Notes for this theme
GRM 83.4
«You are crying, Master? Why? May I come near You?» Simon’s expression is one of astonishment and sorrow. He is definitely not a handsome man. In addition to his disfigured features and his dark olive complexion, he bears the deep bluish marks of the scars caused by his disease. But his glance is so gentle that his ugliness disappears.
«Come, Simon, My friend.»
GRM 84
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.
GRM 84.1-3
Jesus and Simon are walking along a little road which departs from the main one at a sharp angle like a V. They are going towards magnificent orchards and fields of flax as tall as a man, almost ready to be cut. Other fields, farther away, show only large bright red spots of poppies amongst the yellow stubble.
«We are already in the property of my friend. You can see, Master, that the distance was within the prescription of the Law. I would never take the liberty of deceiving You. Behind that apple-orchard there is the garden wall and the house. I made You come along this short cut to be within the prescribed mile.»
«Your friend is very wealthy!»
«Yes, very. But he is not happy. He owns property elsewhere.»
«Is he a Pharisee?»
«His father was not. He… is very observant. I told You: a true Israelite.»
They walk a little farther. There is a high wall, and beyond it, trees and trees, with the house just emerging through them. There is a rise in the ground here, which, however, does not allow one to see the garden, so vast that we would call it a park.
They go round the corner. The wall runs level and from its top entwined branches of roses and sweet smelling jasmins hang, splendid in their dewy corollas.
84.2 There is the heavy wrought-iron gate. Simon knocks with the heavy bronze knocker.
«It is too early to go in, Simon» remarks Jesus.
«Oh! My friend gets up at sunrise, as he finds comfort only in his garden or in books. Night is a torture for him. Please do not delay further to give him Your joy.»
A servant opens the gate.
«Good moming, Aseus. Tell your master that Simon Zealot has come with his Friend.»
The servant runs away after letting them in, saying: «Your servant greets you. Come in, Lazarus’ house is open to his friends.»
Simon, who is familiar with the place, does not go to the central path, but he turns along a path running in the direction of a jasmin bower between rose hedges.
Shortly afterwards Lazarus comes forward from the bower. He is thin and pale, as I have always seen him, and tall; his short hair is neither thick nor curly, while his little sparse beard is confined to the lower part of his chin. He is wearing a snow white linen garment, and walks with difficulty like one suffering from leg trouble.
When he sees Simon he waves his hand affectionately and then, as best as he can, he runs towards Jesus and throws himself on his knees, bending down to the ground to kiss the hem of Jesus’ tunic, saying: «I am not worthy of so much honour. But since Your holiness stoops to my misery, come, my Lord, come in and be the Master in my poor house.»
«Rise, My friend. And receive My peace.»
Lazarus gets up and kisses Jesus’ hands and looks at Him with veneration not devoid of curiosity. They walk towards the house.
«How anxiously have I waited for You, Master! Every morning, at dawn, I would say: “He will come today”, and every evening I said: “I have not seen Him today, either”.»
«Why were you expecting Me so anxiously?»
«Because…
84.3 whom are we in Israel expecting, but You?»
«And do you believe that I am the Expected One?»
«Simon has never lied, neither is he a boy that gets excited over nothing. Age and sorrow have made him as mature as a wise man. In any case… even if he had not recognised Your true nature, Your deeds would have spoken and said that You are a “Saint”. He who accomplishes the deeds of God, must be a man of God. And You accomplish them. And You do things in a way that says how truly You are the Man of God. My friend came to You because of the fame of Your miracles and he received a miracle. And I know that Your way is strewn with miracles. Why, then, not believe that You are the Expected One? Oh! It is so sweet to believe what is good!
GRM 84.4-5
Translation in progress
GRM 85.1-2
Translation in progress
GRM 85.3-5
Translation in progress
GRM 86.1
Translation in progress
GRM 86.3
GRM 87
Levi, Joseph and the shepherds are undoubtedly present in this chapter, but they hardly intervene. Isaac affirms that the best are the humble and the little ones of Yutta. There is indeed a lot of resistance to evangelization: yet the shepherd wants to continue his work of discipleship. He teaches Judas a lesson: don't get discouraged, don't look back. Say thank you to God if you've succeeded in doing something today; if not, ask for his help tomorrow. Jesus goes on to say that the most important thing is to keep moving forward, without becoming weary or discouraged, which is already a form of pride. Judas then asks when he will be known in the world, and Jesus explains that he never will be, because the world doesn't want to be saved. For now, the Iscariot seeks to be good. Jesus then gives his blessing to Isaac, who will evangelize Judea, and so leaves the group.
GRM 88.1
Translation in progress