Levi the shepherd of Bethlehem in Judah
"This one, you see, was then just a child, (he was then about twelve years old). He was the first to see the angel."[1]Placed in quarantine by the village along with Elijah, after the massacre of the innocents, he becomes a shepherd "in the service of a rich Herodian from Jerusalem who had taken possession of the goods of many inhabitants who had been killed...", a harsh man.[2]
Elijah and he, faithful believer shepherds, recite evening and morning the "Gloria", "words from Heaven that had been engraved in letters of fire in their Hearts" heard from the Angels, with the hope of knowing if the Messiah is alive and to see him one day.[3]
During the Passion of the Christ, on his way up to Calvary, Levi is present with 9 other faithful shepherds. Jesus fixes his gaze on them as if they were Angels, seems to strengthen himself from their weeping and their love. He smiles at them.[4] This small group also stays at the foot of the cross.
At his Resurrection, Jesus appears "glorious" to him and the other shepherds: "[[Servant, To Serve, Service|Faithful servants], here I am. Go. I am waiting for you these days in Galilee. I want to tell you again that I love you. Jonah is happy, with the others, in Heaven." The shepherds sing the Gloria and go to announce the risen Christ to the pagans and strengthen the faith of their brothers.[5]
At his Ascension, Jesus calls to him his closest, the Apostles, the shepherds, Lazarus, Joseph, Nicodemus, Manahen, Maximin, Marziam and all those who are part of the seventy-two Disciples. But above all he keeps the shepherds near him to thank them for having been present from his birth to his death and for knowing how to suffer for their faith.[6]
Character and Appearance
He is barely forty years old when he meets Jesus again near Hebron. Virile and bearded face.[7]
Apostolic Journey
Witness of the Nativity[8] - of the Crucifixion[9] - of the Resurrection.[10] - of the Ascension.[11]
One of the seventy-two Disciples sent on Mission two by two.[12]
His Name
Levi means "Attachment". Historical reference: 3rd son of Jacob and Leah. He is the ancestor of the Levites, the priestly class.
Where is he mentioned in the work?
EMV 30 EMV 73 EMV 75 EMV 76 EMV 77 EMV 79 EMV 81 EMV 86 EMV 87 EMV 88 EMV 89 EMV 90EMV 208 EMV 209 EMV 210 EMV 270 EMV 275 EMV 276 EMV 277 EMV 278 EMV 280
EMV 348 EMV 349 EMV 350 EMV 370 EMV 371 EMV 387
EMV 623 EMV 624