Locations - Bethany

Jesus comes to Bethany. This is his first meeting with Lazarus. Lazarus soon confirms his faith in Christ, believing him to be the Messiah. A little later, the three men have a meal: Lazarus tells Simon that his house has been bought by someone anonymous (Matthew). The Zealot just wants his old servant to stay in his house, and the buyer has agreed. Lazarus then asks the Master whether he uses harsh words or words of mercy, and Jesus replies that he uses love. A brief mention of Olympus and the quicksand that bogs down the guilty, but a word of love can help them out. Lazarus then talks about his reading, as he reads Greek and Roman works to compare them with their Jewish books and see God's Doctrine in them. Jesus says there's no harm in reading his books, as long as the idea of God is not altered in him. He reminds us that every action is not sinful if we act holily.

Jesus returns to Bethany after the Feast of Tabernacles. He talks to Lazarus, who tells him about Joseph of Arimathea, as well as Nicodemus. The former wants to see him, and says that anyone who performs miracles has God with him. The second criticizes the presence of Judas in the apostolic group, because he's a chameleon. So the two friends discuss Iscariot, and then the vision ends.

Jesus goes to Bethany to face the hostility of the Pharisees. Lazarus gives him the land of Belle-Eau. In this chapter, we discover that the son of Theophilus intervened a great deal in secret, on behalf of Jesus and his friend Simon. The Lord speaks of his friend's spiritual goodness and promises that the Father has a great reward in store for him. He speaks of his future sanctification in Heaven, and by extension of the saints and blessed who will be there.

In Bethany, we celebrate the Feast of the Encenias - also known as the Feast of Light or the Feast of Dedication. It's Jesus' first birthday without his Mother. Christ wanders through the garden, listening to a nightingale. Then, after blessing the Father for this song, he spends some time with Simon, telling him about Heaven and the places there for the various saints and blessed. Then Martha arrives, grieving because Mary Magdalene has recently left, and she wanted to leave this "tomb" to return to her joys. They go to table and are joined by the shepherds from Bethlehem, which consoles Jesus for his Mother's absence. After the Lord has thanked Lazarus and Martha, being delicate enough to evoke Mary Magdalene and console Martha, they come to speak of the Infancy Gospel: from the Immaculate Conception, to his Presentation in the Temple, his betrothal to Joseph, the Nativity, the Flight into Egypt, the return to Galilee, the recovery in the Temple. Finally, Peter wants to remember all this, but is afraid he won't be able to: Matthew assures him he has a good memory and will tell him. Finally, Peter wishes to die while uttering the name of Jesus, and Jesus confirms that this will happen.