Skip to content

Notes for this theme

Near Lake Gennesaret (Lake Tiberias or Sea of Galilee)

Page 9 of 12

Reading comfort

Aa

GRM 178

The Gospel as revealed to me

Detail

Chapter title: Three men who want to follow Jesus.

Date of vision: Sunday, June 3, 1945

Calendar: Monday, February 21, 28 (8 Adar I 3788) according to maria-valtorta.org or Wednesday, March 1, 28 according to Valtorta.fr

Locations (map):Capernaum

Cycle: Apostolate in Galilee

Summary: Jesus makes his way with difficulty to the shore of Lake Tiberias, as the crowds hold him back. But Christ belongs to everyone, and many must have him. So he promises he'll be back. By the time he reaches Peter's boat, three men accost him. The first, having been won over by the Lord's words, promises to follow him. He asks what route he intends to take, and is not satisfied with Jesus' first answer - that he is taking the road to Heaven. When he asks in which houses he will stop, Jesus replies that the Son of Man has no place to lay his head, and the man understands that his home is everywhere. The Master then reminds us that we must be sacrificial, obedient, charitable to all, and heal the wounds of our brothers, without distancing ourselves from them because they are in the mud. His interlocutor asks him to try to follow his way, and Jesus actually encourages him to try.

The second man is challenged by the Savior. Christ urges him to follow, but Elijah has lost his father, and Jesus tells him to "let the dead bury their dead". He teaches that the mutilation of affections can serve to give wings to God's servant. As the man ponders, he has a little child pray aloud, and the youngster makes up his mind. Jesus supports him in his effort.

Finally, a third asks him to follow him after saying goodbye to his parents. But there's still too much humanity in him. He has to uproot the roots that are still too deep in the human, and if he can't, he has to pull them out. For to be a disciple, one must be totally free in spirit, and God is demanding. So you have to know how to carry your cross and put your hand to the plough without looking back. Jesus invites this person to work on himself before following him. Then the Master climbs into Peter's boat.

Chapter contents: 178.1: Jesus walks with difficulty through the crowd to the shore. 178.2: A scribe who hesitates to follow Jesus replies: Foxes have their dens, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head. 178.3: A young man makes up his mind, leaving the dead to bury the dead. 178.4 : A third man will come later: No one who has put his hand to the plough can look back at what he has left.

Previous edition: Tome 3, chapter 38

GRM 179

The Gospel as revealed to me

Detail

Chapter title: The parable of the sower. At Chorazeïn with Elijah, the new disciple.

Date of vision: Monday, June 4, 1945

Calendar: Monday, February 21, 28 (8 Adar I 3788) according to maria-valtorta.org or Wednesday, March 1, 28 according to Valtorta.fr

Locations (map):Bethsaida, then Chorazeïn. Jesus then returns to Bethsaida, to Peter's house.

Cycle: Apostolate in Galilee

Summary: Jesus gives a little dictation to explain why the city no longer appears to be on the shores of the lake, but inland. This is explained by the twenty centuries of alluvial deposits brought down by the river and the scree that came down from the Bethsaida hills. Then the vision begins, and Maria sees Jesus and the Twelve land in Bethsaida. They go to her house in Bethsaida, which is not her mother-in-law's in Capernaum. Porphyria is also there.

Peter is very happy, but very grumpy, because they're asking for the Master, and the apostle would like to have him all to himself. He finally confesses that he feels he has retained nothing of Jesus' teachings. When he hears him, he understands everything, but afterwards he remembers nothing, and thinks with terror of the moment when Christ will leave them. The other apostles back him up. Jesus then testifies that every word once planted a seed. A little later, he even evokes the future Pentecost and the eternal Spirit. In the meantime, he asks the apostolic group to take advantage of their private moment to question him, so that he can explain his Word to them. He then takes his leave, bowing to Porphyria to go and speak to those waiting for him.

