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 43
AN INFORMAL CONVERSATION
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The
festive atmosphere still prevailed at the Ministry of
Regeneration despite the departure of the Governor and his
closest advisors. There was much talk about the ceremony just
over, and hundreds, in response to the appeal of our spiritual
leader, were volunteering for the strenuous work of defense. I
sought Tobias to consult him about the possibility of my
following their example, but my generous brother smiled at my
innocence and said:
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“André,
you are just beginning a new job. Don’t be in a hurry to ask
for more responsibilities. The Governor has just told us that
there will be work for everybody. Don’t forget that our
Chambers of Rectification are centers of active work both day
and night, and that as thirty thousand workers will be detailed
for permanent vigilance, there will be great gaps in the rear
guard which will have to be filled somehow.”
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Perceiving
my disappointment, my kindly companion added, goodhumoredly,
after a short pause:
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“Cheer
up. You can always enroll yourself in a course against fear.
Believe me, it will do you a lot of good.”
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Meanwhile,
Lysias, who had come to the festival in the delegation from the
Ministry of Assistance, sought me and with Tobias’ permission
I followed him for a quiet talk.
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“Have
you met Minister Benevenutus, of Regeneration?” He inquired,
“The one who has just arrived from Poland?”
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“I’m
afraid I haven’t had the pleasure.”
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“Let’s
go to find him, then. I’ll introduce you to him.” Lysias
continued, sharing with me the vibrations of his great brotherly
heart. “I’ve had the honor of counting him among my personal
friends for a long time.”
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In a few minutes we found ourselves in a large green
park where Benevenutus usually worked. Several groups of
visitors were talking here
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and there under the wide-spreading trees. Leading me
to the largest gathering where the minister was exchanging
impressions with several friends, Lysias introduced me with kind
references. Benevenutus welcomed me amiably and cordially
included me in his circle. As the conversation proceeded, I
noticed that the topic under discussion was the situation on
Earth.
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“So
painful, the scenes we witnessed. Accustomed as we are to peace
in America, none of us had imagined the tremendous difficulties
in the work of spiritual aid on the battlefields of Poland. All
is darkness and difficulty there. One cannot expect sparks of
faith either from aggressors or from the majority of victims,
who give themselves up entirely to hideous impressions. Our
incarnate brothers offer us no help whatsoever, but merely
consume our strength. I must say that, since the beginning of my
work, I have never seen such terrible mass suffering.”
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“And
did the delegation remain there for long?” One of those
present asked with interest.
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“As
long as we could”. Replied the minister, “The head of the
expedition, our colleague from Assistance thought it advisable
that we apply ourselves solely to the task so that we might take
full advantage of the opportunity. I’m afraid we are far from
possessing the extraordinary capacity of resistance of those
devoted spirit workers on duty there. All the first-aid service
are working efficiently there, in spite of the suffocating
atmosphere, saturated with destructive vibrations. The
battlefield, invisible to our Earthly brothers, is a real hell
of indescribable proportions. Never does the human spirit show
so ostensibly the conditions of a fallen soul, with all its
diabolic features, as in war. I saw intelligent and cultured men
apply themselves with the utmost care to localizing districts of
peaceful activity to carry out what they call ‘direct hits’.
Bombs of high explosive power destroy the patient labors of
years. The pestilent emanations of hatred mingled with the
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poisonous fluids of guns render any service of aid
almost impossible. However, what distressed us most was the
pitiful conditions of the military aggressors. As they were cut
off from their fleshly forms, most of them passed over under the
influence of the forces of darkness, and ran away from
missionary spirits, calling them all ‘ghosts of the cross’.
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“And
weren’t any rescued?” Someone interrupted. The minister
answered significantly:
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“It
will always be possible to help peaceful lunatics in their home,
but what can we do with the furiously insane but shut them up in
an asylum? There was nothing to be done with such entities but
leave them to the abysses of darkness, where they will, in due
course, be compelled to change their mental attitude, and open
their minds to a new trend of thought. So it’s only just that
the assistance patrols limit their rescue to those with some
probability of assimilating help from above. Thus, my dear
friends, you see that on every account our observations were sad
indeed.”
