'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, For he has consecrated me to bring Good News to the poor, He has sent me to proclaim release to captives and restoration of sight to the blind, To set the oppressed at liberty,

There was once a rich man, who dressed in purple robes and fine linen, and feasted every day in great splendor.

In order that you may be able to satisfy yourself of the accuracy of the story which you have heard from the lips of others.]

Six months later the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,

Just then a Student of the Law came forward to test Jesus further. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do if I am to 'gain Immortal Life'?"

"The Holy Spirit shall descend upon you," answered the angel, "and the Power of the Most High shall overshadow you; and therefore the child will be called 'holy,' and 'Son of God.'

About that time an edict was issued by the Emperor Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole Empire.

Then Jesus continued: "A man had two sons;

And to all present he said: "If any man wishes to walk in my steps, let him renounce self, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

On one occasion, as Jesus was going, on a Sabbath into the house of one of the leading Pharisees to dine, they were watching him closely.

Coming to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, Jesus, as was his custom, went on the Sabbath into the Synagogue, and stood up to read the Scriptures.

And every one went to his own town to be registered.

As they continued their journey, Jesus came to a village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him to her house.

One day Jesus was at a certain place praying, and, when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him: "Master, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples."

Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and never despair.

One day, when great crowds of people were walking with Jesus, he turned and said to them:

On returning from the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was led by the power of the Spirit through the Wilderness for forty days, tempted by the Devil.

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to dine with him, so Jesus went to his house and took his place at table.

[To his Excellency, Theophilus. Many attempts have been already made to draw up an account of those events which have reached their conclusion among us,

After this, the Master appointed seventy-two other disciples, and sent them on as his Messengers, two and two, in advance, to every town and place that he was himself intending to visit.

But they had no child, Elizabeth being barren; and both of them were advanced in years.

The Son of Man has come to 'search for those who are lost' and to save them."

[Then Jesus said: "Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing."] His clothes they divided among them by casting lots.

But very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb, taking with them the spices that they had prepared.

But to you who hear I say--Love your enemies, show kindness to those who hate you,

Give, and others will give to you. A generous measure, pressed and shaken down, and running over, will they pour into your lap; For the measure that you mete will be meted out to you in return."

And, as it was the Hour of Incense, the people were all praying outside.

But Jesus said to him: "Man, who made me a judge or an arbiter between you?"

One day, when Zechariah was officiating as priest before God, during the turn of his Division,

Then Jesus took some bread, and, after saying the thanksgiving, broke it and gave to them, with the words: "This is my body, [which is now to be given on your behalf. Do this in memory of me."

Another time, speaking to people who were satisfied that they were religious, and who regarded every one else with scorn, Jesus told this parable--

Once, when the people were pressing round Jesus as the listened to God's Message, he happened to be standing by the shore of the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats close to the shore.

No, I tell you; but, unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.

Zechariah was startled at the sight and was awe-struck.

"If any man comes to me and does not hate his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, yes and his very life, he can be no disciple of mine.

The Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees watched Jesus closely, to see if he would work cures on the Sabbath, so that they might find a charge to bring against him.

Jesus was teaching on a Sabbath in one of the Synagogues,

"This is what I told you," he said, "when I was still with you--that everything that had been written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms, must be fulfilled."

It happened that very day that two of the disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem,

And Jesus answered: "I tell you, this very day you shall be with me in Paradise."

It fell to him by lot, in accordance with the practice among the priests, to go into the Temple of the Lord and burn incense;

"Teacher," a man in the crowd said to Jesus, "tell my brother to share the property with me."

So do not be afraid, my little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom.

The tax-gatherers and the outcasts were all drawing near to Jesus to listen to him;

Or, if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?

'We wipe off the very dust of your town which has clung to Our feet; still, be assured that the Kingdom of God is close at Hand.'

Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town.

When beginning his work, Jesus was about thirty years old. He was regarded as the son of Joseph, whose ancestors were--Eli,

His reply was--"'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thou dost thyself.'"

And Mary said: "My soul exalts the Lord,

And now I am myself about to send upon you that which my Father has promised. But you must remain in the city until you have been invested with power from above."

Just at that time some people had come to tell Jesus about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.

He shall be to you a joy and a delight; and many shall rejoice over his birth.

And that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed on his authority to all the nations--beginning at Jerusalem.

In the fifteenth year of the reign of the Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was Governor of Judea, Herod Ruler of Galilee, his brother Philip Ruler of the territory comprising Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias Ruler of Abilene,

In that same country-side were shepherds out in the open fields, watching their flocks that night,

Then, raising his eyes and looking at his disciples, Jesus spoke as follows: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.

I came to cast fire upon the earth; and what more can I wish, if it is already kindled?

In the reign of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the Division called after Abijah. His wife, whose name was Elizabeth, was also a descendant of Aaron.

Why do you call me 'Master! Master!' and yet fail to do what I tell you?

And Jesus grew in wisdom as he grew in years, and 'gained the blessing of God and men.'

