Sunsets Into Sunrises
Bishop Martin - The Progress of a Soul in the Beyond
- Chapter 110 -
PREPARATIONS FOR A CELESTIAL FEAST. MARTIN'S FIRST JOURNEY WITH THE CELESTIAL MAIL.
1
(Meanwhile, I turn to Martin and Borem and say to them quietly): "Friends and brothers, now you have plenty of helpers. Go and place the large table in the center of the hall and set it with plenty of bread and wine. Gather also the fully ripened fruit from this fig tree and put it on the table with the bread and wine. After I have had a few more words with My sweet Chanchah, we shall have a good, invigorating meal together. Go and carry out My wish and will!"
2
The two thank Me in their hearts for this commission and go to fulfill it without delay. Martin summons the now-cleansed members of the various orders, including the nuns, and sets them the task of fetching the bread and wine. He sets the Ladies of the Sacred Heart to bring the figs, after the large table, which came into being without the help of a joiner, has been placed in the correct position.
3
The hundred Chinese are watching this activity with close attention, not knowing as yet what is going to happen. They are most astonished to see the large table, of which there had been no trace a while ago. They have already got used to the fig tree, which had come into existence so suddenly, since they have been looking at it for some time.
4
The numerous earthly parents, too, particularly those of the Ladies of the Sacred Heart, are astonished at the sudden activity in this hall, and watch it with apprehension, not knowing what it all means. The big crowd around the table is blocking their view and they cannot see all the bread, wine, and figs being placed upon it.
5
When the table has been laid, all the helpers return once more to their comfortable seats, while Martin and Borem, accompanied by the Lady of the Sacred Heart who, as a frog, had thrown herself into the sea first - metaphorically - return to Me to tell Me that everything is ready.
6
(But I say to them): "That is all right. But go outside first to the garden fence to see whether there isn't someone else who might take part in this meal. And you, Gella (the Lady of the Sacred Heart), stay here with Me and listen to the wonderful things I am now going to tell my dearest Chanchah. So be it, My brothers!"
7
The two go immediately outside and are not a little surprised at finding the garden in a state of great heavenly abundance and vast expansion.
8
(Says Bishop Martin): "Oh, what distances we shall have to walk, brother, to look along all the fences of this vast garden! It must surely be larger than the largest kingdom on earth. Oh, Lord, how endless and unfathomable this is! This would only be possible in heaven!
9
Oh, look towards the east, that avenue with the most magnificent trees! And can you see its end, brother? I cannot, nor can I see any trace of a fence. No, brother Borem, we haven't a chance of reaching any fence if we walk in the usual way. And to walk around the whole of the enclosure would really be some task!
10
But never mind. To carry out the Lord's will is at all times the greatest joy and, therefore, I am looking forward to a trip around this garden. We shall even have some mountaineering, for towards the south I can see mountains of considerable height. And, oh dear, just look towards the west and north - there are mountain ranges which on earth one could not even have imagined! Ah, those magnificent peaks - are they also inside our garden, brother?"
11
(Says Borem): "Naturally, for this garden keeps expanding, as does our love for the Lord and our brothers and sisters. But you know, brother, for a garden of such celestial expansion as this one, which the Lord has prepared for us with such splendor, there is a special kind of celestial forward movement. This is threefold: firstly, it is a natural movement, with the feet as on earth; secondly, a floating movement of the soul, which has the speed of the winds; and thirdly, there is a sudden, spiritual movement, which is as fast as a flash of lightning and the flight of thoughts.
12
This third kind of movement is used only in an emergency, and we shall not make use of it here. But we shall use the second kind, which will be quite sufficient for our purpose. The means for using this movement is our firm will. We must only will in the name of the Lord, and we shall find ourselves floating freely in the celestial air, and it will take us wherever we wish to go with the speed of the wind. So will it, and you will succeed."
13
Martin follows Borem's instructions, and immediately they are both floating freely in the celestial air and turning towards the east. Martin is overwhelmed with joy.