. Of course, he can see what these fields are like after You blessed them, and what the ones You cursed are like.
190.2
Oh! Here are the ones who ploughed the field for me…» and the man runs to meet Peter and Andrew.
But Peter greets him briefly and proceeds on his way and begins to shout: «Oh! Master! There is no one left! They are all new faces. And everything is laid waste! He could very well do without any peasants here. It is worse than the Salt Sea!…»
«I know. Isaiah told Me.»
«But come and see! What a sight…»
Jesus pleases him after saying to Isaiah: «I will stay with you. Tell your companions. But do not go to any trouble. I have enough food. All we need is a barn to sleep in and your love. I will come back soon.»
The sight of Doras’ fields is really distressing. Fields and meadows are dry and barren, vineyards are withered, the foliage and fruit of trees are completely destroyed by millions of insects of all kinds. Also the garden-orchard near the house looks like a desolate dying wood. The peasants wander to and fro uprooting weeds, crushing caterpillars, snails, earth-worms and the like, shaking branches under which they place basins full of water to drown little butterflies, aphides and other parasites which cover the leaves and eat away the plant until it dies. They endeavour to find a sign of life in the vine-shoots, which break like dry wood as soon as they are touched and sometimes fall off the main branch, as if the roots had been cut by a saw. The contrast with Johanan’s fields, vineyards and orchards is most striking and the ruin of the cursed fields seems more impressive when compared to the fruitfulness of the others.
«The hand of the God of Sinai is a heavy one» whispers Simon the Zealot.
Jesus makes a gesture as if to say: «How right you are!» but He does not say anything. He only asks: «How did it happen?»
A peasant replies between his teeth: «Moles, locusts, worms… but go away! The steward is faithful to Doras… Don’t cause us trouble…»
Jesus sighs and goes away.
Another peasant, who is bent under an apple-tree earthing it up, in the hope he may save it, says: «We will reach You tomorrow… when the steward goes to Jezreel for the prayer… we will come to Micah’s house.»
Jesus makes the gesture of blessing and goes away.
190.3
When He goes back to the cross-road, all the peasants of Johanan are there and joyful and happy they surround their Messiah and take Him to their poor dwellings.
«Did You see, over there?»
«Yes, I did. Doras’ peasants are coming tomorrow.»
«Of course, when the hyenas go to pray… We do that every Sabbath… and we speak of You, we tell what we heard from Jonah, from Isaac, who often comes to see us, and what we learned from You in Tishri. We speak as best we can. Because it is impossible not to speak of You. And the more we suffer, the more we are forbidden, the more we speak of You. Those poor people… they drink the essence of life every Sabbath… But how many there are in this plain who are in need of knowing, of knowing You at least, and yet they cannot come here…»
«I will see to them as well. And may you be blessed for what you do.»
The sun is setting while Jesus enters a kitchen blackened by smoke. The Sabbath rest begins.

Annotation

"The man runs to meet Peter and Andrew. Cf. EMV 109.4: Peter and Andrew, James and John, who took the place of the ploughmen to enable them to listen to Jesus' word.

The God of Sinai has a heavy hand. Direct reference to Jesus' words in EMV 109.12.

We speak of You, with what we have learned from Jonah, from Isaac who often comes to us, and from your speech at Tisri. Cf. EMV 109.5.

