Sunsets Into Sunrises
Bishop Martin - The Progress of a Soul in the Beyond
- Chapter 16 -
BISHOP MARTIN'S CONFESSION OF GUILT. - HIS RESOLVE TO STAY WITH THE PILOT, HIS RESCUER. - AND THE ANGEL PETER AS THE THIRD ALLY.
1
(Bishop Martin): "Oh, my dear friend, I must admit to my regret that you are right in every detail and I do see now that I have no excuse whatsoever and am alone responsible for everything that has happened. But I would like to learn from you where you are taking me and what my lot will be for eternity."
2
(The skipper): "Ask your heart, your love! What does it say? What does it desire? When your love will have given a definite answer to your query, your lot will have been decided within you. For everyone is judged by his own love or desire:"
3
(Bishop Martin): "Oh, friend, if I were judged by my love, only God knows where I would get to! For my mind is still like that of a fashion-crazy woman who has a choice of hundreds of dress materials and is unable to make up her mind which to take.
4
An innermost feeling draws me towards God, my Creator. But then my numerous great sins get in the way and make the realization of this wish seem impossible.
5
Then I remember those sheep and lambs of this world, and that it wouldn't be unpleasant at all to live with such sheep in eternity. But an inner voice warns me that it would never bring me nearer to God, it would rather take me farther away. Thus, also, this pet idea of mine sinks into this fathomless sea.
6
Once more the thought comes to my mind that I could live as a simple farmer in some corner of this eternal spirit world and maybe once be granted the favor of seeing Jesus, even if only for a moment: But then my conscience again reminds me that I am not worthy of such a great honor - and I sink back into my sinful insignificance before Him, the Most Holy!
7
Only one idea seems to me the least difficult to realize, and I must admit it has now turned out to be my pet idea - namely, to stay with you through all eternity, wherever you may go. Although, in the world I could not stand those at all who dared face me with the truth, I have come to love you very much, as you have told the truth to my face like a wise but mild judge. To this pet idea of mine I would stick in eternity!"
8
(The skipper): "Alright, if that is your main love, of which you will still have to convince yourself, this can be realized immediately. We are not far off the shore now and quite near the hut where I live. You are aware of my trade by now - that I am a pilot in the truest sense of the word. You can take part in my business and in my little plot of land, which we shall work diligently in our free time to provide our livelihood. And if you now look, you will find somebody beside you who will stick to us faithfully."
9
For the first time on this voyage, the bishop turns round and immediately recognizes the angel Peter. He embraces him, asking his forgiveness for insulting him.
10
Peter reciprocates with the same love and praises the choice the bishop's heart has made.
11
The boat has meanwhile reached the shore, is tied to a post, and the three enter the hut.