RESURRECTION HALL

[Richard E Warren]

Chart of The Seven Mansion Worlds

Source: http://www.urantia.org/urantia-book-standardized/paper-45-local-system-administration#U45_0_2

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Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

 

Chapter 5 – Reception

After escorting the group of newborn pilgrims to Banquet Hall’s entrance, the Receivers departed, exhorting their wards to enjoy the remainder of the day, and to be ready early tomorrow for a day of orientation.

.Banquet Hall is an immense low-walled enclosure that can seat millions. It is open to the sky as are most other mansion world enclosures. Inside they found the artistry, the sculpture, the interwoven colors and decorations to be more beautiful than anything they had yet seen. Entering the massive arena with its diverse and ornate refinements was literally breath-taking. Kala and Saro stopped for moment to appreciate its transcendent beauty.

  .As the many groups filtered in, everyone began to feel hunger in earnest, helped significantly by the smells drifting throughout the great hall. The enticing aromas flooded their minds with multiple sensations, stimulating appetites and interest in the nature and taste of morontia viands.

  .

The dining tables were placed in rings that seated one hundred pilgrims. Each ring was reserved for a particular language group in order that a translator familiar with their idiom be present. Additional translators and guides were situated near every ring.

  .

The hall filled with sounds of talking and laughing as the pilgrims found their way to assigned seats. Once all were in place, the Chief of Mansion one Morontia Companions ascended the raised stage at the center of the huge arena. She lifted an arm calling everyone’s attention, then the other arm, signaling the beginning of the ceremony.

  .

Suddenly a great burst of beautiful sounds seemed to fall from the sky. Morontia music emanated from everywhere. It thrilled the ears and hearts of each pilgrim in the hall. As they listened there appeared above the stage large flashing images of beautiful script rotating in mid-air, each flash in a different style. After watching many versions, one appeared with which they were familiar. Kala and Saro realized it was the word:

  .

WELCOME!

  .

This went on until everyone was thoroughly entranced by the mixture of music, aroma, and an artistic welcome in their own language. The whole assembly was taken up in this awe-inspiring auditory and visual experience. They felt like well-nurtured babies; God’s babies.

  .

The music softened and the Companion on stage gave another signal. Immediately circular openings appeared inside each ring of tables. Out of the openings service islands slowly arose from beneath the floor, complete with servers. One island was located at the center of each ring.

  .

Then, more music, low, sweet, and melodious, filled the great room. The Companion bowed her head reverently. Without a word’s instruction, all the banqueters and the staff did the same. The sounds harmonized well with the pilgrims’ feelings of gratitude and thanksgiving. All this was being done for them. Never are there groups more appreciative of continuing life than humble planetary survivors emerging on Mansonia at the doorstep of eternity.

  .

After a short period of thankfulness the music stopped and the voices of an unseen, heavenly chorus closed the prayer with divine intonations. These rich sounds harkened pilgrims’ minds and filled their souls. When the chorus stopped and heads lifted, a moment of silence preceded the cheers and applause of two hundred thousand grateful pilgrims simply rejoicing in the gift of new life.

  .

Before long the Companion once again drew their attention, and signaled the staff to prepare to serve the first course. The music resumed, and in strains that seem to fit this occasion perfectly. Saro and Kala were especially appreciative of the quality, power, and complexity of the music they had heard here, and at the worship service they attended after their resurrection. They wondered what sort of cello might Saro find here, and whether Kala’s piano skills would be adaptable to Mansion world instruments.

  .

During the pre-banquet prayer on this, their second day, these pilgrims fresh from many worlds, rose mightily on the wings of spirit uplift. And now, they could feel a great appetite for morontia sustenance growing in their new bodies. It was a good hunger. All of them had tasted only water, and felt no hunger. Until now.

  .

Saro remarked, “Kala, this we will remember.” They toasted the occasion with water that was already set on their elegantly inlaid table, then gazed into each other’s loving eyes until two staffers arrived with the first course on large, ornate trays, which they handled very skillfully. When all at their circle of tables were served, the staffers withdrew, indicating the feast should begin. The aroma was simply exquisite. The Agondonter pilgrims from Urantia were really and truly primed to begin their first Morontia meal.

  .

The first item they were served hit their palates as a bright symphony of flavors and blends. It was immediately apparent the morontia sense of taste is highly developed and exquisitely sensitive. It was cake-like with a lightness and texture they very much enjoyed, even lingering over it.

  .

“How can food taste this delicious?” asked Saro rhetorically.

