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Who are the apostles?

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GRM 56.6

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

« (...) And you, who are hiding shyly in the shade, come here. Do not be afriad.»
«My Lord!» The ex-leper is at Jesus’ feet.
«Stand up. Your name?»
«Simon.»
«Your family?»
«My Lord… it was powerful… I was powerful too… But bitter sectarian hatred… and errors of youth damaged its power. My father… Oh! I must speak against him who caused me to shed so many earthly tears! You see, You saw the gift he gave me.»
«Was he a leper?»
«He was not. Neither was I. But he suffered from another disease which we in Israel associate with various forms of leprosy. He…. his caste was then triumphant, he lived and died as a powerful man, at home. I… if You had not saved me, I would have died in the valley of sepulchres.»
«Are you alone?»
«Yes, I am. I have a faithful servant who looks after what property is left. I sent word to him.»
«And your mother?»
«She… is dead.» The man seems embarrassed.
Jesus looks at him attentively. «Simon, you asked me: “What shall I do for You?” Now I say to you: “Follow Me”.»
«I will, at once, my Lord… But… But I… let me tell You one thing. I am, I was called “Zealot” because of the caste, and “Cananean”, because of my mother. See. I am of a dark complexion. In my veins there is the blood of a slave woman. My father had no children from his wife, and he had me from a slave. His wife was a good woman and she brought me up as her own son, she took care of me in my endless illnesses until she died…»
«There are no slaves or freemen in the eyes of God. There is only one slavery in His eyes: sin. And I have come to abolish it. I am calling everybody, because the Kingdom is of all men. Are you a learned man?»
«Yes, I am. I also had my position amongst the important people, as long as my disease was hidden under my clothes. But when it spread to my face… My enemies then could not believe they were at last able to confine me amongst the “dead”, although a Roman doctor of Caesarea, when I consulted him, told me that mine was not real leprosy, but hereditary serpigo, which I would spread only by procreation. Is it possible for me not to curse my father?»
«You must not curse him. He has caused you all sorts of trouble…»
«Yes, he did! He was a squanderer, a vicious, cruel, heartless man without any love. He deprived me of my health, he denied me love and peace, he branded me with a shameful name and with a disease which is a mark of infamy… He wanted everything for himself, even his son’s future. He deprived me of everything, also of the joy of being a father.»
«That is why I say to you: “Follow Me”. As My follower you will find father and children. Look up, Simon. There, the True Father is smiling at you. Look at the wide world, at the continents, at the countries: there are children and children everywhere; children of the souls for the childless. They are waiting for you, and many like you are also waiting. There are no foundlings under My Sign. There is no solitude, no difference in My Sign. It is a sign of love, and it gives love.

Keywords

GRM 56.7

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

56.7 Come, My childless Simon. Come, Judas, who are losing your father for My sake. I join you in the same destiny.»
«They are both beside Him. He is holding His hands on their shoulders as if He were taking possession of them and imposing a common yoke on them. He then says: «And I unite you together. But now I will separate you. Simon, you will stay here with Thomas. You will prepare with him the way for My return: I will be back soon, and I want the people to be waiting for Me. Tell the sick people that He Who can cure their illnesses is about to come here: you can certainly tell them that. Tell those who are waiting, that the Messiah is among His people. Tell the sinners that He Who forgives has come to give them strength to rise…»
«Will we be able to do that?»
«Yes, you will. All you have to say is: “He has come. He calls you. He is waiting for you. He has come to grant you graces. Come here to see Him”, and to these words add a report of what you know. And you, Judas, My cousin, come with Me and these. But you will stay at Nazareth.»
«Why, Jesus?»
«Because you must prepare My way in My fatherland. Do you think it is a small mission? I can tell you that there is not a harder one…» Jesus sighs.
«And will I succeed?»
«You will and you will not. But it will be sufficient to be justified.»
«Justified of what? And with whom?»
«With God. With your fatherland. With your family. They will not be able to reproach us, because we offered good things: and if the fatherland and the family will disdain our offer, we shall not be blamed for their loss.»