There will be signs, too, in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth despair among the nations, in their dismay at the roar of the sea and the surge.

Moved by the power of the Spirit, Jesus returned to Galilee. Reports about him spread through all that neighborhood;

Look at my hands and my feet, and you will know that it is I. Feel me, and look at me, for a spirit has not flesh and bones, as you see that I have."

Simon! Simon! listen. Satan demanded leave to sift you all like wheat,

I tell you that the doom of Sodom will be more bearable on 'That Day' than the doom of that town.

Then they began questioning one another which of them it could be that was going to do this.

Now after the baptism of all the people, and when Jesus had been baptized and was still praying, the heavens opened,

And then he added: "Take care to keep yourselves free from every form of covetousness; for even in the height of his prosperity a man's true Life does not depend on what he has."

The child shall be great and shall be called 'Son of the Most High,' and the Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David,

As the days before his being taken up to Heaven were growing few, Jesus set his face resolutely in the direction of Jerusalem; and he sent on messengers in advance.

About eight days after speaking these words, Jesus went up the mountain to pray, taking with him Peter, John, and James.

Jesus said to his disciples: "There was a rich man who had a steward; and this steward was maliciously accused to him of wasting his estate.

Being once asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God was to come, Jesus answered: "The Kingdom of God does not come in a way that admits of observation,

Then, beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them all through the Scriptures the passages that referred to himself.

Do to others as you wish them to do to you.

His disciples asked Jesus the meaning of this parable.

Every year the child's parents used to go to Jerusalem at the Passover Festival.

If you, then, naturally wicked though you are, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those that ask him!"

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus passed between Samaria and Galilee.

Jesus called the Twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, as well as to cure diseases.

For no promise from God shall fail to be fulfilled."

While they were still talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, [and said "Peace be with you."]

And so I say to you--Ask, and your prayer shall be granted: search, and you shall find; knock, and the door shall be opened to you.

Then Jesus, with a loud cry, said: "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit." And with these words he expired.

"Father," he said, "if it is thy pleasure, spare me this cup; only, not my will but thine be done."

Every chasm shall be filled, Every mountain and hill shall be leveled, The winding ways shall be straightened, The rough roads made smooth,

This day there has been born to you, in the town of David, a Savior, who is Christ and Lord.

Another servant also came and said 'Sir, here are your ten pounds; I have kept them put away in a handkerchief.

But the people recognized him and followed him in crowds; and Jesus welcomed them and spoke to them about the Kingdom of God, while he cured those who were in need of help.

Shortly afterwards, Jesus went on a journey through the towns and villages, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God. With him went the Twelve,

But the President of the Synagogue, indignant that Jesus had worked the cure on the Sabbath, interposed and said to the people: "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come to be cured on one of those, and not on the Sabbath."

"Scripture says that the Christ should suffer, and that he should rise again from the dead on the third day,

And one of the Presidents asked Jesus this question--"Good Teacher, what must I do if I am to gain Immortal Life?"

Remember, I have given you the power to 'trample upon serpents and scorpions,' and to meet all the strength of the Enemy. Nothing shall ever harm you in any way.

Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Shortly after, Jesus went to a town called Nain, his disciples and a great crowd going with him.

Now about that time, Jesus went out, up the hill, to pray, and spent the whole night in prayer to God.

They did so, and enclosed such a great shoal of fish that their nets began to break.

Jesus, however, knew what was in the their minds, and said to the man whose hand was withered: "Stand up and come out into the middle." The man stood up;

"How can I be sure of this?" Zechariah asked the angel. "For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years."

To which Jesus replied: "A man was once going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him of everything, and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead.

"Have no fear," the angel said. "For I bring you good news of a great joy in store for all the nation.

And now, you shall be with child and give birth to a son, and you shall give him the name Jesus.

Soon after this Mary set out, and made her way quickly into the hill-country, to a town in Judah;

They will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be taken prisoners to every land, and 'Jerusalem will be under the heel of the Gentiles,' until their day is over--as it shall be.

After saying this, Jesus went on in front, going up to Jerusalem.

"When you pray," Jesus answered, "say--'Father, May thy named be held holy, thy Kingdom come.

And now you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when this takes place, because you did not believe what I said, though my words will be fulfilled in due course."

And the Holy Spirit descended, in a visible form, like a dove, upon him, and from the heavens came a voice--"Thou art my Son, the Beloved; in thee I delight."

while one who does not know his master's wishes, but acts so as to deserve a flogging, will receive but few. From every one to whom much has been given much will be expected, and from the man to whom much has been entrusted the more will be demanded.

For I myself am a man under the orders of others, with soldiers under me; and if I say to one of them 'Go,' he goes, and to another 'Come,' he comes, and to my slave 'Do this,' he does it."

Meanwhile the people were watching for Zechariah, wondering at his remaining so long in the Temple.

"Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, Who has visited his people and wrought their deliverance,

Yet the doom of Tyre and Sidon will be more bearable at the Judgment than yours.