  .

“This must be Mansonia bread,” replied Kala.

  .

After finishing the initial course of what will surely be a most memorable feast, new morontia music induced a few to dance in the open space between the ring of tables and its center service island. This music easily persuaded Saro and Kala to attempt dancing. They fairly glided in their strong, young, and able new bodies.

  .

Most banqueters began socializing within and without their language group. An endless supply of translators was on hand, the banqueters needed only to signal for one. Laughter and joyous conversation began to echo throughout the hall in ever greater proportions, as everyone finished the first course of delightful, delicious morontia sustenance.

  .

Saro and Kala danced like professionals under the cloudless sky. Everyone was enjoying this opportunity to socialize with the great diversity of fellow survivors, thereby keeping the translators quite busy. After their first dance as morontians, the pair joined the socializing, making several acquaintances and exchanging fascinating facts about planets of origin, about their lives and deaths as mortals.

  .

The pilgrim groups would be served seven courses before the day was over. It became obvious the courses were planned to complement and build on one another. And each course was impeccably scheduled with much time in between for mixing, dancing, and fraternal jubilation.

  .

Well after the first course, the staff cleared the tables in preparation for the the second one. After banqueters had taken their seats again, the words, “Welcome to Mansion one, Pilgrim!” appeared in mid-air directly in front of each guest, and in their language. As they marveled at the sophisticated morontia image manipulations, translators were summoned for those few who read no language.

.

The Chief of Companions now spoke in words that could be heard by all and simultaneously translated directly in front of banqueters. Everyone was having the same thought—Such a lovely language spoken by such a beautiful voice!

  .

The Companion graciously congratulated the revelers on surviving and added, “What a wondrous time it must be for you all! Only yesterday you were resurrected and it appears that you have accepted this reality, if not entirely integrated it!”

  .

A great roar of laughter came from the novice audience, at the absurd notion they could possibly comprehend any more than a small bit of what they had so far witnessed on this new world full of sounds, sights and smells of overwhelming number and diversity. But Kala and Saro were adapting quickly.

  .

The Companion continued “You are in a good mood then? You like Mansonia food?” A mighty cheer arose.

  .

“Thank you. Thank you all. We hope to make your welcome, and your stay, on Mansion one unforgettable, enlightening, and progressive. Countless souls have resurrected on this world, then absorbed its many lessons and moved on to Mansion two.

  .

“On their arrival here, all share the same desire for drink to quench their burning spiritual thirst, for food to quell their abiding hunger for Truth. We will provide everything, and you need only provide willing cooperation and joyful acceptance of the innumerable gifts of life here, created and distributed by the Universal Father and his Co-Creators who so thoughtfully provided our ground of being, a worthy purpose, and a vast universe built to give you the education required to achieve your eventual destiny, the Paradise Corps of Finaliters.

  .

“During this day, let us fete you, let us fill you, let us welcome you and become your new friends and helpmates on this, the first step of your journey to Salvington. Beyond Salvington you will ascend to Uversa and someday take flight to Havona. And from there, on to Paradise to meet the Father of all. Please let the staff know of any needs you have. We are here to serve, to make your time here enjoyable, fulfilling, and beneficial.”

  .

The Companion then ordered that the second course be served. A great round of applause went up. This course of liquid goodness, ‘mansonia soup,’ Saro labeled it–was served and consumed to the pleasure and enjoyment of everyone. Afterward there was more dancing and broader interaction across the group as banqueters became better acquainted, recognizing that fraternal love respects no language, and knows no barriers when the children of God celebrate their progress of soul and advancement in spirit. In all their interactions the translators were extremely efficient and discrete in facilitating quality communication.

  .

After the second course, the Chief of Companions introduced the Archangel of Resurrection who welcomed them most touchingly. It was a welcome of utmost sincerity and divine sublimity. She said:

  .

“I am an Archangel. It is my voice the guardians of your souls respond to in order that you may take up life again on the Mansion Worlds. My world, the home world of Nebadon’s Archangels, orbits Michael’s abode, Salvington. I have 800,000 siblings, all direct descendants of Mother and Michael. You now belong to a family of billions. When on Urantia, Michael declared: ‘there are many mansions in my Father’s house.’ You are on the first of countless worlds that you will someday ascend to, until you stand in the Halls of Paradise and meet your Maker at the center of all things. Welcome to Mansonia, welcome to the greater family of Nebadon.”

  .

