The Childhood of Jesus
The Gospel of James
Biographical Gospel of the Lord
- Chapter 229 -
A Memorable Morning Meal For Cyrenius
WHEN EVERYONE WAS at the table, quite tastily prepared fish were quickly served,
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and Cyrenius was greatly surprised that it had been possible for Joseph to obtain such a quantity of quite fresh fish so early in the morning.
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Hereupon Joseph pointed to the huge Jonathan and remarked somewhat jokingly,
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'See, when one has such a great fishing expert for a friend, one need not reach too far - and the fish are there.'
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At this Cyrenius smiled and agreed, 'Yes, you are indeed right.
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Truly, under such circumstances one can always have fresh fish, and that especially if one also has Someone in his house.'
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Hereupon Joseph lifted up his hands and fervently stated,
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'Yes, brother Cyrenius, especially Someone of whom we all will eternally never be worthy.
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May He bless this good morning meal for all of us, that it truly may strengthen us in our limbs and in our love to Him, the most Holy!'
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This exclamation of Joseph brought all the guests to tears, and all praised the great God in the still sleeping little Child.
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When the guests were done with their praise and began to eat of the fish, the little Child also awakened,
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and the good smell of the fish immediately told Him what was on the table.
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Hence He quickly got out of His low little bed, promptly ran over to the table quite naked to where Mary was and requested something to eat.
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Here Mary promptly took Him on her lap and said to James,
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'Go quickly and bring me a little shirt out of the side room.'
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And James quickly followed Mary's wish and brought a clean little shirt.
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But this time the little Child would not allow the little shirt to be put on Him.
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At this Mary became somewhat impatient and scolded, 'See, my little Child, it just is not proper to be naked at the table;
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therefore I shall be quite severe if You do not allow Yourself to be dressed!'
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Cyrenius, wholly moved to tears at the sight of the tender little Boy, said to Mary,
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'Oh dear, most charming mother, give me the little Boy, so I may once more thus quite naked fondle and caress Him!
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Who knows whether this infinitely great good fortune will come my way again in this world?'
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Here the little Child smiled at Cyrenius and immediately wanted to go to him.
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And Mary promptly gave Him over to Cyrenius, and he wept from joy and bliss as the healthy little Boy frolicked on his lap in a lively way.
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Hereupon Cyrenius asked Him which piece of the fish He would like to eat.
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And the little Child said in a wholly childlike manner, 'Give Me that white piece which has no fish-bone in it!'
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And Cyrenius quickly handed the little Child the best and whitest piece which He ate happily and leisurely.
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After He had satisfied His hunger, He stated, 'That was good! Now you dress Me!
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For when I am hungry, I want to eat first and only then wear a garment!' - Thereupon the little Child said no more and serenely let Cyrenius dress Him with the little shirt.