"Glory to God on high, And on earth peace among men in whom he finds pleasure."

And shall reconcile many of the Israelites to the Lord their God.

He even longed to satisfy his hunger with the bean-pods on which the pigs were feeding; and no one gave him anything.

Every one who divorces his wife and marries another woman is an adulterer, and the man who marries a divorced woman is an adulterer.

And Jesus replied: "I have had visions of Satan, fallen, like lightning from the heavens.

When the period of purification of mother and child, enjoined by the Law of Moses, came to an end, his parents took the child up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord,

John, addressing them all, said: "I, indeed, baptize you with water; but there is coming one more powerful than I, and I am not fit even to unfasten his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Meanwhile the tax-gatherer stood at a distance, not venturing even 'to raise his eyes to Heaven'; but he kept striking his breast and saying 'O God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

And in the same way with the cup, after supper, saying: "This cup is the New Covenant made by my blood which is being poured out on your behalf.]

And they reached the country of the Gerasenes, which is on the opposite side to Galilee;

As soon, however, as you see Jerusalem surrounded by armed camps, then you may know that the hour of her desecration is at hand.

Afterwards Jesus came down the hill with them and took his stand on a level place. With him were a large crowd of his disciples, and great numbers of people from the whole of Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast district of Tyre and Sidon,

Nor will people say 'Look, here it is!' or 'There it is!'; for the Kingdom of God is within you!

Gabriel came into her presence and said: "Hail, you who have been highly favored! The Lord is with you."

When the time came, Jesus took his place at table, and the Apostles with him.

As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be again in the days of the Son of Man.

As the people were listening to this, Jesus went on to tell them a parable. He did so because he was near Jerusalem, and because they thought that the Kingdom of God was going to be proclaimed at once.

Then Jesus said to them: "O foolish men, slow to accept all that the Prophets have said!

Were there none to come back and praise God except this foreigner?

When he drew near, on seeing the city, he wept over it, and said:

If you, therefore, will do homage before me, it shall all be yours."

When the angel spoke again: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

When the seventy-two returned, they exclaimed joyfully: "Master, even the demons submit to us when we use your name."

After a time the beggar died, and was taken by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.

Eight days after the birth of the child, when it was time to circumcise him, he received the name Jesus--the name given him by the angel before his conception.

Be on your guard lest your minds should ever be dulled by debauches or drunkenness or the anxieties of life, and lest 'That Day' should come suddenly upon you, like a snare.

And she gave birth to her first child, a son. And because there was no room for them in the inn, she swathed him round and laid him in a manger.

"Now, however," he said, "he who has a purse must take it and his bag as well; and he who has not must sell his cloak and buy a sword.

But love your enemies, and show them kindness, and lend to them, never despairing. Then your reward shall be great, and you shall be Sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the thankless and the bad.

Be on your guard! If your brother does wrong, reprove him; but if he repents, forgive him.

Then Jesus told them this parable-- "There was once a rich man whose land was very fertile;

When Jesus had brought to a conclusion all that he had then had to say to the people, he entered Capernaum.

There was at that time in Jerusalem a man named Simeon, a righteous and devout man, who lived in constant expectation of the Consolation of Israel, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Just as they were reported to us by those who from the beginning were eye-witnesses, and afterwards became bearers of the Message.

He who is trustworthy in the smallest matter is trustworthy in a great one also; and he who is dishonest in the smallest matter is dishonest in a great one also.

Make yourselves ready, with your lamps alight;

"How can this be?" Mary asked the angel. "For I have no husband."

Then he enabled them to understand the meaning of the Scriptures, saying to them:

But Jesus said: "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

Afterwards, when Jesus was alone, praying, his disciples joined him, and he asked them this question-- "Who do the people say that I am?"

Be on the watch at all times, and pray that you may have strength to escape all that is destined to happen, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man."

At that same time, moved to exultation by the Holy Spirit, Jesus said: "I thank thee, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that, though thou hast hidden these things from the wise and learned, thou hast revealed them to the childlike! Yes, Father, I thank thee that this has seemed good to thee.

No servant can serve two masters, for, either he will hate one and love the other, or else he will attach himself to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

And Jesus said to his disciples: "That is why I say to you, Do not be anxious about the life here--what you can get to eat; nor yet about your body--what you can get to wear.

The Law and the Prophets sufficed until the time of John. Since then the Good News of the Kingdom of God has been told, and everybody has been forcing his way into it.

The child grew and became strong and wise, and the blessing of God was upon him.

After this, Jesus went out; and he noticed a tax-gatherer, named Levi, sitting in the tax-office, and said to him: "Follow me."

Jesus said to his disciples: "It is inevitable that there should be snares; yet alas for him who is answerable for them!

So, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in Heaven over one outcast that repents, than over ninety-nine religious men, who have no need to repent.

Get up," he said to him, "and go on your way. Your faith has delivered you."

And a dispute arose among them as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.

