«Come in, My friends!»
They go in and greet Jesus’ Mother. Judas kisses Her and then runs looking for his mother.
Jesus introduces the five disciples indicating their names: Peter, Andrew, James, Nathanael, Philip; because John, who has already met Mary, spoke to Her immediately after Judas, bowing down to Her and receiving Her blessing.
57.4 Mary greets them and asks them to sit down. She is the landlady and although adoring Her Jesus with Her glances — Her soul seems to be speaking to Her Son through Her eyes — She takes care of Her guests. She would like to bring some water to refresh them, but Peter objects: «No, Woman. I cannot allow that. Please sit near Your Son, Holy Mother. I will go, we will all go into the kitchen garden to refresh ourselves.»
Mary of Alphaeus rushes in, flushed and covered with flour, she greets Jesus Who blesses her, she then leads the six men into the kitchen garden, to the fountain, and comes back happy. «Oh! Mary!» she says to the Virgin. «Judas told me. How happy I am! For Judas and for You, my dear sister-in-law. I know that the others will scold me. But it does not matter. I will be happy the day I know that they are all for Jesus. We are mothers and we know… we feel what is good for our children. And I feel that You, Jesus, are the wealth of my children.»
Jesus caresses her head and smiles at her.
The disciples come back in and Mary of Alphaeus serves them sweet-smelling bread, olives and cheese. She then brings a small amphora of red wine, which Jesus pours out to his friends. It is always Jesus Who offers and then hands things out.
57.5 At first the disciples are somewhat embarrassed, then they become more sure of themselves and they speak about their houses, of the journey to Jerusalem, of the miracles worked by Jesus. They are full of zeal and affection and Peter endeavours to form an alliance with Mary in order to be taken by Jesus at once, without having to wait at Bethsaida.
«Do what He tells you» urges Mary, with a gentle smile. «The wait will be more useful to you than an immediate union. Whatever My Jesus does is always well done.»
Peter’s hope vanishes. But he submits with good grace. He only asks: «Will it be a long wait?»
Jesus smiles at him, but does not say anything.
Mary interprets Jesus’ smile as a favourable sign and She explains: «Simon of Jonas, He is smiling… I therefore say to you: as fast as a swallow’s flight over the lake will be the time of your obedient waiting.»
«Thank You, Woman.»
57.6 «Have you nothing to say, Judas? And you, John?»
«I am looking at You, Mary.»
«And I.»
«I am also looking at you… and do you know? This reminds Me of bygone days. Also then I had three pairs of eyes staring at Me lovingly. Do you remember, Mary, My three pupils?»
«Oh! I do remember! You are quite right! And even now, three of almost the same age, are looking at You with all their love. And I think that John is like Jesus, as Jesus was then, so fair and rosy, the youngest of them all.»
The others are anxious to know more… and memories and stories of the past are awakened and related. It is growing dark.
«My friends, I have no bedrooms. But the workshop where I used to work is over there. If you wish to take shelter there… But there is nothing but benches in it.»
«A comfortable bed for fishermen, used to sleeping on narrow boards. Thank You, Master. It is an honour and a blessing to sleep under Your roof.»
They withdraw after saying goodnight. Judas also goes home with his mother.
Jesus and Mary are left in the room, sitting on the chest, in the light of the little oil lamp, each with one arm round the other’s shoulder, and Jesus tells Mary of His recent journey. And Mary listens blissful, anxious, happy.
The vision ends in this way.