79.1 Jesus is walking with His disciples on a road along the torrent. The road is not really running along the torrent. The torrent is below; high above, on the side of the mountain, there is a twisting road, as can be normally found in mountain places. John is almost purple, laden like a porter, with a big heavy satchel. Judas is carrying Jesus’ bag and his own. Simon has only his bag and the mantles. Jesus is now wearing his own clothes and sandals. But Judas’ mother must have had His tunic washed, because it is no longer creased.
(...) He [Jesus] instead addresses John: «Your load is heavy and you are tired. Give it to Me.»
«No, Jesus, I am used to carrying weights and in any case… the thought of Isaac’s joy makes it light.»
79.3
They go round the hillock. Elias’ sheep are in the shade of the wood, on the other side. And the shepherds, sitting in the shade are watching them. When they see Jesus they start running.
«Peace to you. You are here?»
«We were worried about You… because of the delay… and we didn’t know whether to come and meet You or obey… then we decided to come this far… and thus obey Your instructions and satisfy our love at the same time. You have probably been here for many days.»
«We had to stay…»
«Nothing… wrong?»
«No, My friends, nothing. A faithful believer died on My breast. Nothing else.»
«What do you think should have happened, shepherd? When things are well arranged… Certainly one must know how to prepare them and also prepare hearts to receive them. My town paid every honour to Christ. Did they not, Master?»
«Yes, they did. Isaac, on our way back we called at Sarah’s. Also the town of Juttah, without any preparation other than its simple goodness and the truth of Isaac’s words, understood the essence of My doctrine and learned how to love with a holy, practical, unselfish love. She sent you some clothes and food, Isaac, and everybody wanted to add something to the alms you left on your bed, because you are now back in the world and you lack everything. Take this. I never take money. But I accepted this because it is purified by charity.»
«No,Master, You keep It. I… I am used to doing without it.»
«You will now have to go to the various villages to which I will send you. And you will need it. A workman is entitled to his pay, also if he deals with souls… because there is still a body to be nourished, as if it were a donkey helping its master. It is not much. But you will manage. John has some clothes and sandals in that bag. Joachim gave some of his own. They may be too big… but there is so much love in the gift!»
Isaac takes the bag and goes behind a bush to dress. He was still barefooted and was wearing his strange gown made from a blanket.