Volume 2

The Repentant Adulteress
205
the other good widow, who wished to put all she
possessed into the treasury of the holy women for the
maintenance of the disciples and for the poor, whom she
herself also wanted to serve. Jesus graciously accepted
her offer, while He instructed and consoled her and her
friend. They had brought some provisions for a repast,
which along with a sum of money they handed over to
the disciples. The latter was sent to the wonlen at
Capharnaum for the common treasury.
Jesus took some rest here with the disciples. He had on
the preceding day taught in Engannim with indescribable
effort and had cured the sick, after which He had journeyed
thence to Nairn, a distance of about seven hours.
The widow, lately introduced to Jesus, told Him of
another woman named Mary who likewise desired to give
what she possessed for the support of the disciples. But
Jesus replied that she should keep it till later when it
would be more needed. This woman was an adulteress,
and had been, on account of her infidelity, repudiated by
her husband, a rich Jew of Damascus. She had heard of
Jesus' mercy to sinners, was very much touched, and had
no other desire than to do penance and be restored to
grace. She had visited Martha, with whose family she
was distantly related, had confessed to her her transgression,
and begged her to intercede for her with the Mother
of Jesus. She gave over to her also a part of her wealth.
Martha, Johanna Chusa, and Veronica, full of compassion
for the sinner, interested themselves in her case, and
took her at once to Mary's dwelling at Capharnaum.
Mary looked at her gravely and allowed her to stand for
a long time at a distance. But the woman supplicated
with burning tears and vehement sorrow: "0 Mother of
the Prophet! Intercede for me with thy Son, that I may
find favor with God!" She was possessed by a dumb devil
and had to be guarded, for in her paroxysms she could
not cry for help and the devil drove her into fire or