Jesus then returns briefly to the three men who approached him, in EMV 178, saying that the one whose heart was truly prepared was the one who lost his father. Heroism explains strong spiritual preparation: the most prepared, whatever their caste or culture, come to the Savior with absolute readiness and faith; the least prepared observe Christ as something out of the ordinary; still others denigrate him with various accusations. The chosen people should welcome the Messiah, since they have been prepared by the prophets and see the Redeemer's miracles. But unfortunately, they fight against Him, and in the end it's the pagans who welcome Him. Because the Israelites are saturated with their own wisdom, and don't know how to welcome Christ's wisdom, by accepting what is necessary. The others have no anchor, but rather burdens of error and sin, which they willingly abandon. To explain the different fruits of the same labor, Jesus gives the Gospel parable of the sower.

Jesus then walks away with Peter. He then talks to Elijah of Capernaum, the man who did not bury his father. The latter tells of his mother weeping for her husband, and Jesus decides to go to Chorazeïn, where his new disciple's family is staying. On the way, they see Isaac the Adult, who preached Jesus to Elijah, and the Lord thanks him for his apostolate. He then urges Elijah's brothers to make peace with their younger brother, and their mother helps the Lord to do so. Then they all leave, and the young man follows his Savior.

Chapter contents: 179.1: Jesus comments on the situation in Bethsaida at the time. 179.2: Arrival at Peter's house: he regrets not having Jesus to himself. 179.3: He complains that he listens happily to what Jesus says, but retains nothing. 179.4: Riding in a boat, Jesus comments to the crowd on the varied welcome given to those who wanted to follow him. 179.5: The parable of the sower: the grain that fell on good soil. 179.6: The grain that fell on other kinds of soil. 179.7: Jesus walks towards the bereaved family of the new disciple, in Chorazeïn. 179.8: Jesus thanks Isaac of Chorazeïn, who informs Elijah that his mother has understood his departure. 179.9: Jesus prays at the tomb of Elijah's father. He justifies Elijah's conduct in returning with him to Bethsaida.

Old edition: Tome 3, chapter 39

GRM 179.1 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

Jesus says to me showing me the course of the Jordan, or rather, the mouth of the Jordan where it flows into Lake Tiberias, that is where the town of Bethsaida lies on the right bank of the river, with respect to those facing north: «The town nowadays no longer appears to be on the shore of the lake, but a little inland. And that puzzles scholars. The explanation is to be found in the earth that filled this part of the lake, as it was deposited there throughout twenty centuries by the river, by alluvia and landslides from the hills of Bethsaida. The town was then just at the mouth of the river and in fact the smaller boats, particularly in seasons rich in water, used to sail upstream, almost as far as Korazim; the river, however, was always used as a harbour and shelter for the boats of Bethsaida when the lake was very rough. I am not saying this for you, to whom it is of no interest, but for difficult doctors. And now go on.»

GRM 179.2 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

The boats of the apostles, after crossing the short stretch of the lake between Capernaum and Bethsaida, land in the latter town. Other boats have followed them and many people come off them to join the people of Bethsaida who have come to greet the Master. Jesus enters Peter’s house where his wife is staying once again. I suppose she has preferred to be alone rather than live with her mother who continuously grumbles about her husband.

Outside the crowds claim Jesus at the top of their voices, which disturbs Peter very much, so much so that he goes up to the roof terrace and harangues the citizens telling them that they ought to have respect and manners. He would like to enjoy the company of his Master for a little while, in peace, now that he has Him in his house, whereas he has neither the time nor the pleasure to offer Him some water and honey among the many things he asked his wife to offer. And he grumbles…

GRM 179.7-8.9 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

He then turns towards Peter and says: «Go up the river as far as you can and stop on the other side.» (...)

The rubbing of the boat on the pebbly river-bed causes the conversation to be interrupted to allow them to go ashore. The low hills of Bethsaida, which almost reach down to the lake, have come to an end here, instead a plain rich in crops extends from the shore, on the other side of Bethsaida, northwards.

