The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 2 · Chapter 244

Joseph's active charity. A real consolation in times of serious trouble. An evening visit and dinner at Jonathan's. 2 July 1844

01] Joseph was busy with the distribution until sunset

02] and instructed those without a shelter where they could spend the night;

03] for only a few dared to sleep in the city, partly because of the heavy smell of smoke,

04] and partly because of the uncertainty; because one still had to fear that the fire would catch some of the still unaffected houses.

05] When Joseph had finished his work, he secretly asked the Infant, whether it would now be safe to leave the house and go to Jonathan.

06] And the Infant spoke: "Why do you care about the house and its content?

07] The house, as well as its contents, belongs not to us but to the one who bought it.

08] Therefore just let us go to Jonathan, who surely has prepared some good fish for us!"

09] And Joseph spoke: "Of course, you are right;

10] but consider that we have a chest full of gold and silver, and cows, goats and donkeys!

11] Could these not be looted by our very many guests?"

12] And the Infant spoke: "Joseph, that is beyond Me now!

13] Talk about it with James, who understands these things much better than I do!" –

14] And Joseph promptly asked James the same question.

15] And James spoke: "Father, – Even if we would lose everything, but the Lord would remain with us, what would we have really lost then? –

16] Now the Lord walks with us to Jonathan's; what then should we fear to lose here in the governor's house?!

17] Let the whole world be stolen from you and keep the Lord, and you have more than if all the heavens and the earths were your useful property!

18] And so go, you honest man, without fear or worry, with the Lord to Jonathan, and you will be convinced, that we will not lose anything!"

19] These words of the Lord out of James' mouth calmed Joseph so much, that he immediately set off with his whole company for Jonathan's house.

20] There Joseph's arrival was already eagerly awaited by all.

21] And when they saw him, they ran towards him like children to their father, with Cyrenius also among them.

22] And as soon as Joseph and his family were thus accompanied into Jonathan's house, the well-prepared fish was quickly served and all had their dinner.