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Availing
himself of the pause in the conversation, one member of the
group remarked:
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“Lack
of religious preparation, my friends”. Declared Benevenutus,
“A cultivated intelligence is not enough. Man must, above all,
enlighten his spirit in things eternal. All creeds are holy in
their fundamentals and their representatives only carry out a
divine mission when they teach the Truth of God. They’ll never
be able to quench the spiritual thirst of civilization if they
drift into political or worldly channels. Without the divine
breath, religious personalities may inspire respect and
admiration, but never faith and trust.”
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“But
what about spirit communication?” Someone asked abruptly,
“Didn’t its first manifestations take place in America and
Europe over fifty years ago? Isn’t that new movement
continuing to spread the eternal truths?”
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Benevenutus
smiled, and gestured, and went on explaining:
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“The Spiritist Doctrine is our great
hope, and in every respect the Comforter for incarnate man, but
its progress is still very slow. It is a divine gift, which most
men haven’t eyes to see, as yet. An overwhelming percentage of
new adepts approach the divine source still under the influence
of old religious vices. They want to reap its benefits, but are
unwilling to give anything of themselves. They invoke the truth,
but don’t go in search of it. While the studious ones reduce
mediums to mere human guinea pig, numerous believers act like
certain patients who, though completely healed, believe more in
sickness than in heath, and never come to stand on their own
feet. In a word, over there, they’re after materialized
spirits for the performance of transitory phenomena, whereas
here we spend our time looking for spiritualized men to carry
out serious work.”
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The
minister’s play on words brought a good-humored response from
his listeners.
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“Our
task is really astronomical, “ he resumed gravely, “however,
we must bear in mind that every man is a divine seed. Let’s
undertake our mission with hope and optimism, for if we do our
share to the best of our power, we may rest assured that God
will do the rest.”
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Chapter 44
THE DARK REGIONS
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Adding
to the happiness of this reunion, Lysias surprised me with his
great culture and sensitivity. He played some old songs expertly
on his zither, reminding me of music on Earth. What a wonderful
day! More spiritual joys followed in succession, as if we were
in heaven. When at last I found myself alone with my kind friend
from Assistance, I tried to tell him of my impressions.
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“Have
no doubt,” he said, smiling, “that when we are in the
company of those we love, something comforting and constructive
goes on inside us. It’s the nourishment of love, André. When
souls join in the pursuit of some common interest, their
thoughts mingle, forming centers of living forces through which,
from the general vibration, each member of the group will
receive his share of joy or suffering. That’s why, on the
planet, environment is such an important factor in every man’s
life. Wee shall always feed on what we cultivate. If we give in
to feelings of sadness, we shall become slaves of them. If we
are unduly absorbed by the ideas of sickness, we shall suffer
their consequences. There’s no mystery. It’s a law of life
which works for good or evil. Wherever an atmosphere of
brotherhood, hope, love or joy prevails, we shall carry with us
a share of those feelings. On the other hand, when we shall
leave a gathering where inferior tendencies of selfishness,
vanity or crime predominate, we carry the destructive vibration
of those feelings.”
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“You’re
right!” I exclaimed. “I can see that life in earthly homes
is equally ruled by these principles. Whenever there is mutual
understanding, life becomes a fore state of heavenly bliss, but
if misunderstandings and unkindness prevail, home becomes a real
hell on Earth.”
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Lysias agreed with a smile. I then took the
opportunity to ask about something which had been puzzling me.
The Governor, in his address, had mentioned the spheres of
Earth, the Shadowy Zone, and Darkness. I had never heard any mention of Darkness previously. I
wondered whether that Dark Region could be the Shadowy Zone
itself, where I myself had spent several wandering in dense
shadows. Weren’t there numerous deranged entities and patients
of all sorts from the Shadowy Zone in the Chambers? Remembering
that Lysias had given me some valuable information about my own
condition on my arrival in the Astral City, I told him of my
doubts and questions. With a noteworthy expression on his face,
my friend explained:
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“We
call the lowest regions we know ‘Darkness’. Let’s consider
all the creatures as travelers in life: a few of them advance
resolutely on the way towards the essential object of the
journey. These are already spiritually evolved and, conscious of
the divine essence within themselves, they progress without
hesitating towards their sublime goal. Most, however, linger
along the road. Numberless souls spend centuries repeating the
same experience. While the former advance along straight lines,
the latter travel along the same circular path. Thus failing,
recommencing, and failing again, they are exposed to endless
vicissitudes. Many will go astray in the forest of life
bewildered by the labyrinth they have themselves traced. To that
class belong the millions of beings wandering in the Shadowy
Zones. Others, because of their selfish thoughts, walk in the
dark and will often fall into precipices where they will remain
for an indefinite time. Do you see now?
