part 1
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By
the Spirit of
André Luiz |
Through medium Francisco Cândido Xavier
- almost 70years ago |
Ist
Electronic Edition by GEAE |
Translated from the 25th Portuguese
edition entitled “Nosso Lar” . First Portuguese edition published in
1944 by
FEDERAÇÃO ESPÍRITA BRASILEIRA.
Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. |
Revision and editing by Lauren Speeth Luczynski
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1st Electronic
Edition by Antônio Leite (New York, NY, USA) and GEAE (Advanced
Study Group of Spiritism)
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Chapter 32
LEARNING ABOUT VENERANDA
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Returning
across the moonlit park, I experienced a strange sense of
fascination. Those big, shady trees and flourishing patches
of greenery held my admiring attention. As we walked, I
questioned her about the surroundings:
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“This
great park,” she said, “not only contains the paths to
the Lower Zone and the plants we cultivate for nutricious
juices, but Minister Veneranda has also created delightful
areas used for educational purposes.”
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Noting
my curiosity she continued:
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“They
are known as the ‘green halls’, and are situated in the
midst of the trees. They are perfectly suited for the
lectures given by the Ministers of Regeneration. The most
beautiful is reserved for the Governor’s lectures when he
visits us. Others are used for visiting Ministers and
students in general. Their elegant trees blossom
periodically, looking like small, colorful towers of natural
charm. The sky is our sheltering roof, allowing us to enjoy
the blessings of the sun and of distant stars.”
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“How
marvelous these natural places must be!” I exclaimed.
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“They certainly are.” She continued, “Forty
years ago Minister Veneranda’s idea aroused great
enthusiasm all over the Colony, and a campaign was begun to
build a ‘natural hall’. Every Ministry, including the
Ministry of Divine Union, worked, with Veneranda’s
cooperation, to build delightful arbors all over the Water
Park. I think the ones they built in the schools are the
most interesting. They vary greatly in size and shape. One
of them, which Veneranda built in the Educational Park of
the Ministry of Elucidation, is star shaped, contains
prodigious vegetation, and is ample enough for five large
classes taught by five different instructors. In its center
is an enormous apparatus, similar to a projector, which can
simultaneously show five different projections. Their initiative
improved the city, providing areas which unite useful
service, practicality, and spiritual beauty.”
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“How
are the halls furnished?” I inquired as she paused, “In
the same style as earthly ones?”
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Narcisa
smiled and continued:
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“No,
it’s different. Thinking of Gospel scenes of Jesus’
passage on Earth, Veneranda suggested that all building
materials be taken directly from nature. Each hall has
benches and chairs carved out of the ground and covered with
soft, sweet smelling grass, lending it a restful and
distinctive beauty. Declaring that it would be fitting to
recall the Master’s sermons on the open beach during his
travels along the Sea of Tiberias, she introduced the idea
of natural furnishings. The halls require constant care, but
they return so much in the way of beauty and lovely scenery.
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The
kind nurse fell silent for a moment, and then continued
again:
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“As
I have already told you, most beautiful hall in our Ministry
is reserved for the Governor’s talks. Veneranda learned
that he had always ancient Hellenic landscapes, and
decorated it accordingly, shady bowers and seats composed of
the interlaced branches of trees. Every thirty days the
flowers change in species, and each month presents a new
color scheme. The loveliest one is reserved for December, in
honor of Jesus’ birth when our Colony receives beautiful
thoughts and earnest promises from our incarnate brothers,
and we, in turn, send our hopes and service to the higher
spheres in homage to the Master of masters.
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“Perhaps you already know that the Governor visits
us nearly every week, on Sundays. He stays for hours,
conferring with the Ministers of Regeneration and talking to
workers, offering valuable suggestions, examining our border
lines with the Lower Zone, receiving our visits and good
wishes, and comforting convalescents. Sometimes, when he has
time in the evenings, he stays to listen to music and to
attend shows staged by the youth of our schools. Most visitors in the Astral
City come to our Ministry just to see that ‘natural
place’ which comfortably seats over thirty thousand
people.”
