"I am Lazarus, Mary Magdalene’s and Martha’s brother. I was the infidel among my siblings, until I was taught better. As recorded in history, I was raised from the dead by Jesus. Not only physically, but in particular on the spiritual level. During the time when my soul had already been far away from my body, all life had gone, I underwent a great transformation. Like scales falling from my eyes, I realized who Jesus really was, and what his role was for mankind. He had come to bring love and peace, but he was involved in political chaos, which finally meant his end.

During this short time, when I was closer to death than to life, I underwent a great change. I realized that my life had been full of doubts, that I had only believed what I could see and follow. Everything else was non-existent for me. Believe me, my sisters Mary Magdalene and Martha were a great challenge for me at the time! They practised their spirituality every day because they had undergone a deep spiritual training. This was an old tradition amongst the women of our family. We men were educated rationally and practically, as we had to look after our families, the house, the fields and the business. There was no room for spirituality. It was also the women who were responsible for healing work. We men were not involved in this and so we kept away from it.

My sister Mary Magdalene was a clever, gentle and educated woman, with a high reputation in society, respected and popular. The picture of her that has been conveyed, does not in the least do her justice. She was misunderstood and denied which was extremely humiliating for her. However, she never complained, as she was aware of a higher context. In her time, she spread the pure teachings of Jesus, and then she became a forgotten figure. We could say she had been banished underground for 2000 years. Now the time has come, that all of us, who accompanied her to Gaul, are allowed to appear again, although only in spiritual form. It is my task to support you in times of doubt, insecurity and upheaval. Turn to me and connect with me. I am always here for you!"

(c) Ingrid Auer 2012, picture: Sebastiano del Piombo