Keywords

GRM 198.5 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

«I saw Joseph of Arimathea, Lazarus. He is coming here on Monday with some friends.»
«Oh! Well, You are my guest on that day!»
«Yes. He is coming to spend the day with us, but also to arrange a ceremony concerning Jabez. John: take the boy up to the terrace. He will enjoy himself there.»
John of Zebedee, who is always obedient, gets up at once and shortly afterwards the boy can be heard chattering and running about on the terrace that surrounds the house.
«The child» Jesus explains to His Mother, His friends, the women among whom there is also Martha, who has rushed back so that she would not miss one moment of joy near the Master, «is the grandson of one of Doras’ peasants. I passed through Esdraelon…»
«Is it true that the fields are a complete ruin and that he wants to sell them?»
«They are a ruin. Whether he wants to sell them, I do not know. One of Johanan’s men mentioned it to me. But I do not know whether it is certain.»
«If he should sell them… I would willingly buy them to have a refuge for You also in the middle of that nest of snakes.»
«I do not think that you will be successful. Johanan is ready to buy them.»
«We shall see… But go on. Who are the peasants? He scattered all the former servants.»
«Yes, he did. The present ones come from his land in Judaea, at least the old man, the boy’s relative, does. The boy was kept in a wood, like a wild animal, so that Doras could not see him… and he had been there since last winter…»
«Oh! poor boy! But why?» The women are all moved.
«Because his father and mother were buried under the landslide near Emmaus. The whole family: father, mother and his little brothers. He survived because he was not at home. They took him to the old father. But what could a peasant of Doras do? Isaac, also in this case, you spoke of Me as a saviour.»
«Was that wrong?» asks Isaac humbly.
«You did the right thing. God wanted it. The old man gave me the boy, who is to come of age in the next few days.»
«Oh! poor little thing! So tiny at twelve years of age?! My Judas was twice his size at that age… And Jesus? What a beautiful flower!» says Mary of Alphaeus.
And Salome: «Also my children were much stronger!»
Martha whispers: «He is really tiny! I thought he was not ten yet.»
«Eh! Hunger is a nasty thing. And he must have suffered from starvation since he was born. And now… What could the old man give him, if they are all dying of starvation there?» says Peter.
«Yes, he suffered a great deal. But he is good and intelligent. I took him to comfort both the old man and the boy.»

Keywords

GRM 202.4-5 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

Jesus turns around and goes towards the peasants who are in an ecstasy over Marjiam who is so changed. (...)
«Oh! Peace to you all. Isaac found you. I am glad. Enjoy your Passover in peace. My shepherds will be as many good brothers to you. Isaac, before they go away, bring them to see Me. I want to bless them once again. Have you seen the boy?»
«Oh! Master! How well he is! He is already much healthier! We will tell the old man. He will be so happy. This just man has told us that Jabez is now his son… It is a gift of Providence! We will tell him everything.»
«Also that I am a son of the Law. And that I am happy. And I always remember him. And he must not weep for me or for my mother. She is near me and she is near him like an angel and he will always have her, also in the hour of death, and if Jesus has already opened the gates of Heaven, well, then mummy will come to meet the old father and she will be more beautiful than an angel and will take him to Jesus. Jesus told me. Will you tell him? Will you be able to tell him properly?»
«Certainly, Jabez.»
«No. Now I am Marjiam. The Lord’s Mother gave me that name. It is as if you said Her name. She loves me so much. She puts me to bed in the evening and She makes me say the prayers which She made Her Child say. And She wakes me up with a kiss, She dresses me and teaches me many things. Also Jesus does. But they teach me so gently that I learn without any difficulty. My Master!!!» The child presses against Jesus with an attitude of adoration and love that is really moving.
«Yes, tell him everything, and also not to give up hope. This angel prays for him and I bless him. I bless you, too. Go. Peace be with you.»