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Listening
to Narcisa, I experienced a pleasant sensation, half joy,
half curiosity.
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“Minister
Veneranda’s hall,” she added, enthusiastically, “is
also magnificent. We give its upkeep special care and
attention. All we can do in recognition of her great
devotion is nothing compared to the outstanding service she
has given us. This servant of the Lord has introduced
numerous beneficial measures on behalf of the city’s most
unfortunate inhabitants. Her service record at the Astral
City is considered by the Government as one of the most
praiseworthy. She has the greatest number of working hours
in our Colony, and is the oldest officer in the Government
and in the Ministry. She has been in active service here for
over two hundred years.”
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“How
venerable she must be!” I exclaimed.
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“You
are right.” She answered. “She is one of the most highly
evolved beings in our Spirit Colony. The eleven ministers
who share the direction of the Ministry of Regeneration with
her always seek her advice before making any important
decision. Even the Governor himself often consults her for
her enlightened opinion. Only she and the Governor have seen
the Master Jesus in the Resplendent Spheres. Yet she never
mentions that distinction of her spirit life – she avoids
all reference to it.
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“I can tell you of another significant incident.
One day, four years ago, the Astral City prepared to
entertain the Fraternities of Light who rule the Christian
destinies of America. They were coming to pay their respects
to Veneranda and to bestow the ‘Service Merit’ medal on
her for having completed one million consecutive hours of
useful service with admirable devotion, perseverance and
self-effacement. She is the first in the Colony to be
awarded with such an honor. When presented with the medal,
she only wept in silence. Afterwards, she donated it to the
town archives, and transferred the honor to the Colony as a
collective group, saying that she was unworthy of it.
Despite the Governor’s protests, she requested that all
the celebrations be cancelled. She never again alluded to
this incident.”
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“What
an extraordinary woman!” I said, “I wonder why she
doesn’t inhabit some higher sphere.”
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“Spiritually,
she lives in planes far superior to ours, and only remains
in the Astral City out of a great spirit of love and
abnegation. I have heard that our sublime benefactress has
been working for a thousand years to help a group of loved
ones still on Earth. Meanwhile, she waits for them with
untiring patience.”
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“How
might I come to know her?” I asked earnestly.
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Pleased
at my interest, she answered:
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“Tomorrow
evening, after the prayers, Minister Veneranda is coming to
her hall to give some apprentices a lecture on
thought.”
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Chapter 33
CURIOUS OBSERVATIONS
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Just
before midnight, with Narcisa’s permission, I went to the
gates of the Chambers. The Samaritans were expected at any
moment. It was necessary, therefore, to watch out for their
arrival, so that the last minute measures necessary might be
taken in time.
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With
emotion, I walked down the pathway, here and there, among
the shady trees, I saw tree trunks suggesting the Earth’s
hoary oak, and other leaves that bring to mind the acacia
tree and the pine. In the open air I experienced a sensation
of well being such as I had never felt in the Chambers, in
spite of their ample windows. While advancing silently under
the sheltering branches gently stirring in the breeze, I
felt a profound peace fall upon me. I began to reminisce
about events in my life after my first meeting with Minister
Clarence. I wondered where the dream region was situated ; -
was
it on Earth, or in this spirit colony? I wondered what had
happened to Zelia and the children. Although I had received
so many explanations about the most varied aspects of life,
my earthly home was never mentioned.
My
own mother had advised silence and had only addressed this
matter vaguely. It all implied that I should forget the
problems of the flesh in order to achieve my inner renewal.
Yet, probing deeply, I discovered that my longing for my
family was still alive and strong. I yearned to see my
beloved wife, to feel my children’s caresses once again.