"The harvest," he said, "is abundant, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray to the Owner of the harvest to send laborers to gather in his harvest.

And Jesus said to them: "I ask you, is it allowable to do good on the Sabbath--or harm? to save a life, or let it perish?"

You know the commandments--'Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not say what is false about others, Honor thy father and thy mother.'"

One day about that time, Jesus got into a boat with his disciples and said to them: "Let us go across the lake."

In the Place of Death he looked up in his torment, and saw Abraham at a distance and Lazarus at his side.

And, as they were leading Jesus away, they laid hold of Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and they put the cross on his shoulders, for him to carry it behind Jesus.

When they had reached the place called 'The Skull,' there they crucified Jesus and the criminals, one on the right, and one on the left.

For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord; he shall not drink any wine or strong drink, and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit from the very hour of his birth,

While others, to test him, asked him for some sign from the heavens.

He shall go before him in the spirit and with the power of Elijah, 'to reconcile fathers to their children' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, and so make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him."

He will, I tell you, have justice done them, and that soon! Yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

One of the criminals who were hanging beside Jesus railed at him. "Are not you the Christ? Save yourself and us," he said.

Some of the people were bringing even their babies to Jesus, for him to touch them; but, when the disciples saw it, they began to find fault with those who had brought them.

He who listens to you is listening to me, and he who rejects you is rejecting me; while he who rejects me is rejecting him who sent me as his Messenger."

On one of those days, when Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and Doctors of the Law were sitting near by. (They had come from all the villages in Galilee and Judea, and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was upon Jesus, so that he could work cures.)

And Jesus answered him: "Scripture says--'It is not on bread alone that man is to live.'"

One of the guests heard what he said and exclaimed: "Happy will he be who shall eat bread in the Kingdom of God!"

The servant who knows his master's wishes and yet does not prepare and act accordingly will receive many lashes;

There was also a Prophetess named Hannah, a daughter of Phanuel and of the tribe of Asher. She was far advanced in years, having lived with her husband for seven years after marriage,

Looking up, Jesus saw the rich people putting their gifts into the chests for the Temple offerings.

"How our hearts glowed," the disciples said to each other, "while he was talking to us on the road, and when he explained the Scriptures to us!"

To you who are my friends I say, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but after that can do no more.

Jesus then went out, and made his way as usual to the Mount of Olives, followed by his disciples.

Meanwhile the people had gathered in thousands, so that they trod upon one another, when Jesus, addressing himself to his disciples, began by saying to them: "Be on your guard against the leaven--that is, the hypocrisy--of the Pharisees.

A good man, from the good stores of his heart, brings out what is good; while a bad man, from his bad stores, brings out what is bad. For what fills a man's heart will rise to his lips.

Why, which of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and reckon the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?--

And, when these things begin to occur, look upwards and lift your heads, for your deliverance will be at hand."

The heavens and the earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

One Sabbath Jesus was walking through cornfields, and hi disciples were picking the ears of wheat, and rubbing them in their hands, and eating them.

Jesus also said to them: "Suppose that one of you who has a friend were to go to him in the middle of the night and say 'Friend, lend me three loaves,

"Give us more faith," said the Apostles to the Master;

And so with every one of you who does not bid farewell to all he has--he cannot be a disciple of mine.

Jesus was surprised to hear these words from him; and, turning to the crowd which was following him, he said: "I tell you, nowhere in Israel have I met with such faith as this!"

Yet do not rejoice in the fact that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names have been enrolled in Heaven."

When he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision there. But Zechariah kept making signs to them, and remained dumb.

"You hypocrites!" the Master answered him. "Does not every one of you let his ox or his ass loose from its manger, and take it out to drink, on the Sabbath?

To be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was about to become a mother.

After this, Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and there raised his hands and blessed them.

And he began to ask himself 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?

And, while they were on their way, a man said to Jesus: "I will follow you wherever you go."

For I was afraid of you, because you are a stern man. You take what you have not planted, and reap what you have not sown.'

"I am the servant of the Lord," exclaimed Mary; "let it be with me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

But Jesus answered: "No one who looks back, after putting his hand to the plough, is fitted for the Kingdom of God."

And, as soon as his term of service was finished, he returned home.

It was nearly mid-day, when a darkness came over the whole country, lasting till three in the afternoon,

Enosh, Seth and Adam the son of GOD.

Jesus, however, called the little children to him. "Let the little children come to me," he said, "and do not hinder them; for it is to the childlike that the Kingdom of God belongs.

Jesus, however, said to them: "I must take the Good News of the Kingdom of God to the other town also, for that was why I was sent."

And the Devil led Jesus up, and showing him in a single moment all the kingdoms of the earth, said to him:

Jesus," he went on, "do not forget me when you have come to your Kingdom."

And John said to the crowds that went to be baptized by him: "You brood of vipers! who has prompted you to seek refuge from the coming judgment?

"This is what the Lord has done for me," she said, "now that he has deigned to take away the reproach under which I have been living."

