GRM 81.4-6
The Gospel as revealed to me
Quotation
«Yes, Herod dare not kill him for fear of the people and at his court, which is full of greed and corruption, it would be easy to free him if we had a lot of money. But, although there is quite a lot — because friends have given a lot — there is still a lot missing. And we are afraid we will not be in time… and he may be killed.»
«How much do you think you need for the ransom?»
«Not for his ransom, Lord. He is hated too much by Herodias and she has too much control of Herod, to think of the possibility of a ransom. But I think that all the greedy people of the kingdom have gathered at Machaerus. Everybody is anxious to have a good time and stand out, from the ministers down to the servants. And to do that, they need money… We have also found who would let the Baptist out for a large sum of money. Perhaps also Herod would prefer that… because he is afraid. Not for any other reason. He is afraid of the people and afraid of his wife. In that way, he could please the people, and his wife could not accuse him of disappointing her.»
«And how much does that person want?»
«Twenty silver talents. But we have only twelve and a half.»
81.5
«Judas, you said that those jewels are beautiful.»
«Yes, beautiful and valuable.»
«How much will they be worth? I think you are an expert.»
«Yes, I am a good judge. Why do You want to know how much they are worth, Master? Do You want to sell them? Why?»
«Perhaps… Tell Me: how much will they be worth?»
«At least six talents, if they are sold well.»
«Are you sure?»
«Yes, Master. The necklace by itself, so big and heavy, of the purest gold, is worth at least three talents. I have examined it carefully. And also the bracelets… I don’t know how Aglae’s thin wrists could hold them.»
«They were her shackles, Judas.»
«That’s true, Master… But so many would like to have such beautiful shackles!»
«Do you think so? Who?»
«Well… many people!»
«Yes, many who are human beings only by name… And do you know a possible buyer?»
«So, do You want to sell them? And is it for the Baptist? But look, it’s cursed gold!»
«Oh! Human inconsistency! You have just said with evident desire, that many people would love to have that gold, and then you say it is cursed?! Judas, Judas!… It is cursed indeed. But she said: “It will be sanctified if it is cursed for poor and holy people” and that is why she relinquished it, whoever benefits from it may pray for her poor soul which like the embryo of a future butterfly swells in the seed of her heart. Who is holier and poorer than the Baptist? He is equal to Elijah in his mission but greater than Elijah in holiness. He is poorer than I am. I have a Mother and a home… And when one has such things, and pure and holy as I have, one is never forlorn. He no longer has a home, and he has not even got the tomb of his mother. Everything has been violated and desecrated by human iniquity.
81.6
So who is the buyer?»
«There is one in Jericho and there are many in Jerusalem. But the one in Jericho!!! He is a shrewd Levantine gold-beater, a usurer, a middleman, a pander, he is certainly a thief, probably a killer, he is definitely persecuted by Rome. He has changed his name to Isaac, to be considered a Hebrew… But his real name is Diomedes. I know him very well…»
«Yes, we see that!» intervenes Simon Zealot, who speaks little, but notices everything. And he asks: «How come you know him so well?»
«Well,… you know… In order to please certain mighty friends. I went to see him… and did some business… You know… we of the Temple…»
«I know… you do all sorts of jobs» Simon ends with cold irony. Judas flares up, but keeps silent.
«Will he buy?» asks Jesus.
«I think so. He has plenty money. Of course, one must be skilful in selling because the Greek is shrewd and if he realizes he is dealing with an honest person, with a nestling dove, he plucks him mercilessly. But if he has to deal with a vulture like himself…»
«You ought to go, Judas. You are the right man. You are as sly as a fox and as raptorial as a vulture. Oh! Forgive me, Master. I spoke before You!» says Simon Zealot again.
«I am of the same opinion, and I will therefore tell Judas to go. John, you will go with him. We will meet again at sunset, and the meeting place will be the market square. Go. And do your best.»
Judas gets up at once. John’s eyes are imploring like a chastened puppy’s. But Jesus is speaking to the shepherds and does not notice John’s imploring look. And John sets out behind Judas.
«Will he buy?» asks Jesus.
«I think so. He has plenty money. Of course, one must be skilful in selling because the Greek is shrewd and if he realizes he is dealing with an honest person, with a nestling dove, he plucks him mercilessly. But if he has to deal with a vulture like himself…»
«You ought to go, Judas. You are the right man. You are as sly as a fox and as raptorial as a vulture. Oh! Forgive me, Master. I spoke before You!» says Simon Zealot again.
«I am of the same opinion, and I will therefore tell Judas to go. John, you will go with him. We will meet again at sunset, and the meeting place will be the market square. Go. And do your best.»
Judas gets up at once. John’s eyes are imploring like a chastened puppy’s. But Jesus is speaking to the shepherds and does not notice John’s imploring look. And John sets out behind Judas.
Detail
John is imprisoned by Herod. There is a way to free him by paying a certain sum. Jesus then mentions Aglae’s jewelry to Jesus, as described in EMV 79.