Why should fate keep us apart, as if I were a castaway on
some unknown shore. These questions perplexed me, but I was
also comforted by the thought that I could not consider
myself forsaken. If my earthly experiences might be
classified as a “wreck”, it was all my own doing. Now
that I had the opportunity to observe the vibrations of
intense and constructive work at the Astral City, I could
not help wondering how I, when on Earth, could have wasted
so much time on trifles.
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True, I had loved my wife dearly, and had
tenderly cherished our children, yet on examining my conduct
as a husband and father, I realized that I had failed to
build up anything solid and useful within the spirit of my
family. I realized it only now, now that it was too late.
Whoever advances along a road and neglects to sow the seed
for a future harvest along the way, and fails to protect the
fountain that quenches his thirst, cannot turn back
expecting to find all he needs. These thoughts kept
recurring in my mind with an irritating insistence. On
leaving the physical sphere, I had been faced with the
torture of incomprehension. I did not know what had happened
to my wife and children, who were suddenly deprived of the
accustomed domestic stability and confronted with the
inevitable struggles of widowhood and orphan hood, but I saw
no pint in asking.
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A
light breeze seemed to whisper lofty ideas, as if attempting
to lift my mind to higher thoughts. Although tormented with
these inner questions, I had to attend to the mission on
which I had been sent. I approached the gate and scrutinized
the distance beyond the tilling fields. All was moonlight
and serenity, glorious heavens and peaceful beauty. I spent
some minutes absorbed in awed prayer to the Creator of all
things in contemplation of the lovely scenery before me.
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A
few moments later I saw two enormous shapes. They puzzled me
– they looked like men of some indefinable semi-luminous
substance. Strange filaments hung from their arms and feet,
and there was a thread connected to their heads. They gave
me the impression of two ghosts, and I could not bear their
sight. My hair standing on end, I ran back to the Chambers.
As I anxiously explained to Narcisa the cause of my terrors,
she could hardly keep from laughing.
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“Well,
now,” she said, good-humoredly, “didn’t you recognize
those forms?”
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I was considerably abashed and did not
know what to say. Narcisa smiled and explained:
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“I
had the same experience, and was just as surprised as you.
The explanation is simple, though. The forms you saw belong
to our brothers from Earth. They are highly evolved spirits
on some redeeming mission on the physical plane, who, as
worthy initiates of Eternal Wisdom, may temporarily abandon
their fleshly bodies and travel freely through our spheres.
The filaments and threads you observed are the
characteristics which distinguish them from us. Therefore,
you needn’t fear. Incarnate men who succeed in reaching
these regions are highly evolved spirits, though they may
appear humble or obscure on Earth.”
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In
an encouraging voice she added, “Let’s go out and see.
It’s 12:40. The Samaritans can’t be long in coming.”
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Satisfied
with Narcisa’s explanation, I followed her to the great
gate. I could still see the two forms in the distance,
calmly walking away from the Astral City. Narcisa gazed at
them, and remarked:
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“They
are surrounded by blue light. They must be two advanced
messengers from the physical plane on some mission we cannot
know.”
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We
stood at the gate for some time, lost in the contemplation
of the silent fields. Finally, my kind friend pointed out a
dark spot traveling across the moonlit horizon. They had
arrived. Looking intently in the direction Narcisa was
pointing, I saw that the caravan was moving slowly towards
us under the clear sky. All of a sudden I heard dogs barking
in the far distance.
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“What’s
that?” I asked, startled.
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“Why,
dogs.” Said the nurse. “They are precious helpers in the
obscure regions of the Lower Zone, which is inhabited not
only by discarnate men, but also by real monsters. This,
however, is not the proper time to describe them.”
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Then, raising her voice, she called to
the other servants in the distance, and sent one of them
back to the Chambers with the news of the Samaritans’
arrival. I gazed curiously at the strange group approaching
slowly. I counted six big carts or stagecoaches, each drawn
by animals which, even from a distance, looked like mules
and preceded by a lively pack of dogs. What caught my
attention most were the bands of large birds flying close to
the carts and making strange sounds. At this sight I turned
to Narcisa and inquired:
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“Where
is the airbus? Couldn’t they use it in the Lower Zones?”
