Short Fiction · Chapter
IX explained
Old Faustina returns to Capri and tells Emperor Tiberius about her failed mission to bring the miracle worker from Jerusalem.
What happens
Old Faustina returns to Capri and tells Emperor Tiberius about her failed mission to bring the miracle worker from Jerusalem. She shows him the kerchief with the likeness of Jesus's face. Tiberius is transformed by the image, feeling love and compassion for the first time, which cures his illness. He sends messengers to investigate Pilate, reward the vineyard-laborer, and bring Jesus's disciples to Capri. Faustina is baptized as Veronica before her death.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Tiberius's physical and spiritual suffering is redeemed through the compassionate encounter with the image of the suffering Christ.
Deception and Truth
Faustina's initial deception about the miracle worker gives way to the truth revealed by the kerchief, which transforms Tiberius.
Love and Sacrifice
Jesus's sacrificial death and Faustina's love for him lead to the healing of Tiberius.
Characters to notice
- Faustina
Returns to Capri and reports her failure to Tiberius; later shows him the kerchief with Jesus's likeness and is baptized as Veronica.
- Emperor Tiberius
Listens to Faustina's story indifferently at first, but is profoundly moved by the image on the kerchief, leading to his healing and transformation.
- Jesus
The Crucified One whose likeness on the kerchief brings about Tiberius's cure and conversion.
- Pilate
Mentioned as the governor of Palestine whom Tiberius orders investigated for condemning the innocent.
Key passages
“Is this a mortal?”
Can this be a mere human being?
Tiberius marvels at the divine quality of the face on the kerchief.
“I mourn over thy death, thou Unknown!”
I grieve for your death, you stranger.
Tiberius expresses sorrow for the unknown man whose image moves him.
“It was too great a thought that these two should meet. God knew that the world could not support it.”
The idea of these two meeting was too immense; God understood the world could not bear it.
The vineyard-laborer's wife reflects on why Tiberius and Jesus never met in person.