The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 2 · Chapter 251

Mary cries about the theft of all her clothes including all the table and bed linen. Jonathan's consolation and noble gesture. O mother, accept it from my heart and from my hand!" The Infant blesses Jonathan. 11 July 1844

01] When they had all entered the house and Mary found out that even her and Eudokia's wardrobe had been completely looted,

02] her eyes filled with tears, and so did Eudokia's, and she spoke to Joseph:

03] "Look at that, even the dress I was wearing in the temple has been taken by these wicked people!

04] Truly, this hits me really hard and causes pain in my heart!

05] We only have the absolute minimum of clothes anyhow and yet we have to lose even these most essential ones!

06] Everything may be offered to the Lord, but yet is it is painful for me, because it was the only dress I had for a necessary change of clothes!

07] Now I only have this worn, common dress and not a penny to buy myself something to change!

08] Truly, this is very painful! But still more painful is that these wicked thieves have even stolen the clothes of the little Child!

09] Now He only has the shirt He wears on his body; how will I be able to buy Him a second one?

10] O You my poor child, look, look, now I cannot dress You anymore in a fresh shirt everyday, which You liked so much!"

11] At this moment Jonathan came to them, deeply moved, and he spoke: "O you most noble and holy mother of my Lord! – Do not grieve; for I have gold and silver now!

12] I will give it all to you with the greatest joy, and you may use it according to your needs!

13] I do know very well, that the Lord of all splendours and glories does not need my gold and silver; but He, who dresses all animals and trees and the whole world so magnificently, will not allow His mother's body to be unclothed!

14] But just the same, for the sake of my soul's happiness, I would like to offer you all my treasures!

15] O mother, please accept it from my heart and from my hand!"

16] Mary looked at Jonathan in a most friendly manner and spoke:

17] "O Jonathan, how great and noble you are! – For me, your will counts as the act!

18] And if it pleases the Lord, then I would like to ask you for some support for the little Child.

19] But should it not please the Lord, then I have already received all from your heart and will never cease to be grateful to you for that!" Now the Infant joined them and spoke to Jonathan: "Dear Jonathan, do what the mother asks of you and you should be greatly rewarded in the future!

21] For look, we are really poor now and that even more so, because for the sake of mankind I must not perform miracles anymore!"

22] Thereupon Jonathan ran back to his house full of joy and brought all his gold and silver and laid it at Mary's feet.

23] When Mary and Joseph saw this, they both wept from joy.

24] But Jonathan wept with them and could not be thankful enough to God, that he was worthy of such grace from the Lord in coming to Mary's aid.

25] And the Infant blessed Jonathan and spoke to Mary: "Look, that will provide us with a fresh shirt; therefore be cheerful again!" – And all became cheerful and happy.