Who are the apostles?

Chapter title: Discourse at Guerguesa (Gerghesa) on sincerity in faith. The response on fasting to the disciples of John the Baptist.

Date of vision: Wednesday, May 9, 1945

Calendar: Monday, January 24, 28 (9 Scébat 3788).

Location (map): Guerguesa

Cycle: The female apostolate

Summary: Jesus speaks to Guerguesa. He sees the sincere thoughts of the inhabitants, but he also tells them that human thought is very changeable. After giving a speech based on the Book of Joshua, the Master affirms that he is the Cornerstone and invites souls to come to him. He gives a lesson on faith. Then John the Baptist's disciples ask him questions, particularly about his association with the Romans. They want to understand sincerely what motivates him to approach the Gentiles, and Jesus replies that he takes no advantage of them, but wishes to bring them to the Lord God. Finally, they ask him why his apostles don't fast, and Jesus replies that you don't put new wine into old wineskins.

Chapter contents: 159.1: Discourse: Human thought is changeable. 159.2: Hypocritical or mixed professions of faith. 159.3: I want the miracle of your sanctification. 159.4 : Dialogue on the association of Gentiles (pagans) with the disciples of John the Baptist. 159.5 : Answer on the appropriateness of fasting. 159.6 : No one puts new wine into old wineskins. 159.7 : Later you will come to Me.

Old edition: Tome 3, chapter 19.

Jesus is on the road from Naphtali to Giscala. His disciples tell him that Gamaliel is there, and Jesus decides to go and meet him, despite the fact that some of the apostles are unconvinced. The rabbi is surprised, but not hostile to the Lord, whom he greets very respectfully. He points out that the road is tiring, but Jesus says that if you receive him, if you listen to him, all tiredness disappears.

Gamaliel then offers to eat with him, and he chats with Christ. After talking about the Forerunner, he points out that Jesus is always wandering, and Jesus replies that this confuses those who hate him, but that the good come to him anyway. Gamaliel points out that he doesn't hate him, that his intelligence admires Jesus of Nazareth. However, his soul is weighed down by too many things, and the Savior encourages him not to wait for his last words before converting.

The two men make some progress together, coming to talk about Jesus' love for animals and the lessons he draws from Creation. Then they talk about Hillel, as they are going to pray at his tomb. Gamaliel is surprised that the Messiah should know the thoughts of this deceased rabbi, and Jesus asserts that his thoughts were not unknown to him, for he "knows nothing of the thoughts of men". He then states that he is the Word, and speaks very clearly of the Holy Trinity.

Jesus arrives in Capernaum with the disciples. They go to a fountain, and John gives the Master a drink. Simon Peter, who has gone to take some fish home, comes running and warns that the grandson of Elijah the Pharisee has been bitten by a snake: the boy is now dying. The grandfather is out of his mind and begs the Master to come and heal him. In fact, after asking Peter to take him home, he himself arrives to implore Jesus' kindness. Jesus comforts him and goes to save the child, sucking on the bite, as if to draw out the poison. The child is saved, but when he wakes up, he remembers the seprent and is frightened. Christ reassures him, and Elisha declares that he likes him, even though his grandfather told him to call him "cursed". Elijah reacts immediately and, of course, claims he never said that.

Jesus leaves, bidding farewell to the stricken family, and Judas reproaches him for not having performed a brilliant miracle. The Lord then replies that, had he done so, Elijah would have accused him of having been helped by Beelzebub, and he further affirms that the miracle "brings to both those who are already on this road". When you don't have humility, miracles drive people to blasphemy, so it was better to act simply. As for having helped his enemy, Jesus replies that he is Goodness itself, and none of his adversaries will be able to say that he was vindictive and provocative towards them.