The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 1 · Chapter 44

Joseph with the Holy Family in the new home. Cyrenius as a guest. Joseph's and Mary's gratitude. 13 October 1843

01] When Cyrenius arrived at the newly bought villa together with Joseph and his family, Joseph said to Cyrenius:

02] "Noble friend, this is what I like; an unpretentious villa, a decent fruit orchard full of dates, figs, pomegranates, oranges, apples and pears, cherries,

03] grapes, almonds, melons and a lot of vegetables! And next to it a meadow and three cornfields that are surely part of it!

04] Indeed, I don't want anything shiny and ostentatious, but this practically designed villa, which is very similar to my leased property at Nazareth in Judea, I would like to either rent or buy!"

05] At this moment Cyrenius pulled out the ownership paper and handed it over to Joseph with the words:

06] "May the Lord, your and now also my God, bless it for you! With this I hand over to you the tax-free, full ownership of this villa!

07] Everything you see enclosed by thick bushes and a palisade fence belongs to this villa! Behind this residential building there is a spacious stable for donkeys and cows! You will find two cows; donkeys you have anyway enough for your own needs.

08] If you would like to return to your native country after some time you may sell this property and buy yourself something somewhere else!

09] In one word – you, my great friend are now in full possession of this villa and can do with it whatever you like.

10] But I myself shall stay here today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow so that Herod's wicked messengers will have to wait for me even longer!

11] And only for this short time will I make use of this villa out of my great love for you!

12] I would only need to say one word and the whole palace of the emperor would be at my disposal, – first of all, because I hold the emperor's full authoritative power,

13] and secondly because I am a close relative of the emperor!

14] But I avoid this out of respect and love for you, but especially for the Child whom I consider without question to be the son of the highest God!"

15] Joseph was so moved about this gesture that he could not talk but only weep in gratitude.

16] Mary hardly fared better, but she regained her composure faster, went to Cyrenius and expressed her gratitude by placing the Child in Cyrenius' arms. And Cyrenius, utterly moved, spoke: "Great God and Lord, is a sinner worthy enough, to carry You in his hands? – So then be gracious and merciful to me!"