«Are we going to Merom?» asks Peter.

«No, let us take this path among the fields.»

The lovely and well kept fields show ears of corn still tender but well formed, all of the same height; and, while lightly undulating in the cool northern breeze, they look like another small lake, the sails of which are the trees growing here and there full of whistling birds.

«These fields are not like the ones of the parable» remarks Jesus’ cousin James.

«Not really! The birds have not devastated them, there are no stone, no bramble. The corn is beautiful! In a month’s time it will be golden… and in two it will be ready for the sickle and the granary» says Judas of Kerioth.

«Master… I remind You of what You said in my house. You spoke so well. But I am beginning to have ideas in my head that are as confused as those ruffled clouds up there…» says Peter.

«This evening I will explain it to you. 179.8 Now we are in sight of Korazim.» And Jesus stares at the new disciple saying: «Much is given to those who give. And possessions do not deprive the gift of its merits. Take Me to the sepulchre of your family and to your mother’s house.»

The young man kneels down kissing Jesus’ hand and weeping.

«Get up. Let us go. My spirit has perceived your weeping. I want to fortify you in your heroism through My love.»

«Isaac the Elder had told me how good You were. Isaac, You know? You cured his daughter. He was my apostle. But I see that Your Kindness is much greater than I was told.»

«We shall call also on the Elder to thank him for giving Me a disciple.»

They reach Korazim and Isaac’s house is the first one they find.

(...) They stop first near the sepulchre and pray. After, through still semi-bare vineyards, they go to Elias’ house.

(...) They go on the road which takes them back to the river, and from there to Bethsaida.

Detail

Jesus has just finished preaching in Bethsaida. He is on the lake, with the young disciple who didn't go to his father's funeral, and speaks to Simon of Jonah.

Annotation

"Go up as high as you can and moor the boat on the other side. The first known Roman bridge on this stretch of the Jordan is in fact located 11/12 km further north(Jacob's Daughters Bridge). This bridge was destroyed in 1918.

The low hills of Bethsaida, which dip their noses into the lake, are no longer visible here, but a plain with rich harvests stretches along this bank opposite Bethsaida to the north. Correct: The plain northwest of Bethsaida is some 500m wide and 1 or 2 km long, then rises steadily to the west.

"Are we going to Merom ? We're taking this path through the fields." Merom is some 17km away, to the northwest, a 4-hour walk... Chorazeïn is barely 4km away, heading due west in a straight line from Bethsaida. Whenever possible, Jesus naturally takes the shortest route.

The fields, beautiful and well-tended, show their ears of corn, still tender but already formed. Consistent: 15 days later, Maria Valtorta remarked that they were "well formed"(EMV 190.1).

Beautiful wheat! Within a month, it will already be blond... and within two months, it will be ready to be mowed and stored. Correct: Harvest takes place at the end of April, beginning of May (according to Jean-François Lavère's chronology, we're at the end of February and the beginning of March). In 2 months' time, it's the episode of the stolen ears of corn on the Sabbath(EMV 217.3).

We've now arrived at Chorazeïn. That's right: coming from the north of Bethsaida, it's only at the last moment, after rounding the hill, that we can see Chorazeïn, located on the southern slope.

- Master... I remind you of what you said at my house. You spoke so well! But I'm starting to get clouds in my head as confused as they are up there. Jesus advised the apostles to ask him about his Word, so that he could explain it to them, in EMV 179.3.

When they arrive in Chorazeïn, Isaac's house is the first they see. This is Isaac the Adult, an old man from Chorazeïn whose daughter Jesus has healed.

They retrace their steps to the river, and from there to Bethsaida. Consistent: in the next chapter we discover that they spend the evening in Bethsaida. It only takes them 2h30 / 3h00 to make this round trip in the afternoon.