The Archangel exuded such a charming presence that it drew every eye in the hall. She went on to congratulate the survivors and encourage them never to retreat.

  .

“And doubt not there are even greater heavens beyond Mansion one. Even heavens of heavens await those who persevere!” As she left the stage no one remained seated, all stood and applauded. And everyone wanted to know more about the Archangels.

.

The third course was heartier tasting to the palates of Saro and Kala, robust and filling. And the artistry of the presentation well-matched the other arresting aspects of life here. The seasonings, the texture, and the aroma sent their senses to new levels.

  .

“I can feel the energy in this food,” commented Saro.

.

“It’s more than mere food,” Kala said as she ate the last of it. “Let’s dance.”

  .

What a charming scene it was, this high banquet for lowly pilgrims. But they were feeling completely assured of their importance to both the workers and supervisors of this world. It was already becoming obvious to the pair that the driving motivations on Mansion one are love and service. It was palpable.

  .

During this interlude, Saro and Kala chatted freely with others at their ring of tables. As the communal spirit rose, all were beginning to feel quite fraternal and at ease. The pair was discovering that not all of their fellows were grounded in revelation before dying. But all were well grounded in God, and intent on discovering what was expected of them now.

  .

Between the third and fourth courses, after the audience had danced and socialized for a long while, the Companion asked everyone to be seated. She then invited a representative from the Most Highs of Edentia to address the room.

  .

“The Most Highs send greetings and congratulations to you, resurrected pilgrims who took origin on one of the many evolutionary worlds of the Norlatiadek Constellation. There are one hundred Systems in Norlatiadek. Now you are the newest citizens of Mansion World One of the System of Satania, whose sovereign is Lanaforge.

.

“Lanaforge has been entrusted to lead this System and ensure you have  safe and profitable passage to Norlatiadek’s capital, Edentia. You may trust him, as we have.  And now you are also members of a great family of beings of wide variety  and purpose that was inaugurated by Michael and the Divine Minister  far, far in the past.

  .

“Some of you began your journey on  quarantined spheres. Even with that handicap your faith carried you  through to the third circle of mortal attainment. Your guardians were  assigned, you died, and you were resurrected here yesterday. Quarantined  or not, every one of you is to be admired and honored for persevering  on the evolutionary worlds, worlds that were designed to test mortals,  and to foster the formation of a vehicle worthy of the eternal voyage,  even your soul.

  .

“If you do not give up, this soul, in concert  with the other aspects of your being, will someday fuse with the Divine  Monitor, that prepersonal fragment of God who indwells you. You are, if  you so choose, destined to become full fledged spirit beings, ready to  ascend the long stairway to the abode of God, from Mansonia to the  Paradise of Paradises.

  .

“I was sent here to inform you that the  Most Highs look forward with great anticipation to your eventual arrival  on Edentia. When you have ascended the seven mansions, when you  graduate from the schools of Jerusem, the Most High fathers will gladly  welcome you to even greater mansions, to the colleges of Edentia.”

  .

 The banqueters were listening closely to the representative’s words.  Not all understood everything that was put forth in the Most Highs’  message, but Kala and Saro were gratified that they had studied the  government of God as it operates on various levels of existence. They  well knew of Edentia, Salvington, Uversa, Havona and Our Father’s  Paradise abode at the center of all things and beings.

  .

When the  Most Highs’ representative finished delivering his messages, the tables  were cleared in preparation for the fourth course. The mood was  certainly rising among the celebrants. The great arena was filled with  the beautiful sounds of Morontia music and two hundred thousand new  beings mingling, joyously coming to know their siblings ascenders. Some  actually met the Most Highs’ messenger, who descended the stage and very  graciously walked among them, greeting and welcoming many individually,  and as new Morontians.

 .

***

Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

RESURRECTION HALL – A Mansion World Odyssey

 

Chapter 6: Andon’s and Fonta’s Welcome

 

Kala and Saro noted the portions were not large, but each course was satisfying and packed a great deal of energy. Their nascent bodies were being invigorated for the first time by morontia sustenance while their minds were being filled with these first morontia experiences, the memories of which they will carry into eternity. Their souls were feeling the sublime satisfactions of new emergence and the vast potential for greater participation with and in the Adjuster. Rapid spiritual progress is at hand!

 

After the fourth course, the main course, was served and slowly consumed–fostering universal expressions of pleasure and exclamations of delectability–the resurrectees received another welcome. This one from two remarkably luminous and perfectly proportioned beings who were called on stage by the host Companion.