But alas for you Pharisees! You pay tithes on mint, rue, and herbs of all kinds, and pass over justice and love to God. These last you ought to have put into practice without neglecting the first.

But the man, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus: "And who is my neighbor?"

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child moved within her, and Elizabeth herself was filled with the Holy Spirit,

But as for my enemies, these men who would not have me as their King, bring them here and put them to death in my presence.'"

Then, while the people were in suspense, and were all debating with themselves whether John could be the Christ,

Alas for the women that are with child, and for those that are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great suffering in the land, and anger against this people.

And you, Capernaum! Will you 'exalt yourself to heaven'? 'You shall go down to the Place of Death.'

And, as his anguish became intense, he prayed still more earnestly, while his sweat was like great drops of blood falling on the ground.]

When the day of the Festival of the Unleavened Bread came, on which the Passover lambs had to be killed,

And all mankind shall see the Salvation of God."'

It would be easier for the heavens and the earth to disappear than for one stroke of a letter in the Law to be lost.

The Feast of the Unleavened Bread, known as the Passover, was near.

The Devil next led him into Jerusalem, and, placing him on the parapet of the Temple, said: "If you are God's Son throw yourself down from here,

Jesus went through towns and villages, teaching as he went, and making his way towards Jerusalem.

When the Apostles returned, they related to Jesus all that they had done. Then Jesus retired privately to a town called Bethsaida, taking the Apostles with him.

It would be good for him if he had been flung into the sea with a mill-stone round his neck, rather than that he should prove a snare to even one of these lowly ones.

Every one, I tell you, who shall acknowledge me before his fellow men, the Son of Man, also, will acknowledge before God's angels;

So, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of God's angels over one outcast that repents."

Sell what belongs to you, and give in charity. Make yourselves purses that will not wear out--an inexhaustible treasure in Heaven, where no thief comes near, or moth works ruin.

Once Jesus was driving out a dumb demon, and, when the demon had gone out, the dumb man spoke. The people were amazed at this;

As well as some women who had been cured of wicked spirits and of infirmities. They were Mary, known as Mary of Magdala (from whom seven demons had been expelled),

So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; and they came and filled both the boats so full of fish that they were almost sinking.

Jerusalem! Jerusalem! she who slays the Prophets and stones the messengers sent to her--Oh, how often have I wished to gather your children round me, as a hen takes her brood under her wings, and you would not come!

On one occasion Jesus was staying in a town, when he saw a man who was covered with leprosy. When the leper saw Jesus, he threw himself on his face and implored his help: "Master, if only you are willing, you are able to make me clean."

"What made you search for me?" he answered. "Did not you know that I must be in my Father's House?"

The day was drawing to a close, when the twelve came up to him, and said: "Send the crowd away, so that they may make their way to the villages and farms round about, and find themselves lodgings and provisions, for we are in a lonely spot here."

After this his wife, Elizabeth, expecting to become a mother, lived in seclusion for five months.

Whoever is ashamed of me and of my teaching, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him, when he comes in his Glory and the Glory of the father and of the holy angels.

Just then some Pharisees came up to Jesus and said: "Go away and leave this place, for Herod wants to kill you."

But I prayed for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. And you, when you have returned to me, are to strengthen your Brothers."

These men asked Jesus a question. They said: "Teacher, we know that you are right in what you say and teach, and that you do not take any account of a man's position, but teach the Way of God honestly;

Among others Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem, the town of David, in Judea--because he belonged to the family and house of David--

Gathering the Twelve round him, Jesus said to them: "Listen! We are going up to Jerusalem; and there everything that is written in the Prophets will be done to the Son of Man.

When some of them spoke about the Temple being decorated with beautiful stones and offerings, Jesus said:

Then Jesus went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee. On the Sabbath he taught the people.

"You," said Jesus, "are the men who justify themselves before the world, but God can read your hearts; and what is highly esteemed among men may be an abomination in the sight of God.

Learn to be merciful--even as your Father is merciful.

And Jesus began: "This very day this passage has been fulfilled in your hearing."

Do you think that I am here to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but to cause division.

But, if it is by Baal-zebub's help that I drive out demons, by whose help is it that your own sons drive them out? Therefore they shall themselves be your judges.

"What man among you who has a hundred sheep, and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine out in the open country, and go after the lost sheep till he finds it?

Presently there came up some Sadducees, who maintain that there is no resurrection. Their question was this--

As the crowds increased, Jesus began to speak: "This generation is a wicked generation. It is asking a sign, but no sign shall be given it except the sign of Jonah.

But Jesus said: "It is for you to give them something to eat." "We have not more than five loaves and two fishes," they answered; "unless indeed we are to go and buy food for all these people."

When Elizabeth's time came, she gave birth to a son;

"Strive to go in by the small door. Many, I tell you, will seek to go in, but they will not be able,

Remain at that same house, and eat and drink whatever they offer you; for the worker is worth his wages. Do not keep changing from one house to another.