Keywords

GRM 205.1 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

«John of Endor, come here with Me. I must speak to you» says Jesus looking out of the door.
The man hastens towards Jesus leaving the boy to whom he was explaining something. «What do You want to tell me, Master?» he asks.
«Come upstairs with Me.»
They go up to the terrace and they sit down in the most sheltered part, because the sun is already strong, although it is still morning. Jesus runs His eyes over the cultivated country, where day by day the corn is becoming golden and fruit is ripening on trees. He seems to be wishing to derive some thought from that vegetable metamorphosis.
«Listen, John. I think that Isaac is coming today to bring Me Johanan’s peasants before they leave. I told Lazarus to lend Isaac a wagon to quicken their return and thus avoid a delay which would cause them to be punished. And Lazarus has agreed, because he does everything I tell him. But I want something else from you. I have here a sum of money given to Me by a person for the poor of the Lord. Usually one of My apostles is responsible for keeping the money and giving alms. Generally it is Judas of Kerioth; sometimes one of the others. But Judas is not here. And I do not want the others to know what I want to do. I would not have told Judas either. You will do it, in My name…»
«I, my Lord?… I?… Oh! I am not worthy!…»
«You must accustom yourself to working in My name. Is that not why you came?»
«Yes, but I thought I had to work to rebuild my poor soul.»
«And I will give you the means. Against what did you sin? Against Mercy and Love. You demolished your soul by means of hatred. You will rebuild it through love and mercy. I will give you the material. I will make use of you especially for deeds of mercy and love. You are also capable of curing, and of speaking. So you are qualified to take care of physical and moral miseries and you are capable of doing it. You will start with this action. Here is the purse. You will give it to Micah and his friends. Divide it into equal parts. But divide it as I will tell you. Make ten parts and give four to Micah, one for himself and one each to Saul, Joel and Isaiah. Give the other six to Micah with instructions to give them to Jabez’ old father, for himself and his companions. They will thus be able to have some comfort.»
«All right. But what shall I tell them to justify it?»
«Say: “This is to remind you to pray for a soul that is redeeming itself” .»
«But they may think that it is I! It is not fair!»
«Why? Do you not want to redeem yourself?»
«It is not fair that they should think that I am the donor.»
«Never mind, do as I tell you.»
«I will obey… but at least let me give something as well. In any case… now I do not need anything anymore. I do not buy books and I have no poultry to feed. I am satisfied with very little. Take this, Master. I am keeping a minimum for my sandal expenses…» and from a purse attached to his belt he takes out some coins which he adds to Jesus’ money.
«May God bless you for your mercy…»

Annotation

I asked Lazarus to lend Isaac a chariot so they could get home faster. They mustn't be afraid of a delay that could bring them punishment. Yokhanan (Giocana) only gave them six days to get there and back for Passover. Cf. EMV 190.

I have here a sum given to me for the Lord's poor. Aglaé. Cf. EMV 200.

Keywords

GRM 206.1.7 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

Jesus is speaking in the presence of Johanan’s peasants, of Isaac and many disciples, of the women amongst whom there is the Blessed Virgin Mary and Martha, and of many people from Bethany. All the apostles are present. The boy, sitting in front of Jesus, does not miss one word. I think Jesus has just begun to speak because people are still arriving…
Jesus says: «… it is because of this sensation of fear that I realise is so sharp in you, that today I wish to tell you a sweet parable. Sweet for the men of goodwill, bitter for the others. But the latter can remove the bitterness. Let them become men of goodwill, and the reproach, provoked in their consciences by the parable, will no longer exist. (...)
[Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins.]
My dear disciples, I do not want you to be afraid of God, on the contrary I want you to have faith in His goodness. Both you who will remain here, and you who will be going away, must consider that, if you do what the wise virgins did, you will be invited not only to escort the Bridegroom, but like the virgin Esther, who became queen[3] in the place of Vashti, you will be chosen and elected to be brides, as the Bridegroom “found more approval and favour with you than with anybody else”. I bless you, who are about to go away. Take My words with you for yourselves and for your companions. May the peace of the Lord always be with you.»
Jesus goes near the peasants to say goodbye to them once more, but John of Endor whispers to him: «Master, Judas is here now…»
«It does not matter. Take them to the wagon and do as I told you.»
The people at the meeting slowly go away. Many talk to Lazarus… And Lazarus turns towards Jesus, Who after leaving the peasants was going towards him, and says: «Master, before leaving us, speak to us again… It is the desire of the hearts of the people of Bethany.»
«Night is falling. But it is placid and serene. If you wish to gather on the cut hay, I will be speaking to you before leaving this friendly town. Or we can meet tomorrow, at dawn. Because the hour of farewell has come.»
«Later! This evening!» they all shout.
«As you wish. Go now. I will speak to you half way through the first watch»…