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As
Narcisa shook her head, I asked for an explanation. As
usual, she was willing to oblige, and answered:
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“It’s
a problem of the density of matter. Water and air are a good
example. An airplane which flies through the air cannot do
the same in water. We can build machines such as submarines,
for instance, which can carry us through denser matter, but
in deference to the suffering inhabitants of the region,
communities of higher planes prefer to use this simple means
of transportation. Besides, we often can’t do without
animal collaboration.”
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“Why
is that?” I asked with astonishment.
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“Dogs
simplify the work, an mules carry weight patiently and
supply warmth when necessary. Those birds,” she added,
pointing to them in the air, “which we call ‘traveling
ibises’, are the Samaritans’ great allies. They eat
hateful and wicked thought forms, helping to fight against
the dark shapes of the Lower Zone.”
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The
caravan was growing nearer. Narcisa, gazing at me kindly,
continued:
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“There is no time now for further details.
You can find valuable lessons on animals not here, but in
the Ministry of Elucidation, where the parks of instruction
and experiments are located.”
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Busily supervising the last-minute
arrangements, the devoted nurse prepared to receive the new
patients.
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Chapter 34
NEWCOMERS FROM THE LOWER ZONE
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The
packs of dogs, led by strong workers, halted as they
approached us. Within minutes, we were all crossing the
broad galleries leading into the Chambers of Rectification.
Many attendants were hurrying about. Some of the weaker
patients were being helped indoors. Not only Narcisa,
Salustius and the others were working; the Samaritans were
also doing their utmost, eager to aid the newcomers, some of
whom waiting humbly for their turn while others complained
loudly.
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As I
also lent a hand, I noticed an old lady, trying with great
difficulty to get down from the last carriage. When she saw
me nearby she began to beg:
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“Please,
son, for God’s sake, help me to get down.”
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I
approached, interested.
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“Good
heavens,” she went on, forming the sign of the cross,
“thanks to Divine Providence I have escaped purgatory. Oh,
the wicked devils which tormented me there. What a hellish
place. At last, heavenly angels have come to my rescue.”
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I
helped her down, again curious. For the first time I heard
references to hell and purgatory from someone who seemed
calm and reasonable to me. Prompted by my curiosity, I
inquired:
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Thus
speaking, oblivious of Laura’s advice, I affected great
concern, as I had on Earth. The poor woman perceived my
interest and began telling her story.
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“Very far indeed. On Earth, my son, I was a lady of
great virtues, charitable and pious, sincere in my beliefs.
What can one do against Satan’s wiles? On leaving the
world, I found myself surrounded by monstrous beings which
dragged me with them in a veritable whirlwind. At first I
implored the protection of the Celestial Archangels, but the
hellish spirits kept me prisoner. However, I never lost hope
of being rescued at any moment, because I had left some
money to have monthly masses celebrated for my eternal
rest.”
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Yielding
to my pernicious habit of meddling into matters which were
none of my business, I insisted:
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“How
interesting your observations are. Didn’t you try to find
out the reason you were kept so long in those regions?”
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“Absolutely
not.” She replied, crossing herself again, “As I have
already told you, I did my best to be good and pious while
on Earth. But you know that nobody is completely free from
sin. As a rich woman, I might have led a peaceful life if it
hadn’t been for my slaves. They were always full of
mischief and kept quarreling. Of course, punishment was
often necessary. I had to be firm in giving my orders,
always scrupulously carried out by my overseers. It wasn’t
rare for a Negro to die at the whipping post as a warning to
others. Sometimes, to avoid trouble, I was obliged to sell
slave-mothers, separating them from their children. I felt
the sting of my conscience on those occasions, but every
month when Father Amancius visited the plantation I went to
confession. After having received absolution in the
confessional, I was free from all those venial sins and
again in peace with God and the world in general.”