Whoever does not carry his own cross, and walk in my steps, can be no disciple of mine.

Or again, what woman who has ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?

This is the parable--The seed is God's Message.

But the Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees were goaded to madness, and consulted together what they could do to Jesus.

Then, looking round at them all, he said to the man: "Stretch out your hand." The man did so; and his hand had become sound.

'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets,' answered Abraham, 'they will not be persuaded, even if some one were to rise from the dead.'"

I will show you of whom you should be afraid. Be afraid of him who, after killing you, has the power to fling you into the Pit. Yes, I say, be afraid of him.

Once, when a great crowd was collecting, and, when the people of town after town were flocking to Jesus, he spoke to them in the form of a parable:

'Go out,' the master said, 'into the roads and hedgerows, and make people come in, so that my house may be filled;

Then they all rose in a body and led Jesus before Pilate.

Then Jesus went on to say to the man who had invited him: "When you give a breakfast or a dinner, do not ask your friends, or your brothers, or your relations, or rich neighbors, for fear that they should invite you in return, and so you should be repaid.

[Presently there appeared to him an angel from Heaven, who strengthened him.

And so with you--when you have done all that you have been told, still say 'We are but useless servants; we have done no more than we ought to have done.'"

And, when the messengers returned to the house, they found the slave recovered.

But some of them said: "He drives out demons by the help of Baal-zebub, the chief of the demons";

For Scripture says--'He will give his angels commands about thee, to guard thee safely,'

He released the man who had been put in prison for riot and murder, as they demanded, and gave Jesus up to be dealt with as they pleased.

"I have observed all these," he replied, "from childhood."

This is what I will do,' he said; 'I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and store all my grain and my goods in them;

Jesus himself, however, was aware of what they were thinking, and said to them: "Any kingdom wholly divided against itself becomes a desolation; and a divided house falls.

When they got near the village to which they were walking, Jesus appeared to be going further;

(For the men among them were about five thousand.) "Get them seated in companies," was his reply, "about fifty in each."

Already, indeed, the axe is lying at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that fails to bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."

And sent his servant, when it was time for the dinner, to say to those who had been invited 'Come, for everything is now ready.'

Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon known as the Zealot,

As he said this, his opponents all felt ashamed; but all the people rejoiced to see all the wonderful things that he was doing.

Just as he approached the gate of the town, there was a dead man being carried out for burial--an only son, and his mother was a widow. A large number of the people of the town were with her.

Mary was much disturbed at his words, and was wondering to herself what such a greeting could mean,

But with you it must not be so. No, let the greatest among you become like the youngest, and him who leads like him who serves.

But the man became greatly distressed on hearing this, for he was extremely rich.

And who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table. Even the very dogs came and licked his sores.

So it is with those who lay by wealth for themselves and are not rich to the glory of God."

The master answered 'Out of your own mouth I judge you, you worthless servant. You knew that I am a stern man, that I take what I have not planted, and reap what I have not sown?

It is easier, indeed, for a camel to get through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God!"

Taking the five loaves and the two fishes, Jesus looked up to Heaven and said the blessing over them. Then he broke them in pieces, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people.

When he saw her, the Master was moved with compassion for her, and he said to her: "Do not weep."

They all with one accord began to ask to be excused. The first man said to the servant 'I have bought a field and am obliged to go and look at it. I must ask you to consider me excused.'

Near his gateway there had been laid a beggar named Lazarus, who was covered with sores,

Then why did not you put my money into a bank? And I, on my return, could have claimed it with interest.

But first he must undergo much suffering, and he must be rejected by the present generation.

And 'On their hands they will upbear thee, Lest ever thou shouldst strike thy foot against a stone.'"

This they did, and got all the people seated.

So, too, if Satan is wholly divided against himself, how can his kingdom last? Yet you say that I drive out demons by the help of Baal-zebub.

And, if anybody asks you 'Why are you untying it?,' you are to say this--'The Master wants it.'"

For he and all who were with him were lost in amazement at the haul of fish which they had made;

No, seek his Kingdom, and these things shall be added for you.

"What are we to do then?" the people asked.

Think of the ravens--they neither sow nor reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn; and yet God feeds them! And how much more precious are you than birds!

Every one had sufficient to eat, and what was left of the broken pieces was picked up--twelve baskets.

It is like some yeast which a woman took and covered in three pecks of flour, until the whole had risen."

But they pressed him not to do so. "Stay with us," they said, "for it is getting towards evening, and the sun in already low." So Jesus went in to stay with them.

Are we right in paying tribute to the Emperor or not?"

They were Simon (whom Jesus also named Peter), and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,

When he had tried every kind of temptation, the Devil left Jesus, till another opportunity.

Even tax-gatherers came to be baptized, and said to John: "Teacher, what are we to do?"

If, even in the field, God so clothes the grass which is living to-day and to-morrow will be thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O men of little faith!

As it chanced, a priest was going down by that road. He saw the man, but passed by on the opposite side.