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The
explanation could not have been clearer. Impressed by the length
and complexity of the subject, I went on with my questions:
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“But
what about those falls? Do they only happen on the Earth? Are
only the incarnate likely to be hurled into abysses?”
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After
a moment’s reflection, Lysias replied:
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“That
is a good observation. Wherever he is, the spirit may hurl
himself into the abysses of evil. However, in the higher spheres
the defenses are stronger. Therefore the responsibility of the
fault committed is also greater.”
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“Yet,” I insisted, “I thought that
a fall wouldn’t be possible except on Earth. It seemed to me
that the divine atmosphere, the knowledge of truth and of higher
aid would be infallible protection against the poison of vanity
and temptation.”
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My
friend smiled and went on:
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“The
problem of temptation is more complex. The Earth itself is
filled with divine atmosphere, knowledge of the truth, and
heavenly assistance. Yet so many fight destructive battles while
surrounded by sheltering trees and flowering fields. Many others
commit murders by moonlight, insensible to the soothing language
of the stars. Others oppress the weaker fellow while hearing
around them sublime revelations of truth. Indeed, the Earth
doesn’t lack expressions of divine presence.”
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Lysias’
words sank deeply into my spirit. It is true that, in general,
battles are fought in Spring and Summer when Nature displays its
treasures of color, perfume and light on the ground and in the
sky, while burglary and murder are preferably committed at
night, when the moon and stars involve the Earth in an
atmosphere of celestial poetry. Most earthly tyrants are men of
great culture who have turned their backs on divine inspiration.
Although my conception about the spiritual fall had changed, my
curiosity was not yet satisfied:
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“Now,
Lysias, could you give me an idea where the region of Darkness
is located? If the Lower Zone is connected with the human mind,
where is this place of suffering and horror?”
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“There
are sphere of life everywhere.” My friend resumed, “The void
is merely a literary image. Everywhere there are living forces
and each species of beings moves in a special zone of life.”
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After
a short pause, during which he seemed to reflect deeply, he went
on:
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“Of course, as happens to most of us,
you placed the sphere of life after the death of the physical
body in the zones right above the surface of the globe, unaware
of those below it. Yet life pulsates in the depths of the ocean
and the bowels of the Earth. Besides, the spirit obeys the
principles of gravity, just as do material bodies. The Earth
isn’t only a field of action which we may disregard and misuse
at our will. It is a live organization, with certain laws which
will either enslave us or set us free, according to our actions.
It’s obvious that the soul overburdened with faults won’t be
able to ascend to the surface of the wonderful lake of Life. We
must bear in mind that free birds may rise to great heights;
those encircled in dense thickets of reeds will find great
difficulty in taking flight, and those tied to great weights
become mere slaves of the unknown. Do you grasp my point?”
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Lysias
didn’t need to ask that question. All of a sudden, the immense
field of the redeeming struggles in the lowermost zones of life
seemed to flash before my spiritual eyes. As if in need of
carefully weighting his next words, Lysias thought and thought,
and then began again:
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“Just
as we carry in the recesses of our beings the potential for good
and evil, so the planet possesses both high and low expressions,
with which to correct the guilty and open the passages to life
eternal to those who triumph. As a doctor on Earth, you learned
that a man’s brain contain certain elements which control his
sense of direction. Now you realize that those elements aren’t
really physical, but spiritual in essence. If you live
exclusively in the dark, you will dim your divine sense of
direction and end by hurling yourself into the shadows, for
abysses attract abysses. Each of us shall reach the goal towards
which he directs his steps.”
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Chapter 45
THE MUSIC FIELDS
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Towards
evening, Lysias invited me to accompany him to the Music Fields.
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“You
must relax a little, André. “ he said kindly. Seeing my
reluctance, he added:
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“I’ll
speak to Tobias. Narcisa herself has taken the day off to rest.
Com on.”
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By
now I noticed a singular change in myself. Despite the short
time I had been working there, I felt greatly attached to the
Chambers of Rectification. Minister Genesius’ daily visits,
Narcisa’s company, Tobias’s inspiring example and my fellow
workers’ companionship had touched me deeply. Narcisa,
Salustius and I spent all our leisure time trying to make little
improvements in the place, to make it more cheerful and
comfortable for the patients, whom we loved with all our hearts.
