| |
 HEN THE YOUTHS had disappeared, Eudokia asked Mary just who these youths actually were.
|
|
| 2 |
For Eudokia was still a pagan and knew nothing of the extraordinary secrets of the heavens.
|
|
| 3 |
That on this occasion the pagans also saw the angels was because their inward eye was kept open during this time,
|
|
| 4 |
and the disappearance of the angels therefore was nothing else than the closing of the inward spiritual vision -
|
|
| 5 |
for which reason it also seemed to Eudokia after their disappearance as if she had awakened from a deep sleep.
|
|
| 6 |
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.
|
|
| 7 |
Her question to Mary is thus understandable,
|
|
| 8 |
since she now perceived with her natural senses again.
|
|
| 9 |
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.
|
|
| 10 |
But for today let us go to rest, for I am very tired.'
|
|
| 11 |
Eudokia appeared to be satisfied with this consolation, but her eagerness to know grew in her heart.
|
|
| 12 |
Joseph now said, 'My children, night has come. Lock the gates and go to rest.
|
|
| 13 |
For tomorrow is anyhow the after-Sabbath on which we do not work. Then we can still discuss this and that.
|
|
| 14 |
But for today praise the Lord, and do as I have requested of you.
|
|
| 15 |
You, James, prepare the crib now, then bring the Baby to bed and place the crib next to the mother's couch.
|
|
| 16 |
And you, Eudokia, go to your bedroom also, and refresh yourself with sweet sleep in the name of the Lord.'
|
|
| 17 |
Eudokia now went directly into her bedroom and lay down on the couch, but sleep would not come,
|
|
| 18 |
for her fiery heart was too stirred up at the disappearance of the youths,
|
|
| 19 |
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.
|
|
| 20 |
When all rested and slept, Eudokia arose, opened a window and looked out.
|
|
| 21 |
Here Gabriel suddenly stood before her and admonished her, 'You must put your heart to rest.
|
|
| 22 |
See, I am not a human being like you, but am only a spirit and am a messenger of God.
|
|
| 23 |
And worship the Baby, for He is the Lord! He will bring peace to your heart!' - Thereupon the angel disappeared and Eudokia obtained peace.
|
|
Backward