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Shocked
at these words, I began to reason with her:
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“But
sister, that kind of peace is false. The slaves are also our
brothers, and to the Almighty Father, their children are
just as good as their masters’.”
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She
stamped her foot angrily in protest:
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“God
forbid! That could never be! Slaves are slaves, or the
Church would teach us otherwise. If there were slaves at the
bishop’s house, why shouldn’t there be on our
plantation? Who would work the land if not the Negroes?
Believe me, it was an honor for them to live in my slave
quarters.
On my plantation, Negroes never came to
the guests’ courtyard except to carry out my orders.
Father Amancius, our virtuous priest, once told me at
confession that Africans are the worst creatures in the
world, born exclusively to serve God in bondage. Do you
imagine, then, that I would have scruples in dealing with
them?
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You can be sure that slaves are wicked beings, the
devil’s own children! I sometimes admire my own patience
in tolerating them on Earth. Let me tell you, I passed over
most unexpectedly from shock over the Princess’ decree
abolishing slavery9.
Just imagine, setting those scoundrels free. It all happened
many years ago, but I can still remember it perfectly. I had
been feeling poorly for a few days, when Father Amancius
came from town with the disastrous news. The blow was
terrible, and I began to get worse. How could we go on
living with those ruffians at large? Of course, they would
want us to pay them back by making us serve them. Wouldn’t
it be preferable to die, than to serve them? I remember I
made my confession with difficulty. When it was over Father
Amancius gave me absolution and comforted me with
encouraging words. It seems that all devils are African,
spying on me all the time, and I have been obliged to suffer
their presence until today.”
9 Slavery was abolished in Brazil on May 13, 1888 by a law signed by
Princess Isabel, acting as a substitute for her father,
Emperor Pedro II, who was traveling abroad. (Translator’s
note.)
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“And
when did you pass over?”
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I
experienced a strange sense of amazement. The poor slave
mistress, gazing with dim eyes at the horizon, remarked:
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“it’s
possible that my nephews forgot to pay the masses, although
I left It clearly specified in my will.”
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I was about to answer her with new ideas
on fraternity and faith, when Narcisa approached and said
kindly:
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“Listen, André, you seem to have
forgotten that we are rendering assistance to patients and
mentally deranged entities. What good will all this
information be to you? Unbalanced people will talk
incessantly and whoever listens wastes spiritual attention,
and may be no more balanced than they.”
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She
said those words in such sympathetic tones that I flushed
with shame and was unable to offer an apology.
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“Don’t
worry, my friend,” she went on encouragingly, “let’s
see to the perturbed brothers.”
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“Are
you including me in their numbers?” Asked the old lady,
looking hurt. Narcisa, displaying her excellent expression
of sympathy:
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“Of
course not, my dear, I didn’t mean you. However, I think
you must be tired after your long stay in the purgatorial
zones.”
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“Yes,
indeed I am.” The newcomer agreed, “You can’t imagine
my suffering and how I was tormented by those devils.”
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The
poor thing was about to begin the whole story again, but
Narcisa cut her short:
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“Do
not dwell on evil. I know all about the bitter suffering you
had to endure. Now, just relax here while I see to your
needs.”
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Turning
to an attendant, she said:
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“You,
Zenobio, would you please go to the women’s department and
ask Nemesia to prepare a bed for our new sister awaiting
treatment?”
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Chapter 35
AN UNEXPECTED MEETING
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We
were busy putting away the patrolling equipment and seeing
to the animals, when I heard a friendly voice beside me:
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“Hello,
André. Fancy meeting you here! What a pleasant surprise.”
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I
turned around and was surprised to recognize the Samaritan
– he was a former acquaintance of ours on Earth. Yes, it
was old Silveira, whom my father, the inflexible
businessman, had reduced to utter ruin. I felt acutely
embarrassed. I wanted to acknowledge his greeting, to
respond to his friendly approach, but my memories made me
speechless. In this new environment, where countenances
faithfully reflect ones true feelings, pretending was out of
the question. Finally, Silveira himself noticed my
discomfort and came to my help, saying:
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“I
didn’t know you had come here. I had no idea I’d meet
you here in the Astral City.”