Considering my relatively new position in the Chambers, I needed
Tobias’ permission to go out, so we both went in search of
him. With respectful familiarity, Lysias talked to my
instructor, who readily agreed:
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“Good
idea. André must get acquainted with the Music Fields.”
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Patting
me affectionately on the back, he added:
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“Go
and enjoy yourself. Come back late in the evening, whenever you
like. All our different branches of service are well
attended.”
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I
followed Lysias to his home in the Ministry of Assistance. It
was a true pleasure to see Laura again, and to learn that
Heloisa’s devoted mother would be returning from the Earth the
following week. The house was filled with joy. Both the area
indoors and the garden were more beautiful than ever. As we
left, Lysias’ mother took my hand and said playfully:
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“So, from now on the Music Fields will
have one more regular attendant. Watch your heart! As for me,
I’ll stay home today. It won’t be long before I find food
for my soul on Earth...”
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We
departed cheerfully. Young women accompanied Polydor and
Estacius, who were talking amiably. Lysias and I took the
airbus, and soon disembarked in one of the squares of the
Ministry of Elevation. Lysias, walking beside me, said
affectionally:
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“You
are going to meet my fiancée. I’ve told you a lot about
you.”
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“It’s
funny,” I observed intrigued. “that one would find
engagements here as well.”
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“Why
not? Does love dwell in the mortal body or the eternal soul? On
Earth, my friend, love is like a gold nugget hidden among rough
stones. It is so often mixed in with people’s needs, desires
and lower tendencies that people rarely distinguish it from an
ordinary pebble.”
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The
explanation was logical. Seeing that I agreed, Lysias continued:
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“the
betrothal is far more beautiful here in the spirit sphere
because our senses aren’t obscured by the veil of illusion. We
show ourselves as we really are. Lascinia and I have failed many
times in past earthly experiences. I must confess that most of
the falls were due to my thoughtlessness and lack of control.
Whe males on Earth still do not fully comprehend the liberty
that social laws grant us. Seldom do we use it to help our
spiritualization. Instead, we often abuse that freedom in a
slippery descent towards animality. Women, on the other hand,
have had, up to now, the advantage of being submitted to much
sterner discipline. In transitory earthly life, they are
oppressed by our tyranny and made to bear our impositions. Here,
however, we go through a readjustment of values and learn that
we are never really free until we learn to obey. It seems
paradoxical, but it’s the perfect truth.”
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“Tell
me Lysias, have you any plans for a future earthly
experience?”
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“Why, of course. I must increase my
spiritual accomplishments and pay off my debts to the Earth,
which are still considerable. I believe Lascinia and I will
return to the physical plane in about thirty year’s time.
Meanwhile, we intend to settle down very soon in a happy little
home of our own.”
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We
then arrived at the Music Fields. Lights of exquisite beauty
bathed the park. It was like a scene from a fairy tale. Luminous
fountains spouted out their waters, forming wonderful designs.
The sight was quite new to me. I was about to express my
admiration when Lysias spoke:
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“Lascinia
always comes here with her two sisters. I hope you will make
them a pleasant escort.”
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“But
Lysias, “ I returned, doubtfully, considering my old marital
status. “you know I am still bound to Zelia...”
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My
friend burst out laughing, and added:
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“Well
I never! No one is trying to encroach on your sense of fidelity.
Yet I don’t thing marriage should make you oblivious of social
life. Have you forgotten how to act as a brother, André?”
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Rather
embarrassed, I also laughed. We were now at the entrance. Lysias
approached the gate and bought our tickets. On entering the
park, I noticed a great number of people around a graceful stand
where a small orchestra was playing some light music.
Flower-bordered paths extended before us in several directions,
leading to the park’s interior. Noticing my appreciation of
the songs I heard, Lysias explained:
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“At
the outer edges of the fields, several styles of music are
played to please the personal taste of each group of those who
cannot yet understand the sublime art. In the center, though,
there is universal and divine music, the higher and sanctified
art.”