And, when they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything, and followed him.

Then he went up and touched the bier, and the bearers stopped; and Jesus said: "Young man, I am speaking to you--Rise!"

Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who proved a traitor.

And, if you cannot do even the smallest thing, why be anxious about other things?

Take away from him the ten pounds,' he said to those standing by, 'and give them to the one who has the hundred.'

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said to them alone: "Blessed are the eyes that see what you are seeing;

On his return the servant told his master all these answers. Then in anger the owner of the house said to his servant 'Go out at once into the streets and alleys of the town, and bring in here the poor, and the crippled, and the blind, and the lame.'

Stretching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying as he did so: "I am willing; become clean." Instantly the leprosy left the man;

And every one in the crowd was trying to touch him, because a power went out from him which restored them all.

For, I tell you, many Prophets and Kings wished for the sight of the things which you are seeing, yet never heard them."

At the Judgment the men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation, and will condemn it, because they repented at Jonah's proclamation; and here is more than a Jonah!

'Father,' the son said, 'I sinned against Heaven and against you; I am no longer fit to be called your son; make me one of your hired servants.'

You are the men who have stood by me in my trials;

But which of you, by being anxious, can prolong his life a moment?

Think of the lilies, and how they grow. They neither toil nor spin; yet, I tell you, even Solomon in all his splendor was not robed like one of these.

And again Jesus said: "To what can I liken the Kingdom of God?

And say 'Here is a man who began to build and was not able to finish!'

For I tell you all that not one of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.'"

The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus restored him to his mother.

So they went quickly, and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in a manger;

They could not lay hold of this answer before the people; and, in their wonder at his reply, they held their tongues.

How he said that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of wicked men, and be crucified, and rise again on the third day."

"John the Baptist," was their answer; "others, however, say that you are Elijah, while others say that one of the old Prophets has risen again."

But, whatever town you go to visit, if the people do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say

From age to age his mercy rests On those who reverence him.

Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him; but he disappeared from their sight.

And he began to teach in their Synagogues, and was honored by every one.

Seeing this, Jesus said to his disciples: "How hard it is for men of wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!

But Jesus answered him: "It is said--'Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.'"

The day will come," he said to his disciples, "when you will long to see but one of the days of the Son of Man, and will not see it.

Every one was awe-struck and began praising God. "A great Prophet has arisen among us," they said; "and God has visited his people."

But, when one still stronger has attacked and overpowered him, he takes away all the weapons on which the other had relied, and divides his spoil.

At that very time Jesus had cured many people of diseases, afflictions, and wicked spirits, and had given many blind people their sight.

Jesus, however, strictly charged them not to say this to any one;

And so may you, as soon as you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.

I am no longer fit to be called your son; make me one of your hired servants."'

And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry;

Nothing is hidden which will not be brought into the light of day, not ever kept hidden which will not some day become known and come into the light of day.

Who had come to hear him and to be restored to health. Those, too, who were troubled with foul spirits were cured;

However, the story about Jesus spread all the more, and great crowds came together to listen to him, and to be cured of their illnesses;

Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in, and make their home there; and the last state of that man proves to be worse than the first."

For, just as lightning will lighten and flare from one side of the heavens to the other, so will it be with the Son of Man.

Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

"I tell you," he answered, "that there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children, on account of the Kingdom of God,

Which is the greater--the master at the table or his servant? Is not it the master at the table? Yet I myself am among you as one who serves.

So Jesus turned and said to them: "Women of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.

These are the things for which all the nations of the world are seeking, and your Father knows that you need them.

For, I tell you, that passage of Scripture must be fulfilled in me, which says--'He was counted among the godless'; indeed all that refers to me is finding its fulfillment."

"Master," said Peter, "with you I am ready to go both to prison and to death."

In compliance with the Law of the Lord that 'every first-born male shall be dedicated to the Lord,'

And then Jesus impressed upon him that he was not to say a word to any one, "but," he added, "set out and show yourself to the priest, and make the offerings for your cleansing, in the manner directed by Moses, as evidence of your cure."

To proclaim the accepted year of the Lord.'

Seeing through their deceitfulness, Jesus said to them:

For the Holy Spirit will show you at the moment what you ought to say."

When once the master of the house has got up and shut the door, while you begin to say, as you stand outside and knock, 'Sir, open the door for us.' His answer will be--'I do not know where you come from.'

But Prince Herod, being rebuked by John respecting Herodias, the wife of Herod's brother, and for all the evil things that he had done,

Mighty are the deeds of his arm; He scatters the proud with their own devices,

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ.

Instantly the man stood up before their eyes, took up what he had been lying on, and went to his home, praising God.

"What is said in the Law?" answered Jesus. "What do you read there?"

So word was brought to him--'Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.'

All who heard the shepherds were astonished at their story,

He casts down princes from their thrones, and the lowly he uplifts,

Jesus' answer was: "Have not you read even of what David did, when he was hungry, he and his companions--

This made him angry, and he would not go in. But his father came out and begged him to do so.

