The Childhood of Jesus
The Gospel of James
Biographical Gospel of the Lord
- Chapter 159 -
Eudokia Learns A Secret of the Heavens
WHEN THE YOUTHS had disappeared, Eudokia asked Mary just who these youths actually were.
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For Eudokia was still a pagan and knew nothing of the extraordinary secrets of the heavens.
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That on this occasion the pagans also saw the angels was because their inward eye was kept open during this time,
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and the disappearance of the angels therefore was nothing else than the closing of the inward spiritual vision -
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for which reason it also seemed to Eudokia after their disappearance as if she had awakened from a deep sleep.
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She now felt quite natural again and everything she had seen, heard and done throughout the whole day seemed to her like a most vivid dream.
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Her question to Mary is thus understandable,
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since she now perceived with her natural senses again.
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Mary therefore said to her, 'Eudokia, we shall be together for still some time, and everything which at present seems obscure to you will become plain.
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But for today let us go to rest, for I am very tired.'
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Eudokia appeared to be satisfied with this consolation, but her eagerness to know grew in her heart.
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Joseph now said, 'My children, night has come. Lock the gates and go to rest.
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For tomorrow is anyhow the after-Sabbath on which we do not work. Then we can still discuss this and that.
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But for today praise the Lord, and do as I have requested of you.
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You, James, prepare the crib now, then bring the Baby to bed and place the crib next to the mother's couch.
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And you, Eudokia, go to your bedroom also, and refresh yourself with sweet sleep in the name of the Lord.'
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Eudokia now went directly into her bedroom and lay down on the couch, but sleep would not come,
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for her fiery heart was too stirred up at the disappearance of the youths,
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and she had fallen in love with Gabriel and now could not help nor console herself, since the object of her heart had so suddenly disappeared before her eyes.
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When all rested and slept, Eudokia arose, opened a window and looked out.
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Here Gabriel suddenly stood before her and admonished her, 'You must put your heart to rest.
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See, I am not a human being like you, but am only a spirit and am a messenger of God.
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And worship the Baby, for He is the Lord! He will bring peace to your heart!' - Thereupon the angel disappeared and Eudokia obtained peace.