Philistia region

Chapter Title: The Disciples’ Unfaithfulness in the Parable of the Dandelion.

Date of the vision: Thursday, July 12, 1945

Calendar: Saturday, May 6, 28

Locations (map): Near Ashkelon

Cycle: Apostolate in Philistia

Summary: The apostles are walking across a sun-drenched plain. Before delving into the vision itself, Maria describes the seasons and their differences, as well as the variety of times and places. Just as the scent of dawn is not like that of noon, the scent of the shores is not comparable to the scent of storms or the sea. In this way, the Creator has imbued each of the things He created with its own distinctive character. Maria then returns to the vision and notes that the apostolic group is sweating profusely because it is so hot. They are thirsty and wish there were a stream, or that they were in the mountains or even on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus then encourages them, saying that they will soon reach the seashore and that the weather will be cooler there. Apparently, they were not welcomed in the previous village, where they would have had shade, water, and a place to rest.

Soon, Thomas admits he is hungry, and both Simon the Zealot and Jesus are willing to share their rations. They eat, and shortly afterward, the former leper and friend of Lazarus finds a thin trickle of water where they can come to drink and fill their water bottles. Then, exhausted, they doze off against a tree. Seeing the disciples like this, Jesus shakes his head and explains to Simon the Zealot that one day they will be glad to have walked in the scorching heat, exhausted and thirsty, following their persecuted Master. When the apostle points out that they are happy to follow him this way, Jesus replies that Simon the Zealot is always happy, yes, but not necessarily the others, and he gives the example of a dandelion. He blows on it and explains that very few of the seed heads reach its heart, and that even later, some still break away from it. The same will be true of the disciples: some will leave out of restlessness, others out of fickleness, sluggishness, pride, or frivolity.

Shortly afterward, Simon confesses to him that he cannot bring himself to love Judas and asks if he seems sincere to him. Jesus does not answer him right away and instead watches the dragonflies intently at the water’s edge. Faced with Simon’s insistence, he responds in a veiled manner.

Chapter Contents: 216 .1: Maria Valtorta dwells on describing the variety of scents and the beauty of the universe. 216.2: The apostles make their way under the sun, torn between hospitality, hunger, and thirst. The Zealot discovers a trickle of water. 216.3: Jesus speaks with the Zealot and compares the faithfulness of his disciples to a dandelion seed that scatters. 216.4: Jesus responds obliquely to his thoughts about Judas.

Old edition: Volume 3, Chapter 78

Chapter Title: Various Encounters in Ashqelôn (Ascalon), a City of Philistia

Date of the vision: Saturday, July 14, 1945

Calendar: Sunday, May 7, 28 (25 Lyar or Ziv 3788)

Locations (map): Ashqêlon (Ascalon)

Cycle: Apostolate in Philistia

Summary: The apostles wake up there and set out again. They arrive at a shoreline, and John is mesmerized by the sea. The apostles ask which way to enter Ashqêlon, and Jesus says he knows the way. The disciples then ask if he has been there before, and he answers in the affirmative; however, he was far too young to remember it. James, son of Zebedee, then points out that Christ never takes the wrong path, and this is not the first time he has noticed this.

They continue on to a small rural village where market gardeners live. Since they are hungry, Thomas bargains hard with one of them to get some eggs, and he ends up getting two dozen. They then go to speak with another market gardener who is said to have some bread. The old man ignores them at first, but Peter eventually gets a reaction by mentioning Samson, the biblical figure, and Simon of Jonah finally says that he is a Christian, that he belongs to Christ, the Messiah and King of Israel who will conquer “the whole world and even hell.” This piques the man’s curiosity, and he invites them to come closer. His slaves, two African women named Anibé and Nubi, come to serve them, and they eat together. Old Ananias explains where the women are from and asks how Jesus will achieve his victory. Jesus then explains that he wants to give us the Kingdom of Heaven, even to him, a Philistine. The man is intrigued by the concept of the eternal soul, which is also revealed to Anibé and Nubi. Jesus also promises him that the wife and son he has lost are not dead, for the soul survives. The market gardener eventually offers them lodging, and the group of apostles leaves him to go into town. Jesus sends the apostles out to preach, while he himself takes a walk alone in Ascalon.

There he meets Alexander, a child who had been expelled from class for being disruptive. After obtaining the child’s promise to stop misbehaving—and especially to stop making wooden puppets that mock the synagogue leader—Jesus goes with him to his parents’ store. There he meets his mother, and poor Dina, another child whose mother is very ill. The little girl lost her father at sea, and since he had been employed by Alexander’s parents, they have looked after her as best they could. But Dina’s mother is dying of an incurable illness. So Jesus asks her to take him to her home, and on the way, she says that if she knew where the Messiah was, she would believe in him and ask him for a miracle. Jesus smiles at her profession of faith, and when they reach the dying woman, he reveals his true identity and heals the mother. He then takes his leave of this poor family from Asqêlon.

Chapter Contents: 218.1: On the way, along the shore, toward the city already in sight. 218.2: At the market, Thomas bargains for eggs with a Philistine. 218.3: Peter asks the Philistine Ananias for bread and speaks to him about the Messiah. 218.4: Ananias invites Jesus and his companions to stay for a meal. 218.5: Jesus speaks to him about the Kingdom for all, even the Philistines, and about his soul. 218.6: Jesus sends the apostles out to preach in four groups. Alone, he turns away a prostitute but welcomes the children. 218.7: He goes with little Alexander, who tells him the story of little Dina. Jesus is given a disrespectful puppet. 218.8: He admires the rugs at the factory and the mother’s kindness. 218.9: He speaks to little Dina about the Messiah, and she leads him to her home. 218.10: There, he heals her dying mother.

Old edition: Volume 3, Chapter 80

Christ knows exactly where he is going during his public ministry, and James, son of Zebedee, points this out to him.