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Disciples of John the Baptist who follow Jesus

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GRM 121

The Gospel as revealed to me

Detail

At Belle-Eau, the apostles are restless, for Herod's brother-in-law, Manahen, has arrived to listen to the Master. But Jesus isn't there yet, and the Twelve are troubled by the lack of instructions from the Lord. An argument soon breaks out between Peter and Judas: Simon of Jonah doesn't want the Iscariot to approach Aglaia, and ends up telling Judas the truth. The other apostles intervene, as all this arguing is tiring Jesus, and both Jude and Philip report two episodes in which they caught Jesus crying. The future betrayer bursts into tears, and the Savior arrives in the meantime. Peter blames himself for being too hard on Judas, but Judas also admits he's no good. Jesus calms things down, assures them that Manahen wants to see him without any bad intentions, then sends the others away and talks to Judas. Jesus wants his disciple to examine himself and speak with his soul, the better to discern his faults, and Judas finally confesses that Christ is not righteous. In fact, the man from Keroth is jealous and Jesus puts the church back in the middle of the village. He reminds them that he has constantly defended them to the other apostles, and then Jesus takes his leave, as it is time for him to go and see the crowd waiting for him.

The Master gives a speech to La Belle-Eau on the commandment "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain". He returns to Israel's error, believing that pagans blaspheme when they pronounce the Name of God. But pagans have the right to seek the Lord. Jesus adds that even those who believe pronounce God's name in vain when their souls are unrepentant or hypocritical. We might then think that only little children have the right to call upon the Most High, but sinners can (and must) invoke Him when they want to be healed of their faults. Finally, Jesus concludes: "God's name is spoken 'in vain' if we do not try to change for the better".

There are no sick people, and when Christ realizes that Manahen is about to leave, after hesitating for a moment, he asks him if he has a place to sleep and if he has any food. The future disciple reveals that he doesn't, and Jesus invites him to La Belle-Eau.

GRM 121.1.3.5.9-10

The Gospel as revealed to me

Translation in progress

Keywords

GRM 127.3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Translation in progress

Keywords

GRM 176.1-2 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

Jesus has delayed somewhat up on the mountain during the night, so that at dawn He can be seen standing on the edge of an escarpment.

Peter, who sees Him, points Him out to his companions and they go up towards Him. «Master, why did You not come with us?» many of them ask.

«I needed to pray.»

«But You also need to rest very badly.»

«My friends, during the night a voice came from Heaven asking for prayers for the good and the wicked and also for Myself.»

«Why? Do You need it?»

«As much as anybody. My strength is nourished with prayer and My joy with doing what My Father wants. My Father told Me the names of two people and a sorrow for Myself. The three things He mentioned need prayer so much.» Jesus is very sad and He looks at His apostles with eyes which seem to be begging or asking for something. His eyes rest on one, then on another and at last on Judas Iscariot and Jesus stares at him.

The apostle notices it and asks: «Why do You look at me like that?»

«I was not looking at you. My eyes were contemplating something else…»

«That is?.»

«The nature of a disciple. All the good and all the evil that a disciple can do and give to his Master. I was thinking of the disciples of the Prophets and of John. And I was thinking of My own. And I was praying for John, for the disciples and for Myself…»

«You are sad and tired this morning, Master. Tell those who love You what Your trouble is» begs James of Zebedee.

«Yes, tell us, and if there is anything we can do to relieve Your grief, we will do it» says His cousin Judas.

Peter speaks to Bartholomew and Philip, but I do not understand what they say.

Jesus replies: «Be good, endeavour to be good and faithful. That is the only relief. There is no other one, Peter. Have you understood? Forget your suspicion. Love Me and love one another, do not allow those who hate Me to seduce you, above all love the will of God.»

«Eh! If everything is within its control, also our errors are within it» exclaims Thomas in a philosophical tone.

176.2

«Do you think so? But it is not so. But many people have woken up and are looking here. Let us go down and sanctify this holy day with the word of God.»