Keywords

GRM 56.7

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

«And what about us?»
«You, Peter? You will go back to your fishing nets.»
«Why?»
«Because I will teach you slowly and I will take you with Me, when I find that you are ready.»
«But will we see You, then?»
«Certainly. I will often come to see you, or I will send for you when I am at Capernaum. Now, let us say goodbye, My friends and let us go. I bless you, who are staying here. May My peace be with you.»
And the vision ends.

Detail

Jesus gives instructions to Andrew, Jude of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot. Peter then speaks up for those who remain: himself, Andrew, James and John of Zebedee, Philip and Bartholomew.

Keywords

GRM 57

The Gospel as revealed to me

Detail

Jesus arrives in Nazareth with his apostles. He invites his disciples to accompany him home to meet his Mother. On his arrival, Christ is greeted by a flock of children. He responds to their greetings, then arrives at his home. His Mother is naturally happy to see him, but she is also anxious, because her relatives have told her what he did in the Temple. After their reunion, the disciples get to know him (except John, who has already met her) and they all sit down at table. Mary of Alphaeus is present in the house, and Jude tells her of his decision to follow Jesus. She is delighted, and the group shares anecdotes about Jesus' life. The vision ends.

Keywords

GRM 57.1

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

57.1 Jesus is near Nazareth with His cousin and the six disciples. From the top of the hill where they are, the white village can be seen amongst the green of the trees, with its houses scattered up and down the sweetly undulating slopes, gently declining in some cases, more steep in others.
«Here we are, My friends. That is My house. My Mother is at home because there is smoke rising from the house. Perhaps She is baking. I will not ask you to stay with Me, because I imagine you will be anxious to go to your homes. But if you wish to share My bread with Me and meet My Mother, Whom John has already met, then I say to You: “Come”.»
The six disciples, who were already sad because of the impending separation, are all happy again and they accept the invitation wholeheartedly.
«Let us go, then.»
They go down the hillock quickly and take to the main road. It is evening. It is still warm, but the shades of evening are falling over the country, where the crops are beginning to ripen.
They go into the village. Women are coming and going from the fountain, men standing on the thresholds of their little workshops or working in the kitchen gardens wave to Jesus and James.

Detail

Jesus invites the disciples to meet his Mother for the first time (except John, who already knows her).

Keywords

GRM 57.3.4

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

57.3 He then says: «Well, see? I am here, but I am not alone. I have My first disciples with Me, and the other ones are in Judaea. Also My cousin Judas is with Me and follows Me…»
«Judas?»
«Yes, Judas. I know why You are surprised. Among those who told You what happened, there certainly was Alphaeus with his sons, and I am not mistaken if I tell You that they criticised Me. But do not be afraid. Today it is so, tomorrow it will be different. A man is to be cultivated like the soil, and where there are thorns, there will be roses. Judas, of whom You are so fond, is already with Me.»
«Where is he now?»
«Outside with the others. Have You got enough bread for everybody?»
«Yes, Son. Mary of Alphaeus is taking it out of the oven just now. Mary is very good to Me, particularly now.»
«God will give her glory.» He goes to the door and calls: «Judas! Your mother is here! Come in, My friends!
(...) 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.

Detail

Jesus has found his Mother. He listens, then it's his turn to speak.

Keywords

GRM 57.3-6

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

«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.

Detail

Mary has a discussion with Peter and gives advice similar to that of Cana: "Do whatever he tells you".

Keywords

GRM 57.6

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

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. (...)

Detail

John's resemblance to Jesus.