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After
this spontaneous kindness I was able to shake his hand and
murmur a few words of thanks. I wanted to offer an
explanation for our past attitudes but couldn’t find the
right words. I truly wished to apologize for my father’s
actions, which had forced him into disastrous insolvency.
Standing there, it all came back into my mind. It was like
seeing a film. I could hear his wife’s tearful voice,
trying to explain her husband’s plight – he had been ill
for a long time and, to make matters worse, two of their
children had also fallen sick. Their expenses had risen, and
medical attention cost so much money. I remember how the
poor thing wept, begging for a respite. She spoke humbly,
gazing pitifully at my mother as if attempting to find some
sympathy and help in another woman. I remember how earnestly
my mother pleaded with my father to forget the documents he
had signed, to refrain from any legal action. Father,
accustomed to successful transactions on a large scale,
could not understand the retailer’s difficulties and was
adamant.
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He declared that, although he was sorry
about his client’s bad luck and would help him in
different ways, there was nothing he could do but carry out
the legal proceedings. He explained that he could not think
of breaking the long established regulations of his firm.
All he had to offer his wife in consolation was the thought
that some of his other clients were in an even worse
position.
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I
recalled mother’s helpless sympathy as Silveira’s wife
tearfully took her leave, and how father, indifferent to the
suffering before him, scolded her severely and forbade her
to interfere in business matters in the future. Thus, there
was nothing left for the poor family but to face utter
financial ruin. I could still see the Silveira’s piano
being carried away to satisfy the implacable creditor’s
claims.
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Humbled
and penniless, Silveira moved with his wife and children to
a small town, where they had probably led a life of hard
work and poverty. I never again heard mention of the family.
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I
was anxious to apologize, but did not know what to say. I
had, at that time, encouraged father in his merciless
attitude towards the Silveira and had considered mother too
sentimental in her views. Being still very young, I was
dominated by feelings of selfishness and vanity. Impervious
to the needs and suffering of others, I was unyielding in my
attitude in spite of my mother’s wise exhortations.
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These
memories flashed throughout my mind with incredible speed.
In one short moment I had crossed the shadows of the past. I
could hardly disguise my embarrassment. Silveira smiled, and
called me back into reality:
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“Have
you already visited the ‘old man’?”
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The question, so filled with spontaneous caring, only
increased my confusion. I answered that, although anxious to
do so, I had not yet had the chance. Silveira sensed my
constraint and prepared to leave. He patted me
affectionately on the back and went on his way.
Disconcerted, I went to Narcisa and told her of our
unexpected meeting and the circumstances of our parting on
Earth. I anxiously awaited her advice. After listening
carefully, she replied:
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“Don’t
be surprised at meeting old acquaintances here. Some time
ago I found myself in a similar situation. I have already
had the satisfaction of meeting most of the people here whom
I had offended on Earth. I realize now that it’s a great
blessing granted us by the Lord, so that we may have new
opportunities to take up friendships which have been
interrupted, repairing the broken spirit links between us.
Did you avail yourself of the chance offered you?”
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“What
do you mean?” I asked.
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“Did
you ask Silveira to forgive you? Remember, it’s satisfying
to be able to recognize our own faults. You have, by now,
acquired enough understanding to be your own judge. You have
acknowledged yourself as the offender. Don’t miss the
opportunity to gain a friend. Go to Silveira, my dear, and
speak to him frankly. He is a busy person, and you may not
get another chance soon.”
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As I
hesitated, she added:
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“Don’t
be afraid. Whenever we follow our head and heart in the
practice of good, Jesus grants us the help necessary to
succeed. The accomplishment of worthy actions, whatever they
may be, constitutes a privilege to the soul. Keep the
Master’s Gospel in mind and go seek the treasure of
reconciliation.”
