“It’s very easy, brother,” said Bartholomew.  “To love the millions of men whom you never see, who do not do you any harm, that costs nothing.  Hypocrites love in that way.  Yet while they claim to love the whole human race, they are hard on their neighbour.”

“It is easy to love from afar,” said Jesus, “and it is easy to love good-tempered and amiable men.  But how is it when your brother has wronged you, and is always trying to do you harm?  You must forgive him, not seven times, but seventy times seven.  Go to him in kindness, show him his error.  If he listens to you, then you have won him.  If he does not heed you, repeat your warning.  If still he heeds you not, seek a friendly intermediary.  If he will not heed him, then let the community decide.  And only when you see your brother saved and contented will you be glad again.”

While they were talking thus, a young woman pushed her way into the room.  She was one of those who followed Him everywhere, and waited impatiently at the door while the Master visited a house.  Bending low, almost unnoticed, she hurried through the crowd, stooped down before Jesus, and began to rub His feet with ointment from a casket.  He calmly permitted it; but His host thought to himself:  No, He is no prophet, or He would know who it is that is anointing His feet.  Isn’t she the sinner of Magdala?

Jesus guessed his thoughts, and said:  “My friend, I will tell you something.  Here is a man who has two debtors.  One owes him fifty pence, and the other five hundred.  But as they cannot pay he cancels both the debts.  Now say, which of them owes him most gratitude?”

“Naturally him to whom the most was remitted,” answered the host.

And Jesus:  “You are right.  Much has been remitted to this woman.  See, you invited Me to your house, your servants have filled the room with the scent of roses, although fresh air comes in through the window.  My ear has been charmed with the strains of sweet bells, and stringed instruments, although the clear song of birds can be heard from without.  You have given Me wine in costly crystal goblets, although I am accustomed to drink out of earthen vessels.  But that My feet might feel sore after the long wandering across the desert only this woman remembered.  She has much love, therefore much will be forgiven her.”

One day when the Master had gone down to Capernaum he noticed that the disciples who were walking in front of Him were engaged in quiet but animated talk.  They were discussing which of them was most pleasing to God.  Each subtly brought forward his meritorious services to the Master, his sacrifices, his renunciations and sufferings, his obedience to the teaching.  Jesus quickly stepped nearer to them, and said:  “Why do you indulge in such foolish talk?  While you are boasting of your virtues, you prove that you lack the greatest.  Are you the righteous that you dare to talk so loudly?”