Maria Valtorta's work

Jesus is in Jericho. He teaches children to be kind to animals and not to be unkind to them. Next, Judas returns with John from his meeting with Diomedes, the buyer of Aglaia's jewels. He tells of his ruse, how he made John look like a young fiancé, how he made him believe he wanted to buy jewelry similar to Aglaia's so that the merchant would give his price. Then he told her he didn't want to buy, but to sell, and he managed to get twelve talents, which is considerable. But the apostle lied... Jesus warned him not to do it again, and gave all the money to John the Baptist's disciples.

Jesus is in the countryside. He is talking to a peasant who confides the good he gets from listening to Jesus (it's exactly the same for us who read the Work). Jesus talks about God's blessing, and about suffering, about how it is atonement and grace. Then John leaves, and Judas asks to go to Jerusalem to meet a friend. Jesus is disheartened by Judas, and weeps quietly in a bushy grove. He prays. Finally, he is joined by Simon the Zealot, who guesses his pain. They talk about Judas... And Simon also expresses his desire for him to meet Lazarus.

Jesus comes to Bethany. This is his first meeting with Lazarus. Lazarus soon confirms his faith in Christ, believing him to be the Messiah. A little later, the three men have a meal: Lazarus tells Simon that his house has been bought by someone anonymous (Matthew). The Zealot just wants his old servant to stay in his house, and the buyer has agreed. Lazarus then asks the Master whether he uses harsh words or words of mercy, and Jesus replies that he uses love. A brief mention of Olympus and the quicksand that bogs down the guilty, but a word of love can help them out. Lazarus then talks about his reading, as he reads Greek and Roman works to compare them with their Jewish books and see God's Doctrine in them. Jesus says there's no harm in reading his books, as long as the idea of God is not altered in him. He reminds us that every action is not sinful if we act holily.

Jesus goes up to the Temple in Jerusalem with Simon the Zealot to pray to the Father. He has no intention of preaching there. Slight reference to the Shepherds of Bethlehem. Jesus plans what they're going to do: go to Jonah, go to Nazareth, then to Capernaum. They will also meet up with the other disciples. They talk about the soul, then about beautiful Galilee, Nazareth and Mary. Judas preaches to men in the Temple. Simon repents for thinking badly of him in EMV 83. The two men then go to meet John at the Olive grove in Gethsemane. There, he has met Annalia's mother, Elise, and encouraged her to come and see Jesus, as her daughter is very ill.

Jesus is at the Gate of Pisces, where he is to meet Judas and the shepherds (Isaac, Levi, Joseph). He meets the soldier Alexander, who invites him to calm the Jews. Jesus makes a short speech to his brothers in the faith. Afterwards, he continues to talk with Alexander: among other things, they discuss the soul. Then Judas and the shepherds arrive. Annalia, who has been healed, also arrives to bless the Savior, and after saying a few words to her, the Lord lets her go. Finally, Judas speaks to her. He is discouraged, so Jesus encourages him and says that defeats are normal in the apostolate, but then everything turns into victory. Finally, he speaks to the Shepherds, and so it ends.

Levi, Joseph and the shepherds are undoubtedly present in this chapter, but they hardly intervene. Isaac affirms that the best are the humble and the little ones of Yutta. There is indeed a lot of resistance to evangelization: yet the shepherd wants to continue his work of discipleship. He teaches Judas a lesson: don't get discouraged, don't look back. Say thank you to God if you've succeeded in doing something today; if not, ask for his help tomorrow. Jesus goes on to say that the most important thing is to keep moving forward, without becoming weary or discouraged, which is already a form of pride. Judas then asks when he will be known in the world, and Jesus explains that he never will be, because the world doesn't want to be saved. For now, the Iscariot seeks to be good. Jesus then gives his blessing to Isaac, who will evangelize Judea, and so leaves the group.

Levi, Joseph and the shepherds are with Jesus, along with John, Simon the Zealot and Judas. They arrive at the plain of Esdrelon. While Levi goes ahead to warn Jonah, Jesus remains alone with John. The beloved declares that he prefers his boat to the harsh torments inflicted by Doras, and Jesus, half-joking, asks him if he really prefers his boat. John impulsively replies that Christ prefers it, because he is Love on Earth. Jesus then takes the time to explain to him that Love is hungry for love, and that few men will know how to love God as they should. Loving is what John is all about, and the Lord takes the example of the wheat that gives itself to all, feeding its brothers and sisters. At the end of this sweet conversation, Jonah arrives. The mistreated shepherd is delighted to find his Master. They talk about Mary, then Doras' abuse. Jesuis encourages him to stay in his place, to continue sanctifying himself and others. He will be able to continue evangelizing among the poor. Finally, the Lord goes to see the other workers of Doras with his faithful friend.