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I no
longer hesitated, but ran after Silveira, opening my heart
to him and begging him to forgive both me and my father for
our past errors.
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“You
see,” I explained earnestly, “we were both blind to
everything but self interest. Whenever money and vanity go
together, few avoid taking the wrong path.”
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Silveira,
greatly touched, cut me short.
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“Listen, André, is anybody exempt from
fault? Do you imagine that I led a blameless life? Besides,
your father was a real teacher to me. My children and I are
indebted to him for his valuable lessons in individual
effort. Would we have made any spiritual progress, were it
not for this firm defense of his rights? Over here, we renew
all our old concepts of life and realize that our supposed
enemies are really our benefactors. Don’t brood over these
sad memories. Let’s look ahead to infinite life and work
with the Lord.”
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Noticing
my moist eyes, he patted me on the back in a fatherly way,
and added:
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“Don’t
waste your time over this. I hope I’ll soon have the
pleasure of accompanying you in visiting your father.”
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I
shook his hand in silence, feeling a new joy in my soul. It
seemed that a dark little corner of my heart had been
suddenly flooded with a divine light… forever.
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Work
went on without interruption. Many sick patients needed
urgent care, and other perturbed entities required devoted
attention. By evening I had mastered the technique of
magnetic passes, which I applied to many of the patients.
Tobias returned to the Chambers in the morning, and more
through generosity than any merit of mine, he encouraged me
through his words of praise:
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“Well
done, André!” He exclaimed. “I’m going to mention you
specifically to Minister Genesius, so you may receive your
hour-bonuses in double for your first efforts.”
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As I
was about to express my thanks, I was surprised to see Laura
and Lysias coming towards us. After affectionate greetings,
Laura said to me with a smile:
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“We
simply had to come to tell you personally how happy we all
are. I followed you in spirit the entire night, and your
first steps on the road of brotherly cooperation are a great
joy to our family. I had the pleasure of giving the good
news to Minister Clarence, who sends you his best wishes.”
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We
talked for a while, and they asked to hear my impressions. I
was happy to oblige. Although Laura and Lysias invited me to
return home with them to rest, Tobias had offered me a room
in the Chambers, where I could retire without delay. I felt
an urgent need to sleep. Unbeknownst to me, the greatest joy
of the day was still to come.
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Alone in the spacious and comfortable room where
Narcisa had made me a bed, I offered up a prayer to the Lord
of all Creation, thanking him for the joy of having been
useful. Then the “blessed fatigue” of those who have
fulfilled their duties left me no time for further musings.
Within a few minutes I felt a sensation of lightness
throughout my body. I had the impression of being carried
away in a small boat, sailing towards unknown regions. Where was I being taken? It was impossible
to tell. A silent man sat beside me at the helm. I felt like
a child, unable to describe the wonders before me. Ecstatic
at the magnificence of the scenery, I let myself be carried
along without a word. The little craft seemed to be sailing
rapidly, and at the same time gradually ascending. After a
short time I found myself in a marvelous harbor, and heard a
voice calling me lovingly from the pier.
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“André,
André….” I could tell that voice from a thousand
others. Overwhelmed with joy, I disembarked with childlike
zeal, and a moment later I was in my mother’s arms. She
led me to a beautiful forest, where flowers seemed to retain
light, offering a permanent feast of perfume and color.
Luminous golden carpets stretched out under the rustling
foliage of the great trees. I felt an ineffable sensation of
peace and happiness, different from the dream states I had
experienced on Earth. I was well aware that I had left my
heavier body in my room in the Chambers of Rectification,
and was conscious of being in higher sphere. My notions of
time and space were accurate, and I felt the wealth of
emotions I was experiencing grow more and more intense.
