The Childhood of Jesus
The Gospel of James
Biographical Gospel of the Lord
- Chapter 86 -
The World Occasions No Loss For The Godly
WHEN THEY entered the dining room, Cyrenius asked Joseph, 'My very dear friend, see, a good thought has just come into my heart and my mind.
2
What do you think concerning the matter which we discussed outside and in which you undoubtedly gave me the best and most assuring advice - would it not be conducive toward putting my soul completely at ease
3
if I were to ask the three here present priests for their opinion?'
4
Joseph replied, 'If my counsel still does not satisfy you - you are the master here and can do what you please to ease your mind,
5
although I am of the opinion that not much is to be gained from these priests here as long as they hold me to be Uranus or Saturn and the Baby for the himself rejuvenating Zeus.
6
When you accordingly ask them about that which concerns you, they will manifestly refer you to me and to the Baby.'
7
When Cyrenius heard this from Joseph, he desisted from his wish and then said,
8
'Now I see it all clearly, my feelings are completely at ease and I can confidently dedicate my time to the business of state again.
9
Evening is already here, so I shall return to the city with my attendants,
10
but tomorrow afternoon I shall be with you again. And if I need any advice from you before that I shall ask you to come to me still before noon.'
11
Joseph now blessed Cyrenius and Maronius, whereupon Cyrenius went to the cradle and very gently kissed the sleeping Baby,
12
then arose and with tears in his eyes went on his way.
13
On the way he looked back at least a few hundred times toward the villa which was now worth more to him than all the treasures of the world.
14
Joseph also sent one blessing after the other after Cyrenius as long as he could still discover any trace of his party.
15
When nothing more was to be seen of Cyrenius, Joseph went back into the house and there to Mary, who just then - as was usual for her about this time - was deeply engrossed in prayer to God.
16
But as soon as she noticed Joseph at her side, she arose and said, 'Dear husband, truly, this day has totally upset me. The world, the world, it holds no gain for man!'
17
And Joseph said, 'My faithful wife, you are right, but I believe that as long as the Lord is with us, then we will not lose anything in the world either! So be of good cheer. Tomorrow the same old sun will again rise for us new and glorious: To the Lord alone be the glory forever! Amen!