The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 1 · Chapter 140

Cyrenius' brotherly words to the penitent servant. His inclusion in the company. The envious servants and Cyrenius' response to them. 13 February 1844

01] As Cyrenius saw the immense gratitude and great repentance of this servant, he consoled him and spoke:

02] "Look, my new brother in the Lord, we human beings are all flawed before God, and God forgives us our mistakes when we recognize and repent them!

03] All the same, God is holy, while we all are great sinners before him!

04] However, if the Holy One forgives, why should we sinners not forgive each other for our mistakes?

05] As long as a man has not sunk to the level of a veritable Fury, God's mercy remains on him;

06] however, if a man on earth has become a complete devil, then God takes away His mercy from him and hands him over to the tribunal of hell!

07] That is why the twenty men who had bribed you were torn to pieces by the lions, – for they were already devils!

08] You, however, have been spared, as you were only misled, and blind, and did not know what you were doing!

09] The Lord God has not taken away his mercy from you and has opened your eyes, so that you yourself could come to a full realization of the sin you have committed.

10] You have recognized the sin and repented of it, and God has forgiven your sin!

11] And so I too forgive you the transgression against me and consequently make you my friend and a brother in the Lord!

12] I therefore raise you and lead you to my most holy and exalted company.

13] Hence be optimistic and follow me, so that you are blessed by my noble friends to become a true brother to me!"

14] This magnificent speech of Cyrenius had the best effect on the traitorous servant.

15] It comforted and strengthened the servant, who got up, dissolved into tears and followed Cyrenius towards the company.

16] As he reached there, Joseph immediately raised his hand and blessed the servant, and merely said: "The Lord be with you!"

17] Then Cyrenius immediately ordered brilliant and magnificent garments to be brought and put on the servant,

18] and immediately dignified him with an honorific title and gave him a brotherly kiss.

19] Then Cyrenius called the entire domestic staff together and presented this new brother to them and ordered them to obey him.

20] However, the servants spoke: "What sort of impartial judge are you that you elevate the traitor, but degrade us, who have always shown you the utmost loyalty?!"

21] "Does it trouble you", spoke Cyrenius' "if I am good-hearted and merciful? – Whom among you have I ever denied anything? And yet none of you has ever risked his life for

my sake!

22] However, this man was always the least among you and risked his life for me; through his deed I am free of my enemies! Does he therefore not deserve this status?"

23] Here the servants fell silent and again went about their business and were satisfied with this reply.

24] However, one of the heavenly youths spoke: "This is exactly what will happen in the Kingdom of God one day; there will be more joy over a penitent sinner than over ninety- nine very righteous persons, who have never sinned!" – –