GRM 180

The Gospel as revealed to me

Detail

Chapter title: Discussion in Peter's kitchen in Bethsaida. Explanation of the parable of the sower. News of John the Baptist's second capture.

Date of vision: Thursday, June 7, 1945

Calendar: Monday, February 21, 28 (8 Adar I 3788) according to maria-valtorta.org or Wednesday, March 1, 28 according to Valtorta.fr

Locations (map):Bethsaida

Cycle: Apostolate in Galilee

Summary: The apostolic group has just had a hearty meal at Peter's house. Porphyria, who must have been preparing it all day, is tired but happy. The apostles discuss among themselves the pride of certain individuals, and Peter predicts that they will treacherously attack the Truth. Thomas wonders if they'll have the strength to resist, and Peter says he wouldn't have it on his own, but trusts in the Lord. Matthew and James of Alphaeus believe that the trial will be proportionate to their strength, and that God will increase theirs according to the battle to be waged. Simon the Zealot then gives his testimony, declaring that it was during his illness that he came to know God. Before that, his faith was nothing but formalism. When he was crushed, he knew how to demolish his ego and encounter the "immanent God above our earthly beings".

Judas rebounds from his statement, for it seems to him that Simon is speaking heresy. The Iscariot argues that we know God through the Law and the prophets, but Israel is more a son of the laws than a Son of the Law, according to Jude. Simon, for his part, explains that we need to have an image of God, with the essential qualities we attribute to the Most High. And the more the soul advances, the more it achieves an exact knowledge of God. Peter supports this, asserting that we then know not only his terrible majesty, but also his very gentle fatherhood. He concludes that we must imitate God as much as possible and be holy like the Father, which offends Judas, who sees it as pride.

Jesus then intervenes and repeats the phrase: "Be perfect as your Father is perfect". Porphyria is pleased with the compliment, and Peter asks for an explanation of the parable of the sower. Christ then prefaces by explaining that much is given to the apostles, for they must understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Twelve give everything to God, so God gives everything to them too. As for the others, the Lord speaks to them in parables, so that they may hear and understand the Word according to their willingness to adhere to God. For few of those who hear God adhere to Him: Israel's heart is closed. As for the prophets, they too returned to darkness after God had given them the light to understand the prophecies. But Jesus reiterates his promise that, even if Peter is unable to retain his word, the eternal Spirit will later enlighten him and his successors, "if they live by God as their only bread".

Now comes the explanation of the parable. There are honest men of good will, prepared "by their own work and that of an apostle". Their fields are fertile and the word of God prospers. Then there are the thorny fields: carelessness "has let penetrate the tangles of personal interests that choke the good seed. They have let themselves go and are no longer watched. There are still fields full of stones. They are "sons of laws", meaning they cultivate all human laws. They create a shell for divine law. The root is no longer nourished and cannot penetrate deep into the earth. They are enthusiastic when they hear the Word, but then they replace it with their human doctrines. It would take heroism to remove these stones. Finally, there are the virgin fields of all weeks are those of the selfish men of the world. "Comfort is their law, enjoyment their goal. Not to tire, to slumber, to laugh, to eat... The spirit of the world is king in them."

Jesus asks if they've understood, and soon after that, John arrives at Peter's house, in tears. Jesus immediately asks where his Mother is - for she was accompanying Zebedee's son - and John assures him that she is well, but he paradoxically tells him of John the Baptist's arrest. He has been betrayed by one of his disciples and caught by Herod. It's a thunderclap for the apostolic troupe, and John is afraid the same thing might happen to the Master. For the time being, Jesus calms him down, and although he controls himself, he suffers. So he goes off to pray, while the apostles are inflamed with anger and sadness. They now fear all things for the Lord and keep watch.

