Sunsets Into Sunrises
Bishop Martin - The Progress of a Soul in the Beyond
- Chapter 63 -
BISHOP MARTIN'S DISCUSSION WITH TWO OTHER JESUITS AND TWO LIGUORISTS.
1
(Two other Jesuits and two Liguorists go up to Bishop Martin and say): "Dearest and best friend, we quite agree with the advice you have given to all of us. As matters now have turned out, we have no complaints, and if we could find some minor occupation, we would be quite pleased with our lot and not want for anything better for the whole of eternity. However, if we have to spend eternity without anything to do, we would prefer total extinction to an inactive life."
2
(Bishop Martin): "Friends, can you read what is written on this round, white tablet?"
3
(One of the four says): "Oh yes, it is something quite ominous: Dies irae, dies ilia! (Day of the wrath, that day!). Libera nos ab omni malo! (Deliver us from all evil!). Memento, homo, quia pulvis es et in pulverem reverteris! (Remember, man, that you are dust and shall revert to dust!). Requiescant in pace! (May they rest in peace!). Requiem aeternam dona eis, domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis! (Give them, Lord, eternal rest and may the eternal light shine for them!). Ex profundis clamavi! (I cried from the depth!). Clamor meus ad te veniat! (May my cries reach You!). Vitam aeternam dona eis, domine, et sedere in sino Abrahami, et considere ad mensam illius, et comedere cum illo per omnia secuta seculorum, amen! (Give them eternal life, Lord, a place in the lap of Abraham, let them sit at his table and dine with him through all eternities, Amen!).
4
As you see, I can still read, although I feel it to be thousands of millions of years since I have seen any letters. But tell me, what about these old dogmatic phrases? Could it be that they are applied here in the spirit world? If so, our prospects for the whole, long eternity are not too good! O friend, do tell us how we have to understand this!"
5
(Bishop Martin): "How else should this be understood than as it is written? I assure you, these phrases have no other meaning than what they clearly say with their words. Tell me, have you ever, in the world, put another meaning into these exclamations than the one expressed through their words? If you were satisfied with them in the world, where they brought in money for you and a hidden mental authority, why should they worry you now, when their meaning is practically applied to you? What do you want an occupation for? Requiescant in pace; ergo requiescamus! (May they rest in peace; therefore, let us rest!). This rest in eternal peace you have now found - all of you!
6
There is also light here, continuously shining through the nice large windows. My house is like the lap of Abraham, and the large cupboard over there, filled with good bread and wine, is a true table of Abraham, at which all of us will be dining until the Day of Judgment and, if on that day of wrath you will not be condemned, even after it forever. What more do you want?"
7
(One of the Liguorists): "You are right, friend. That is probably what we have to expect. But I still feel that this will be terribly boring. Just imagine, to be forever idle, without having to expect any change! Really, friend, think of the boredom in some decillions of earth years! Oh Lord, no living being would be able to stand that!"
8
(Bishop Martin): "Yes, but what is the use of all your reasoning? Don't you know that it is written that everyone will live according to his belief? Why did we believe all this nonsense if, when it is realized, we do not relish it?
9
If we were stubborn asses in the world, we must now be satisfied with the realization of our foolish beliefs, whether we like it or not. If in the world we had adopted a wiser belief, things would no doubt be much better for us here. But all of us - and I am no exception - were only too happy in the world if we could spread more darkness. Therefore, it should not worry us if here we are buried in our own folly like in a would-be lap of Abraham.
10
Is not the world full of old asses, oxen and blockheads, who are always babbling of enlightenment? Even if they are given enlightenment and better mental food, they ignore it, stay with their old folly, feed on their same old food, and let their eyes feast on the twilight of their cattle-shed, where they can ruminate the foul contents of their mental stomachs.
11
We, too, were such asses, oxen and blockheads! Therefore, we should not be surprised if the Lord provides most generously for our old bestial natures. Those who used to be pleased by folly, let them stay with what pleases them! Those who enjoyed sleep, may sleep here to their heart's content! Those who liked idleness, let them rest here forever! For those who enjoyed food and drink, there is Abraham's table! Those who liked to occupy themselves with virgins, here have the Sisters of Charity, the Teaching Sisters, and the Ladies of the Sacred Heart! We have everything we need - what are we complaining about?"
12
(They all shrug their shoulders, saying): "You are, of course, right - but our wisdom be damned! We would probably be better off if we could live on earth again as frogs, and croak to our heart's content! But this situation cannot be helped now!"