After inspiring me with words of appreciation, my mother
explained:
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“I prayed fervently to Jesus that I might be
granted the sublime satisfaction of your visit on your first
day of useful service. As you already know, my son, work is
a divine tonic for the heart. Many of our companions, on
leaving the Earth, linger unproductively, awaiting miracles
that never occur, their fine possibilities reduced to
expressions of parasitism. Some plead discouragement from
loneliness, others declare themselves maladjusted to the way
in which they were called to serve the Lord. It is
indispensable, André, to convert every opportunity in life
into a reason to remember and serve God. Just as in the
lower spheres the bowl of soup given to the hungry, the balm
offered to the leper, and the gesture of sympathy towards
one stricken by adversity, are sublime deeds forever
remembered in the House of
the Father. Here a look of understanding cast to the
sinner, the promise of the Gospel brought to those in
despair, and hope imparted to the afflicted are blessings of
spiritual work which also weigh greatly in our favor.”
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I
had never before seen my mother’s face so beautiful. Her
eyes seemed to shine with a spiritual radiance and her
tender hands transmitted invigorating fluids and an
indescribable sensation of bliss to me.
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“Jesus’
Gospel, André,” she continued, “teaches us that there
is greater joy in giving than in receiving. For our own
happiness, let’s learn to put this principle into practice
in our daily efforts. Always give, my child, but above all
never forget to give of yourself, in constructive tolerance,
brotherly love and divine understanding. External charity is
only a lesson, and a means to lead us to the more difficult
practice of charity from within. Jesus gave more of Himself
to redeem mankind than all the Earth’s millionaires
congregated in the fulfillment of material charity, however
sublime their efforts may have been. Don’t be ashamed to
offer aid to our sickly brothers or clear the minds of the
disturbed entities that come to the Chambers of
Rectification, where I spiritually followed your work last
night.
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“Work,
my child, doing all the good you can. In all our spirit
colonies, as on Earth, live restless souls anxious for
novelty and distraction. As often as possible, try to avoid
those amusements and devote yourself to useful service. Just
as I, insignificant as I am, can see in spirit your efforts
in the Astral City, while following your father’s
suffering in the Lower Zone, God sees and accompanies us
all, from the most evolved messenger to the lowest beings in
the scale of Creation.”
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My
mother paused briefly, and I tried in vain to speak.
Although tears of emotion had rendered me speechless, she
understood my feelings. Looking at me with deep affection,
she went on:
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“In most spirit colonies, services are remunerated
with the hour-bonus which unites two essential factors. The
bonus represents the possibility of receiving something from
our brothers and co-workers, or of recompensing someone
sharing our efforts. However, the determination of the
hour’s value, just as on Earth, belongs exclusively to
God. Because of our fallibility as evolving beings, errors
may occur in awarding hour-bonuses. The real computation of
the spirit hour is a private question between the worker and
the Divine Forces of Creation. That’s why our experimental
activities on the road to progress, starting at the physical
sphere, undergo continuous, daily modifications. The
administrator to whom the Lord has granted the opportunity
of cooperating in the Divine Plan of Life, experiment with
tables, registers, and remuneration. He grants them this
opportunity just as He grants His creatures the temporary
privilege of being fathers or mothers on Earth or in other
worlds, and all sincere administrators do their utmost to
carry out the tasks assigned them to the best of their
abilities.
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“Every
Father, conscious of his responsibilities, is full of
devoted love; God also, my child is a careful Administrator
and most loving Father. He never forgets any of His children
and reserves His right to a direct understanding with His
workers about real merit of the use of their time. All
outward reward affects the personality undergoing the test,
but the value of time concerns the eternal personality, the
one that will always be present in our circles of life, on
its upward march towards the Glory of God. This is why the
Most High gives wisdom to those who spend time learning and
a longer life and greater joy to those who know how to
forget themselves in serving others.”
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Mother
became silent. As I dried my eyes, she put her arms around
me. Like a boy who falls asleep after a lesson, I lost
consciousness of everything until I awoke in my room near
the Chambers of Rectification with an invigorating sense of
joy.
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