Chapter contents: 180.1: The apostles talk about the coming persecutions and God's support. 180.2: The Zealot talks about his conversion to God. 180.3: Discussion of the notion of an immanent God between the Zealot and Judas. 180.4: Jesus congratulates Peter and Simon the Zealot. 180.5: Why do you speak in parables? 180.6: Explanation of the parable of the sower. 180.7: John emerges dismayed to announce the capture of the Baptist by one of his disciples. 180.8: John fears the same will happen to Jesus. 180.9: The circumstances of the arrest. 180.10: Jesus goes out alone. The fearful apostles keep watch.

Previous edition: Tome 3, chapter 40

GRM 180.1 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

We are in Peter’s kitchen once again. The meal must have been a hearty one because dishes with leavings of meat, fish, cheese dried fruit and honey cakes are being piled up on a kind of cupboard, which reminds me of our Tuscan kneading troughs. Pitchers and chalices are still on the table.

Peter’s wife must have worked miracles to satisfy her husband, and she must have worked all day. Now, tired but happy, she is in her little corner listening to what her husband and the others are saying. She watches her Simon, who, as far as she is concerned, must be a great man, even if he is somewhat exacting, and when she hears him speak new words, whereas before he could only talk of boats, nets, fish and money, she begins to blink as if she were dazzled by a bright light. Peter, both because of his joy in having Jesus at his table and because of the hearty meal he has had, is in the best of spirits this evening, and the future Peter, preaching to the crowds, is disclosed.

GRM 180.7 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

«Have you understood? Have you any questions to ask? No? In that case we can go and rest and tomorrow we will leave for Capernaum. There is one place to which I must go before starting on My journey to Jerusalem for Passover.»

«Shall we go through Arimathea again?» asks the Iscariot.

«I am not sure. It depends on…»

There is a loud knocking at the door.

Detail

Jesus has just explained the parable of the sower to the disciples.

GRM 180.10 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

Dead silence follows John’s report. Jesus looks bloodless, His deep blue eyes are dimmed. He is standing with his head bowed, His hand still on John’s shoulder, and His hand is trembling lightly. No one dare speak. Jesus breaks the silence: «We shall go to Judaea following a different route. But I must go to Capernaum tomorrow. As early as possible. Rest now. I am going up to the olive-grove. I need to be alone.» And He goes out without saying anything else.

«He is certainly going to weep» whispers James of Alphaeus.

«Let us follow Him, brother» says Judas Thaddeus.

«No. Let Him weep. But let us go out quietly and keep watch. I fear tricks everywhere» replies the Zealot.

Detail

Jean-Baptiste has just been arrested and Jean breaks the news to the apostolic group.

GRM 181

The Gospel as revealed to me

Detail

Chapter title: The parable of the good grain and the tares.

Date of vision: Friday, June 8, 1945.

Calendar: Tuesday, February 22, 28 (9 Adar I 3788) according to maria-valtorta.org - Thursday, March 2, 28 according to Valtorta.fr

Location (map): Bethsaida

Cycle: Apostolate in Galilee

Summary: The apostolic group is on Lake Tiberias. Peter is suspicious of everyone since John the Baptist was arrested, and when he sees Simon the Pharisee's boat near Capernaum, he decides to change their destination. In spite of Jesus' remarks, they landed elsewhere. Peter left them to go to Capernaum, after which the rest of the group went to Chorazeïn, to the house of Elijah, the new disciple. There, Jesus heals a granddaughter who is probably jaundiced. But the crowd knows the Master is there, and he resigns himself to speaking despite his sadness at his cousin's arrest. Rest of summary to come.

Chapter contents: 181.1: Peter, suspicious, refuses to go to Capernaum. 181.2: Jesus goes to the home of Elijah, the new disciple. Healing of a little girl. 181.3: The parable of the good grain and the tares. 181.4: The general meaning of the parable. 181.5: Application to the apostles and disciples. 181.6: Application to the traitor and the saint. 181.7 : Man remains free.

Former edition: Volume 3, chapter 41