He then turns towards Peter and says: «Go up the river as far as you can and stop on the other side.» And while the two boats sail a short distance up the river and then stop near the bank, Jesus sits down and asks the new disciple: «Who is left at home now?»
«My mother and the eldest brother, who has been married for five years. My sisters are in various parts of the region. My father was very good and my mother mourns his death broken-heartedly.» The young man stops all of a sudden, stifling heartfelt sobs.
Jesus grabs his hand and says: «I experienced that sorrow Myself and I saw My Mother weep. So I can understand…»
The rubbing of the boat on the pebbly river-bed causes the conversation to be interrupted to allow them to go ashore. The low hills of Bethsaida, which almost reach down to the lake, have come to an end here, instead a plain rich in crops extends from the shore, on the other side of Bethsaida, northwards.
«Are we going to Merom?» asks Peter.
«No, let us take this path among the fields.»
The lovely and well kept fields show ears of corn still tender but well formed, all of the same height; and, while lightly undulating in the cool northern breeze, they look like another small lake, the sails of which are the trees growing here and there full of whistling birds.
«These fields are not like the ones of the parable» remarks Jesus’ cousin James.
«Not really! The birds have not devastated them, there are no stone, no bramble. The corn is beautiful! In a month’s time it will be golden… and in two it will be ready for the sickle and the granary» says Judas of Kerioth.
«Master… I remind You of what You said in my house. You spoke so well. But I am beginning to have ideas in my head that are as confused as those ruffled clouds up there…» says Peter.
«This evening I will explain it to you.
179.8
Now we are in sight of Korazim.» And Jesus stares at the new disciple saying: «Much is given to those who give. And possessions do not deprive the gift of its merits. Take Me to the sepulchre of your family and to your mother’s house.»
The young man kneels down kissing Jesus’ hand and weeping.
«Get up. Let us go. My spirit has perceived your weeping. I want to fortify you in your heroism through My love.»
«Isaac the Elder had told me how good You were. Isaac, You know? You cured his daughter. He was my apostle. But I see that Your Kindness is much greater than I was told.»
«We shall call also on the Elder to thank him for giving Me a disciple.»
They reach Korazim and Isaac’s house is the first one they find. The old man, who is on his way back home, when he sees Jesus with His apostles and the young man from Korazim among them, raises his arms, holding his walking stick in his hand, and is speechless and dumbfounded. Jesus smiles and His smile gives speech back to the old man.
«May God bless You, Master! Why so much honour to me?»
«To say “Thanks” to you.»
«But what for, my God? I have to say that word to You. Come in. Oh! I am sorry that my daughter is absent, assisting her mother-in-law. Because she got married, You know? I have received nothing but blessings after I met You! After she was cured that rich relative of ours came from far away, a widower, with the little ones needing a mother… Oh! But I have already told You all that! My head is old! Forgive me!»
«Your head is wise and forgets to be proud of the good it does for its Master. To forget the good done is wisdom. It shows humility and trust in God.»
«But I… I would not know…»
«And this disciple… have I not had him through you?»
«Oh!… But I have done nothing, You know? I only told him the truth… and I am happy that Elias is with You.» He turns towards Elias and says: «Your mother, after the first moment of astonishment, was relieved when she heard that you were with the Master. The last honours rendered to your father were really solemn. He has not been long buried.»
«And what about my brother?»
«He is quiet… you know… he was rather upset by your absence… because of the village people… He still has that mentality…»
The young man turns to Jesus: «You said so. But I would not like him to be dead… Let him become alive as I am, and at Your service.»
The others do not understand and they look at one another inquisitively, but Jesus replies: «Do not despair, but persevere.» He blesses Isaac and goes away, notwithstanding he entreats Him to stay.
179.9
They stop first near the sepulchre and pray. After, through still semi-bare vineyards, they go to Elias’ house.
The meeting of the two brothers is rather a cold one. The elder feels offended and wants people to notice it. The younger feels guilty from a human point of view and does not react. But the arrival of their mother, who without saying anything prostrates herself and kisses the hem of Jesus’ tunic, brightens the atmosphere and their spirits. And they want to honour the Master But Jesus does not accept anything, He only says: «Let your heart be just, one towards the other, as just was he whom you are mourning. Do not give a human sense to what is super-human: death and the election to a mission. The soul of your just father was not upset seeing that this son was not present at the burial of his body, but it rested quietly on the certainty of Elias’ future. Do not let worldly thoughts disturb the grace of the election. If the world was surprised at not seeing him near his father’s coffin, the angels exulted seeing him beside the Messiah. Be just. And may that comfort you mother. You brought him up wisely and he has been called by Wisdom. I bless you all. Peace be with you now and always.»
They go on the road which takes them back to the river, and from there to Bethsaida. Elias did not delay even for one moment on the threshold of his father’s house. After kissing his mother goodbye, he followed the Master with the simplicity of a child who follows his real father.