James of Alphaeus (apostle)

In EMV 129, a Roman presents himself with his possessed brother. He has made a long journey to see the Master and have his brother cured. This deserves reward, but Christ doesn't stop there: he also tells him about the soul, about Galen, a Roman philosopher, and literally conquers the Roman's soul. Then he heals his possessed brother. Next, Jesus comments on a passage from the Second Book of Kings and says that he comes for everyone. He even states that by doing so, he was able to enlighten two souls who will go home to proclaim the Lord. The Master speaks briefly about the soul and the fact that the Savior came for the Gentiles too. The two Romans then leave. Aglaia weeps, and Jesus sends Peter to give her a message: "May homelands pass away, but Heaven abide."

Jesus teaches us not to steal and not to envy others. In particular, he looks back at the origins of envy, with Lucifer, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel. The Lord also enjoins us to be as simple as birds, to trust in God and His Providence. At the request of others, he speaks of Herod's sin and prostitution. Then he heals an almost-blind man.

Jesus talks to Andrew. He tells him about the birds and then talks about his silent, effective work. Andrew is the ideal model of a priest. Then John, Simon and Judas, who have gone to Jerusalem, return with a letter from Mary, Jesus' mother. They learn that the Pharisees are planning to come here, surprise him and accuse him. The apostles are not yet ready to confront the Sanhedrin and ask Christ to leave. They finally open the gifts made by the disciples' wives. But Jesus is preoccupied, suffering, and decides to hasten their departure, as he is not yet to be taken. So they prepare their belongings to go to Docco, and then to Bethany.

In Bethany, we celebrate the Feast of the Encenias - also known as the Feast of Light or the Feast of Dedication. It's Jesus' first birthday without his Mother. Christ wanders through the garden, listening to a nightingale. Then, after blessing the Father for this song, he spends some time with Simon, telling him about Heaven and the places there for the various saints and blessed. Then Martha arrives, grieving because Mary Magdalene has recently left, and she wanted to leave this "tomb" to return to her joys. They go to table and are joined by the shepherds from Bethlehem, which consoles Jesus for his Mother's absence. After the Lord has thanked Lazarus and Martha, being delicate enough to evoke Mary Magdalene and console Martha, they come to speak of the Infancy Gospel: from the Immaculate Conception, to his Presentation in the Temple, his betrothal to Joseph, the Nativity, the Flight into Egypt, the return to Galilee, the recovery in the Temple. Finally, Peter wants to remember all this, but is afraid he won't be able to: Matthew assures him he has a good memory and will tell him. Finally, Peter wishes to die while uttering the name of Jesus, and Jesus confirms that this will happen.

Jesus returns to La Belle-Eau. He sends Judas to make the most urgent purchases. André talks to the Master, to confide in him his suffering: the veiled woman, Aglaia, is no longer there, because the Pharisees have attacked her. He fears that she will not reach salvation, but Christ assures him that she is not dead and that she will be saved. The Lord asks him if he wants to know how this will happen, and André doesn't want to know: he's just satisfied with Christ's words and promise. His Master is then happy and says that this is the privilege of the true apostle, who must not seek to know how he saves souls. In this way, Jesus teaches a lesson about priests. Then Jesus asks about Aglaia, so Andrew explains what happened. The Pharisees attacked her in their absence, and she fled. Judas returns in the meantime and reveals that the Pharisees have set a trap. He interrupted a scribe who was insulting Jesus, then remembered that violence was not good and let him go. Peter was very pleased with his attitude and would have helped him, but the vengeful attitude of the Twelve did not please the Master, who rebuked them. He announces that he is going to confront the Pharisees, which indeed takes place. He asks them not to fight against him, the Word of God, but the group prefers to curse them and orders him to leave. So Jesus leaves tomorrow, after greeting the good people who are here.