Virtues and human characteristics of Jesus Christ

In his discourse, Jesus speaks of the First Book of the Maccabees, with the Feast of Dedication. He invites us to follow the basis of the Law to sanctify ourselves, i.e. the Decalogue. Then he explains that we must purify ourselves (with repentance), put God in our hearts and have a new altar, knowing that Christ prays with us to the Father and that we shouldn't be afraid to approach him. Once he's finished, he talks to Peter, who regrets not knowing how to speak, but Jesus confirms his spiritual primacy. His apostle also asks if he can have a son, but Jesus tells him no: rather, his Vicar will have thousands of spiritual children. The Master also assures him that he will be able to speak when the time comes, and sends him off to sell a precious ring.

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.