Keywords

GRM 58.3-5

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

58.3 Jesus asks His apostle: «Will you have a good haul?»
«The weather is right. The water is calm, it will be clear moonlight. The fish will come to the surface from the bottom and my net will drag them.»
«Are we going by ourselves?»
«Oh! Master! How could we manage by ourselves with this type of net.»
«I have never gone fishing and I expect to be taught by you.» Jesus goes down very slowly towards the lake and He stops near the boat, on the coarse, pebbly sands.
«See, Master: this is what we do. I go out beside the boat of James of Zebedee, and we go thus to the right point, both boats together. Then we lower the net. We hold one end. You said You wanted to hold it.»
«Yes, if you tell Me what I have to do.»
«Oh! You only have to watch it going down. It must be lowered slowly without making any knots. Very slowly, because we will be in a fishing area, and any harsh movement may drive the fish away. Without knots, otherwise the net would close up, whereas it must open like a bag, or if You prefer so, like a veil blown by the wind. Then, when the net is fully lowered, we will row gently, or we may set sail, according to circumstances, forming a semicircle on the lake. And when we understand by the vibration of the safety peg that the haul is good, we head for the shore. When we are almost on the shore — not before to avoid running the risk of losing all the fish; not after, to avoid damaging both the fish and net on the stones — we will haul in the net. At this point we must be very careful, because the boats must be so close as to allow one boat to catch the end of the net from the other one, but they must not collide, to avoid crushing the netful of fish.
58.4 Please, Master, be careful, it is our daily bread. Keep an eye on the net, that jolts may not overturn it. The fish fight for their freedom with strong strokes of their tails, and if there is a lot of them… You will understand… They are small things, but if ten, one hundred, a thousand get together, they become as strong as Leviathan.»
«The same happens with sins, Peter. After all, one fault is not irreparable. But if one is not careful in controlling oneself, and one adds fault to fault, at the end a little fault, perhaps a single omission, or a simple weakness, becomes bigger and bigger, it becomes a habit, it becomes a capital vice. At times one starts with a lustful glance and ends up by committing adultery. At times, while simply lacking charity when speaking to a relative, one ends up by doing violence to one’s neighbour. Never, never allow faults to increase in seriousness and in numbers, if you wish to avoid trouble! They become dangerous and overbearing like the infernal Snake himself, and they will drag you down into Gehenna.»
«What You say is right, Master… But we are so weak!»
«Care and prayer are necessary to become strong and obtain help, together with a strong will not to sin. And you must have full trust in the loving justice of the Father.»
«Do You think He will not be too severe with poor Simon?»
«He might have been severe with the old Simon. But with My Peter, with the new man, the man of His Christ… no, Peter, He will not. He loves you and will love you.»
«And what about me?»
«You, too, Andrew; and John, James, Philip and Nathanael as well. You are the first chosen by Me.»
58.5 «Will there be any more? There is Your cousin, and in Judaea…»
«Oh! There will be many more. My Kingdom is open to all mankind and I solemnly tell you that My haul, in the nights of centuries, will be more plentiful than your richest one… Because every century is one night in which not the pure light of Orion or of the sailing moon will be the guide and light of mankind, but the word of Christ and the Grace He will bestow; a night that will become the dawn of a day with no sunset and of a light in which all the faithful will live, and will be the dawn of a sunshine that will make all the chosen resplendent, beautiful, happy forever even like gods. Minor gods, children of God the Father and like Me… It is not possible for you to understand now. But I solemnly tell you that your Christian life will cause you to resemble your Master, and you will shine in Heaven with His signs. So, notwithstanding the envious malice of Satan and the weak will of men, My haul will be more plentiful than yours.»
«But shall we be Your only apostles?»
«Are you jealous, Peter? No, don’t be! Others will come and in My heart there will be love for everybody. Don’t be greedy, Peter. You do not yet know Who loves you. Have you ever counted the stars? Or the stones in the depth of the lake? No, you could not. And even less you would be able to count the loving throbs of which My heart is capable. Have you ever been able to count how many times this lake kisses the shore with its waves in the course of twelve moons? No, you would never be able to do so. And even less you would be able to count the loving waves that My heart pours out to kiss men. Be sure of My love, Peter.»
Peter takes Jesus’ hand and kisses it. He is deeply moved.
Andrew looks, but does not dare take Jesus’ hand. But Jesus caressing his hair with His hand says: «I love you very much, too. In the hour of your dawn, without having to lift your eyes, you will see your Jesus reflected in the vault of heaven, and He will be smiling at you to say to you: “I love you. Come”, and your passing away at dawn will be sweeter than entering a nuptial room…»

Detail

Andrew comes to the fore in 58.5, but is present throughout Jesus' teaching.

Keywords

GRM 58.4

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

«He might have been severe with the old Simon. But with My Peter, with the new man, the man of His Christ… no, Peter, He will not. He loves you and will love you.»
«And what about me?»
«You, too, Andrew; and John, James, Philip and Nathanael as well. You are the first chosen by Me.»

Detail

Peter asks if the Father won't be too harsh on poor Simon. Jesus replies: