Sunsets Into Sunrises
Bishop Martin - The Progress of a Soul in the Beyond
- Chapter 130 -
JOHN TESTS MARTIN WITH SOME QUESTIONS. ABOUT INTERCESSION OF THE SAINTS AND CONCERN FOR RELATIVES.
1
(Says John): "Listen, brother Martin, on earth, as far as I know, you used to be a great friend of Mary's, also of Joseph's and other saints. You do not seem to show any interest in them here. Why? You also do not seem concerned about your relatives - your father, mother, brothers, sisters, and many other relatives and friends who preceded you in this world. Tell me, why is this so?
2
They could be unhappy somewhere. Wouldn't you, now a great friend of the Lord, wish to help them if you could, especially if you knew they were unhappy? In the world, you thought a lot of intercession by the saints, but here, a saint yourself and the Lord's great friend, you do not think of it at all. Tell me, what is the reason forthat?"
3
(Says Martin): "Dearest friend and brother, an ox feeds on hay and straw, and an ass is satisfied with an even poorer feed. I was on earth first an ass and then an ox, and my food was as described just now. Tell me, can a spirit grow on such a meager spiritual fare?
4
Only now, thanks to the Lord's love, compassion, and mercy, and His bread of life and genuine wine of true knowledge, have I become a real human being. Should I still have an appetite for the fare of asses and oxen on earth? Should I still make the same mistake as on earth, thinking the blessed citizens of this great celestial spirit-world could be more merciful and loving than the Lord Himself? And He would have to be moved by them to love and mercy? Oh friend, thanks to God I am not quite as stupid as I used to be.
5
What are Mary and Joseph and all the so-called saints? What are my earthly parents, brothers, sisters, and friends compared to the Lord? If I have Him, I do not care about a thousand Marys, Josephs, parents, brothers and sisters, or friends! The Lord looks after them as He has done with me. What more could they need? I think every true citizen of heaven must think like this. If not, he must be more perfect than the Lord Himself.
6
Did not the Lord Himself say clearly who His mother, brothers and sisters were, when He was told that His mother, His brothers and sisters were waiting for Him outside?
7
If He, Who has forever been and will be our Teacher and Master, has taught us these things which, unfortunately, on earth we did not understand, why should we here in heaven seek a better doctrine within ourselves? That would be very stupid, don't you think so, my dearest brother?"
8
(Says John): "Indeed, you have expressed what is in my heart. This is how it is, must be, and will be forever! But if you now met Mary and Joseph, and other persons of consequence, wouldn't you be very happy?"
9
(Says Martin): "Yes, I would be happy, but by no means any happier than when the Lord comes to me. For in Him I have everything and, therefore, He is more to me than anything else. Look, you and brother Peter surely belong to the most important persons who ever lived on earth. I love you both very much, but I respect every good and wise citizen of heaven quite as much as you, since we are all brothers, and there is only one Who is the Lord. Am I right?"
10
(Says John): "Brother, with such true wisdom you will even get through on the sun! Now I can see that you possess true wisdom and - look - the road is already descending into the valley. Now we shall also meet sun-philosophers!"