When they reach a crossroads, where four dusty roads meet, Jesus resolutely takes the one in a north-east direction.
«Are we going back to Capernaum?» asks Peter.
Jesus replies: «No.» Just: no.
«We are going to Tiberias, then» insists Peter, who is anxious to know.»
«Not there either.»
«But this road takes one to the Sea of Galilee… and Tiberias Capernaum are there…»
«And there is also Magdala» says Jesus with a half-serious expression to satisfy Peter’s curiosity.
«Magdala? Oh!…» Peter is somewhat scandalised, which makes me think that the town is ill-famed.
«Yes, to Magdala. Do you consider yourself too honest to enter that town? Peter, Peter!… For My sake you will have to enter not towns of pleasure but real brothels… Christ did not come to save those who are already saved, but those who are Lost… and you shall be “Peter”, or Rock, not Simon, for that purpose. Are you afraid of becoming contaminated? No! Not even this one, see (and He points at the very young John) will suffer any harm. Because he does not want, as you do not want, as your brother and John’s brother do not want, as none of you, for the time being, wants. As long as one does not want, no harm is done. But one must not want resolutely and perseveringly. You will obtain will-power and perseverance from the Father, by praying with sincere intentions. Not all of you will be able to pray thus, in future… What are you saying, Judas? Do not be too self-confident. I, Who am the Christ, constantly pray to have strength against Satan. Are you better than I am? Pride is the opening through which Satan penetrates. Be vigilant and humble, Judas. Matthew, since you are familiar with this place, tell Me: is it better to go to the town this way, or is there another road?»
«It depends, Master. If You want to go to the area of Magdala where fishermen and poor people live, this is the road. But — I do not think this is the case. I am telling You to give You a complete answer — if You want to go where the rich people are, then in about one hundred yards, You have to leave this road and take another one, because their houses are approximately in this direction and it is necessary to go back…»
«We will go back because I want to go to the residential area of the wealthy people. What did you say, Judas?»
«Nothing, Master. It is the second time that You ask me in a very short time. But I have never spoken.»
«Not with your lips, no. But you have spoken, grumbling in your heart. You have grumbled with your guest: your heart. It is not necessary to have an interlocutor in order to speak. We say many words to ourselves… But we must not moan or calumniate, not even with our own ego.»