Annotation

If you act like wise virgins, you will not only be called to escort the Bridegroom, but, like the young Esther, who became queen instead of Vashti, you will be chosen and elected as brides. Vashti - Vashti, "the beloved" in Persian. First wife of Ahasuerus (= Xerxes, 486-465), king of Persia, who repudiated her for refusing to attend a feast (Esther 2, 1-18). Esther is also mentioned in EMV 136.2 and EMV 414.1.

Keywords

GRM 206.9-10

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

«After the departure of our dear friends, who needed to be confirmed in the hope, or letter still, in the certainty that little knowledge is required to be admitted to the Kingdom, that only a minimum truth on which one’s goodwill may work is sufficient, I will now speak to you, who are much happier than they are, because you enjoy much more material comfort and you have greater help from the Word. Only by thought I can extend My love to them. Here, My love reaches you also through My word. Therefore, you are to be treated both here on the earth and in Heaven with greater strength, because more will be asked of those to whom more was given. They, the poor friends who are going back to their prison, have the least welfare, and, on the contrary, the greatest sorrow. Therefore, there are only promises of benignity for them, because anything else would be superfluous. I solemnly tell you that their lives are penance and holiness, and nothing else is to be imposed upon them. And I also solemnly tell you, that like wise virgins, they will not let their lamps go out until the hour they are called. Let them go out? No. The light of their lamps is the only good they possess. They cannot let it go out.
206.10
I solemnly tell you that as I am in the Father, so the poor are in God. That is why I, the Word of the Father, wanted to be born poor and to remain poor. Because amongst the poor I feel closer to the Father Who loves the least people and is loved by them with all their strength. The rich have many things. The poor have but God. The rich have friends. The poor are alone. The rich have many comforts. The poor have none. The rich have many distractions. The poor have but their work. Money makes everything easy for the rich. The poor also have the cross of having to be afraid of diseases and famine, because they mean starvation and death to them. But the poor have God. Their Friend. Their Comforter. He Who distracts them from their painful present by means of heavenly hope. He, to Whom man can say – and they know how to say it, because they are poor, humble, alone –: “Father, support us in Your mercy”.
What I say on this land of Lazarus, a friend of Mine and a friend of God although he is so rich, may seem strange. But Lazarus is an exception amongst the rich. Lazarus has been successful in achieving that most difficult virtue to be found on the earth, and even more difficult to be practised when it is recommended by other people. The virtue of freedom from wealth. Lazarus is just. He does not feel offended. He cannot be offended because he knows that he is the rich-poor man, and thus My concealed reproach does not affect him. Lazarus is just. And he knows that the world of great people is as I say. I therefore speak and say: I solemnly tell you that it is much easier for a poor man to be in God than it is for a rich one; and in the Heaven of My Father and yours, many seats will be occupied by those who on the earth were despised because they were the least amongst men, like trodden dust.
The poor keep in their hearts the pearls of the words of God. They are their only treasure. He who has only one precious thing, watches over it. He who has many, is bored and absent-minded, proud and sensual. That is why he does not admire with humble loving eyes the treasure given by God, and confuses it with other treasures, only apparently precious, treasures which are the riches of the earth and he thinks: “It is only out of kindness that I accept the words of one who is like me fleshwise!” and by means of strong flavours of sensuality he blunts his capability of savouring what is supernatural. Strong flavours!… Yes, very spicy to disguise their stench and their putrid flavour…

Detail

Jesus talks about the peasants of Yokhanan, who have nothing and are under the orders of a cruel master. From there, he teaches a lesson about poverty and freedom from wealth.

Annotation

Gospel of Luke 12:48

Lk 12, 48 : To whom much has been given, much will be required; to whom much has been entrusted, more will be demanded.