While the next said 'I am just married, and for that reason I am unable to come.'

"Do not collect more than you have authority to demand," John answered.

And so with many different exhortations John told his Good News to the people.

For life is more than food, and the body than its clothes.

But how have I this honor, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

And, when they saw it, they told of all that had been said to them about this child.

Then indeed you may be glad and dance for joy, for be sure that your reward in Heaven will be great; for that is what their ancestors did to the Prophets.

When John's messengers had left, Jesus, speaking to the crowds, began to say with reference to John:

'I tell you,' he answered, 'that, to him who has, more will be given, but, from him who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.

And also to offer the sacrifice enjoined in the Law of the Lord--'a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.'

"Show me a florin. Whose head and title are on it?"

For he will be given up to the Gentiles, mocked, insulted and spat upon;

Other seed fell into rich soil, and grew, and gave a hundred-fold return." After saying this, Jesus cried aloud: "Let him who has ears to hear with hear."

That he went into the House of God, and took the consecrated bread and ate it, and gave some to his companions, though only the priests are allowed to eat it?"

When these men found Jesus, they said: "John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask--'Are you 'The Coming One,' or are we to look for somebody else?'"

Presently the servant said 'Sir, your order has been carried out, and still there is room.'

Hence all that you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear, within closed doors, will be proclaimed upon the housetops.

Alas for you who are sated now, for you will hunger. Alas for you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.

And this story about Jesus spread all through Judea, and in the neighboring countries as well.

Then Jesus added: "The Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath."

The Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees began debating about this. "Who is this man who speaks so blasphemously?" they asked. "Who can forgive sins except God?"

They were eating and drinking and marrying and being married, up to the very day on which Noah entered the ark, and then the flood came and destroyed them all.

And the shepherds went back, giving glory and praise to God for all that they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

It is like a mustard-seed which a man took and put in his garden. The seed grew and became a tree, and 'the wild birds roosted in its branches.'"

And there she went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth.

Now, go. Remember, I am sending you out as my Messengers like lambs among wolves.

Crowned them all by shutting John up in prison.

Great things has the Almighty done for me; And holy is his name.

And you--do not be always seeking what you can get to eat or what you can get to drink; and do not waver.

As soon as they shoot, you know, as you look at them, without being told, that summer is near.

Remember Lot's wife.

So the Devil said to him: "If you are God's Son, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread."

Then, closing the book and returning it to the attendant, he sat down. The eyes of all in the Synagogue were fixed upon him,

"I tell you, Peter," replied Jesus, "the cock will not crow to-day till you have disowned all knowledge of me three times."

The next said 'I have bought five pairs of bullocks, and I am on my way to try them. I must ask you to consider me excused';

'But, Father Abraham,' he urged, 'if some one from the dead were to go to them, they would repent.'

"Do not," he said to them, "take anything for your journey; not even a staff, or a bag, or bread, or any silver, or a change of clothes with you.

"But we," said Peter, "we left what belonged to us and followed you."

For come it will upon all who are living upon the face of the whole earth.

But the father turned to his servants and said 'Be quick and fetch a robe--the very best--and put it on him; give him a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet;

"Why are you doing what it is not allowable to do on the Sabbath?" asked some of the Pharisees.

He sent them out as his Messengers, to proclaim the Kingdom of God, and to work cures.

"You have answered right," said Jesus; "do that, and you shall live."

For fear that, if he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish it, every one who sees it should begin to laugh at him,

So he summoned two of them, and sent them to the Master to ask--"Are you 'The Coming One,' or are we to look for some one else?"

And he called one of the servants and asked what it all meant.

A Captain in the Roman army had a slave whom he valued, and who was seriously ill--almost at the point of death.

Moved by the Spirit, Simeon came into the Temple Courts, and, when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the Law,

Do not take a purse with you, or a bag, or sandals; and do not stop to greet any one on your journey.

And, on getting ashore, Jesus met a man, who had demons in him, coming out of the town. For a long time this man had worn no clothing, and he had not lived in a house, but in the tombs.

Those who had taken Jesus prisoner took him away into the house of the High Priest. Peter followed at a distance.

"Then who can be saved?" asked those who heard this.

Catching sight of Jesus, he shrieked out and threw himself down before him, and in a loud voice exclaimed: "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you not to torment me."

In their terror and alarm they thought they saw a spirit,

A time, I tell you, is coming, when it will be said--'Happy are the women who are barren, and those who have never borne children or nursed them!'

But, on the very day on which Lot came out of Sodom, it rained fire and sulphur from the skies and destroyed them all.

And there some men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed. They tried to get him in and lay him before Jesus;

(All the people, when they heard this, and even the tax- gatherers, having accepted John's baptism, acknowledged the justice of God.

On that day, if a man is on his house-top and his goods in the house, he must not go down to get them; nor again must one who is on the farm turn back.

'I do not know where you come from. Leave my presence, all you who are living in wickedness.'

No, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.