The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 2 · Chapter 250

Joseph returns home with Jonathan. The house is found empty and ransacked. Joseph gets very angry about this. A memorable statement by the Infant. 10 July 1844

01] And Jonathan now took ten of the best fish and handed them over to his cook for immediate preparation.

02] Then he helped his assistants with putting the fish partly in casks and partly in the smokehouse.

03] Within a quarter of an hour, the fish was prepared and all of Joseph's relatives went for the morning meal.

04] When they had finished the meal, it was almost noon already, and Joseph spoke:

05] "But now it is time for us to go home!

06] And you, brother Jonathan shall accompany me and stay with me today!"

07] And Jonathan spoke, his heart full of joy:

08] "O brother! – That is what I like to do most; for you know my infinite and boundless love for you!"

09] Then Jonathan again took three large casks of the best fish and went, together with Joseph and his family, in a most cheerful mood to the villa.

10] On arrival, they were astonished to find none of the people who had lost their houses in the fire,

11] and the house was totally empty and all the rooms were left open.

12] While looking at his house, Joseph said: "That is not a good sign;

13] for this is the work of thieves! – Only they are the sort that escapes after robbing a house, while the honest man stays!

14] Please, my sons, go inside and check whether there is anything left in the house and then come and tell me!"

15] And the four sons went and examined the house and found it completely looted except for the cattle in the stable.

16] The pantry was also empty and there was not a penny in the money box.

17] When the four sons saw all this, they became very sad and went back and told Joseph everything.

18] Upon hearing this, Joseph became very angry about the wickedness of men, repaying their beneficiaries with such gratitude!

19] And he spoke full of wrath: "Truly, if it would be in my power to punish such disgraceful people, I would have had fire rain from heaven on the head of such thieves!"

20] At this moment the Infant went to Joseph and spoke: "Look – father Joseph, you are in a bad mood today!

21] The thieves have still left Me to you; how could you be so angry with them?

22] Look, the thieves have actually done a great service to your house by cleaning it so thoroughly!

23] For truly, wherever a house (the heart of man) is not going to be cleaned like that in the future, I will not move in!

24] This house is cleaned now from all the impurities of the world and it pleases Me well!

25] For in the first place, it is open in all its rooms and drawers,

26] and secondly, it is completely purified and therefore quite suited for Me to move in! – Therefore do not be angry at the thieves, so that their sins may not become greater!"

27] Joseph and all the others took these words to heart, – and the little Child finally said:

28] "Look, I am treated by all men just like these fire victims have treated your house, and yet I will not let fire rain from heaven!

29] So do not curse those who do evil for good and you shall be the true children of the one Father in heaven!" – With these words, Joseph calmed down completely and he happily went back into his house.