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Indeed, after walking along pleasant lanes, where
each flower seemed to rule in its own kingdom, I began to hear
an exquisite melody. On Earth there are small groups that favor
fine music, while the multitudes prefer their own regional music. Here, however, it was the
opposite. The center of the park was crowded. I had already seen
numerous gatherings in the colony, such as the festival held in
our Ministry in honor of the Governor, but what I saw in this
park exceeded everything that had previously filled me with awe.
Yet the brilliance of the scene was not due to superfluity of
excess of any kind, but rather to the artistic blending of
simplicity and beauty. The women there exhibited refined
elegance and good taste, without any excess which could detract
from the divine simplicity.
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Boughs
of great trees, different from those on Earth, adorned the
lovely, softly-lit arbors. Loving couples lingered along the
flowery lanes, while groups of ladies and gentlemen animatedly
discussed lofty and constructive topics. Although I felt
insignificant before that selected assembly, I also felt a
silence sympathy from those who glanced at me. I heard parts of
discussions concerning the physical sphere, didn’t detect even
the slightest trace of malice or reproach of incarnate men. They
discussed love, intellectual culture, scientific research and
constructive philosophy in an atmosphere of understanding and
good will, without any clash of opinions.
I observed that those
of greater enlightenment lowered the vibration of their
intellectual power while the less endowed tried to raise theirs.
In numerous groups I could heard reference to Jesus and the
Gospel, but what impressed me most was the prevailing feeling of
joy in all the conversations. Nobody referred to the Master with
negative vibrations of useless sorrow or unjustified
discouragement – they remembered Him instead as the supreme
Instructor of visible and invisible earthly organizations, full
of understanding and kindness, but also conscious of the energy
and vigilance necessary to preserve order and justice. I was
charmed by that optimistic community, which seemed to be the
fulfillment of the hopes of many a noble earthly thinker.
Although enraptured by the music, I heard Lysias explain:
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“Our harmony instructors absorb rays of
inspiration in the higher spheres, just as earthly composers are
sometimes brought to spiritual planes such as ours, where they
receive melodic expressions. They, in turn, transmit those
impressions to human ears, after adapting and adorning the
themes with their own genius. The universe, André, is fraught
with beauty and sublimity. The eternal and shining rays of Life
have their origins in God.”
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At
that moment, a graceful group approached us. It was Lascinia and
her sisters. Lysias put an end to his explanations so that we
might welcome them.
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Chapter 46
A WOMAN’S SACRIFICE
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A
year had passed in constructive work, which had been a great
solace to my heart. As I gradually learned how to make myself
useful and find pleasure in serving, I became more confident and
happy.
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Although
I yearned to return to my earthly home, I had not yet been given
the opportunity. When, on several occasions, I had meant to ask
permission, something seemed to hold me back. Had I not received
the kindest help from everyone? Wasn’t I surrounded by the
friendship and esteem of all my companions? I recognized that my
wish would have been granted if it had been useful to me, and I
decided to wait patiently. Although I was working at
Regeneration, Laura and Tobias constantly reminded me that
Minister Clarence was still the person responsible for my stay
in the colony. I often met the generous Minister of Assistance,
but he never mentioned the subject. Clarence never changed his
reserved attitude in the exercise of the authority inherent in
his obligations. Once, during the Christmas festivities in the
Ministry of Elevation, probably sensing how deeply I missed my
wife and children, he touched lightly on the subject, telling me
that the day was not very far when he would accompany me to the
old home. Joyous hope had filled my heart, and I thanked him
emotionally. Still, it was now September, 1940, and I still had
not seem my dream realized.
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The
knowledge that I had spent my time in useful service in the
Chambers comforted me. Our work went on uninterruptly and I
worked tirelessly. I had become familiar with nursing in the
different wards, and had learned how to read patients’
thoughts. I kept in touch with poor Elisa and tried my best to
assist her indirectly through her struggle for spiritual
recovery. But as I gradually reached emotional balance, the
desire to visit my loved ones became more and more intense. My
home-sickness hurt me deeply.
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The only solace I had were my mother’s
occasional visits. Although she lived in a higher sphere, she
never abandoned me to my fate. The last time we had met she said
she had some new plans in mind, which she would soon tell me.
Her attitude of resignation had deeply impressed me, and I
awaited her next visit, anxious to know those plans.
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At
last, in early September of 1940, she came to the Chambers.
After her usual loving greetings, she informed me that she
intended to return to the physical plane. In a gentle voice, she
unfolded her plan. I was surprised and upset by the idea, and
protested:
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“I
really disagree. Why should you return to the flesh? Why begin
the weary wandering again without the immediate need to?”
