Other characters

Jesus lives in Nazareth. There had been a storm the day before. He goes to find his Mother and, after kissing her tenderly, asks her if her plants have suffered. But Peter is watching and is a real gardener. He is slightly reminiscent of Porphyria, but is valiant and tries not to slander his mother-in-law. In any case, Jesus confirms that he will come to Capernaum, and he is delighted. The other disciples arrive. Present are Simon of Jonah, John, Judas, Simon the Zealot, Thomas, Andrew, James, Philip and the shepherd Joseph. Jude Thaddaeus is also present, which was not the case in the previous chapter. In any case, Christ talks about apostolic formation, and makes comparisons with nature (storms, frozen ground in winter). He then focuses on Jude's suffering, as he watches Alpheus' behavior as he nears death. He speaks of the martyrdom of the family, of always knowing how to respond to God's call and putting the Lord before blood. Of course, the Master gives great importance to filial love, but the family must not be a brake on our ascent towards God.

James of Alphaeus joins Jesus in Capernaum, along with his brother Jude. He explains that the whole family is against them, and when he learned that God had to be put above his father, he made the decision to go and find the Holy One of God. The cousins have believed from the start that he is the Messiah. Jesus welcomes him. He suffers Alphaeus' rejection, but spiritually, as the Word of God, he rejoices in this decision.

Now they have to give the tax to Matthew. Peter speaks ill of him, and it's Jesus who introduces himself to the future disciple. They have a brief exchange. Then Christ makes a speech about money and repentance.

When he has finished, he is told that Mary of Alphaeus is present. She is devastated for her Alpheus, who rejects God. She asks him for a miracle, but the Lord won't grant it, because it's not good to do so. But he does promise eternal salvation for her Alpheus, and gives words of encouragement to her aunt.