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In
dignified serenity, my mother replied:
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“Have
you forgotten your father afflicting condition, my son? For many
year I have worked to lift him up, but all my efforts have been
in vain. Laertes has become a skeptic with a poisoned heart.
Should he persist in such an attitude, he might be drawn into
deeper abysses. What should we do, then? Do you have the heart
to see your father in such a condition, and yet refrain from
doing everything in our power to help him?”
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“Of
course not.” I answered, greatly affected. “I would work
hard to help him. But mother, you could find the means of
assisting him here.”
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“No
doubt I could. However, spirits who really love aren’t
satisfied with lending a helping hand from a distance. What good
are all the riches in the world if we can’t share them with
our loved one? Would you be content to live in a palace from
which your children were excluded? No, I can’t maintain my
distance. Now that I can count on you on this side, I’ll join
Luiza, and help your father find his way to redemption.”
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After
a few minutes of deep thought, I insisted:
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“But
mother, are you sure there is no other way to do it?”
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‘”No, it wouldn’t be possible. I
have thoroughly examined the subject, and all my superiors have
agreed with my decision. I can’t raise the inferior to the
superior, but I can do the opposite. There is nothing else I can
do, and there mustn’t be a minute’s hesitation on my part. I
have, in you, support for the future. Don’t lose your way, my
son, and when you are able to go through the spheres that
separate us from the Earth, give your mother all the assistance
in your power. Meanwhile, don’t forget your sisters, who may
still be in the dark zones undergoing active purification. In a
very short time, I’ll be back in the physical world, where
I’ll met Laertes to carry out the task the Father will assign
us.”
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“But,
“ I asked, “how are you going to meet him? In spirit?”
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“No.”
Replied my mother, her face assuming a significant expression,
“With the help of some friends, I started preparing his
immediate reincarnation, and last week I settled him on Earth.
He was never aware of any direct help from us, because we
availed ourselves of a time when he was trying to escape the
women who still subjugated him. This mental attitude was very
helpful , and we succeeded in binding him to his new physical
body.”
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“Is
this possible? What about our individual liberty?” I asked.
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Mother
smiled rather sadly and explained:
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“There
are some reincarnations that are carried out rather drastically,
and if the patient lacks the courage to accept the sacred but
bitter medicine, his friends help him to swallow it down. The
soul can’t claim unlimited freedom unless it fully understands
its duty and performs it. Besides, we must bear in mind that the
debtor is a slave to his debts. God created free will; man
created fatality. We have to break the chains we ourselves have
forged.”
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While
I lost myself in deep thought, Mother continued her
observations:
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“The poor girls who persecuted him
won’t give up their intent. Were it not for our spirit guards,
he might have been deprived of this opportunity for
reincarnation.”
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“Good
Lord!” I exclaimed. “Can’t it be possible? Are we at the
mercy of evil forces to that extent? Are we mere puppets in our
enemies’ hands?”
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“These
questions, my child, “ declared my mother with great serenity,
“should come from our heart and lips before contracting any
moral debt and transforming our brothers into adversaries. Never
take any loans from iniquity...”
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“And
what of these women?” I asked. “What will become of them?
“
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“They
will be my daughters.’ Mother answered with a smile. “You
mustn’t forget that I am returning to the world to help your
father. No one is able to assist efficiently by intensifying the
enemy’s forces, just as on Earth you can’t extinguish a fire
with gasoline. Love is indispensable, André. Those who
disregard this truth go astray and become wanders in the desert.
Those who err leave the highway and gradually sink into the
mire. Your father is now a skeptic, and those unhappy women,
wading in the mud of ignorance and delusion, carry heavy
burdens. In the near future, I’ll gather them in my motherly
arms, thus accomplishing my new mission.”
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Her
eyes shining with unshed tears, gazing at the future horizons,
she remarked:
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“And
later on, who knows? I may come back to the Astral City,
bringing along other sacred affections for a great festival of
joy, love and union!”
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Full of awed respect for her sublime abnegation, I
knelt down and kissed her hands. From that moment my mother was
no longer simply my mother to me, but much more. She was also a
messenger of divine goodness who could transform her most cruel
enemies into children of her heart in order to give them the
opportunity to retrace their steps and start anew as true
children of God.
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