 

She embraced them and said in a touching and fraternal manner, “Most of you know of Urantia by now, number 606 of 619 inhabited planets in this System. It is so well known because it is the planet where Michael, the sovereign leader of all Nebadon and eventual father of ten million inhabited worlds, bestowed himself for the seventh and final time, incarnating in person. A million Urantia years before Michael incarnated as Jesus the first two humans emerged. They were the first on Urantia to receive divine Adjusters. Listen to their story. They long ago trod the path you are about to enter upon.”

 

Kala and Saro well realized whose presence they now beheld. The pair was struck by Andon’s and Fonta’s appearance, by their pronounced beauty, poise, symmetry, their divine and sublime composure. They were seeing fused beings for the first time, ones like themselves, born as mere babes on Urantia.

 

“We are the ancestral parents of the human race of Urantia. I am Fonta, this is Andon. Welcome to the newest members of our ever growing family of grandchildren who hail from Urantia. Welcome to all who ascended from the worlds of evolutionary development and soul -making, you who have endured the test of human incarnation, and come to this place for such honors as you have rightly earned. It was on this mansion that we too were resurrected. And we have since completed the course set for us by our wise leaders and able administrators. You may trust yourselves to their care.”

 

Everyone was enthralled by the charm and gracious communications from this long-ago fused being. Fonta’s words poured into their hearts and a divine kinship grew then and there. All banqueters were now realizing that fusion is their destiny too.

 

Then Andon spoke, “After Fonta and I completed the Mansion world program and made the final choice to merge our souls with the Divine Indweller–the very same type of Indweller every one of you now host– we were granted permission to ‘tarry for a season’ in the System, in order that we might greet and encourage ascenders like you who have emerged as new Morontia beings.

 

“Yours is a great destiny, and we the Adjuster-fused call out to you from Jerusem and beyond, as far as Paradise, and declare that you too can find and secure the oneness of being in eternity that is your birthright. This is Our Father’s intention for you. Every facility and service you will require has been created and made available. Everyone and everything here will assist you in discovering and achieving your divine destiny, to become one with your indwelling God, as we have.”

 

The entire arena was silent except for Andon’s rhapsodic voice. Most all were thinking what a worthy destiny he and Fonta have attained. The seeds of enthusiasm for the divine path born on the evolutionary worlds are now germinating in the hearts, minds, and souls of each ascending pilgrim.

 

Fonta added, “We would like to extend a special congratulatory welcome to the Agondonters, those of you who were born on worlds in quarantine, where the truth has been distorted and where there is no one of celestial authority to whom you might appeal, where no physical presence of a descending Son of God can be seen by the ascending mortals. Andon and I were in such a situation once. You relied wholly on faith, revelation, and your divine Indweller, your Paradise Partner, to bring you to this world, just as we did. Congratulations, well done!”

 

The Companion asked all Agondonters to stand and receive congratulatory applause from their fellows. Saro and Kala were reluctant to stand, but did so in their humble way, to honor the acknowledgment.

 

The banqueters were thrilled to see Andon and Fonta leave the stage and enter the dining area. They were followed by a large group of other sets of fused planetary parents. The couples waded in and then separated, moving singly around the hall. Before the next course was served they greeted and engaged pilgrims at every ring of tables. They personally spoke with and encouraged thousands, and seemed to grow more brilliant, charming, and beautiful as they went.

 

Saro and Kala watched and waited, hoping Andon or Fonta might come near. It so happened Andon and Fonta had been informed where each Urantian was seated. When it was apparent Andon was nearing their table ring, Kala decided to greet him personally. As he approached, Kala took Saro in hand and moved toward this marvelous fused being.

 

When the opportunity presented itself, Kala introduced herself and Saro, adding, “We also were born and died on Urantia.”

 

“So was I,” said one in the group standing near, one whom Kala and Saro had instructed before the banquet. Several others of the group then declared they also hailed from Urantia.

 

In a majestic and even-toned voice, with obvious and tremendous affection, Andon replied, “You and many others, here and beyond, are family. Fonta and I know you, Kala and Saro, are parents of three. The number of your seed may someday match ours.” They all laughed, and at the same time wondered if Andon knew the life story of each of his and Fonta’s vast progeny, some 250,000 generations of Urantians. Then Andon hugged Kala. His gentle, loving touch brought an experience of undiluted affection that filled her to the brim, body, mind, and soul. Saro had the same reaction to Andon’s embrace. Andon embraced as many as came to him.

 

Before departing the group he said, “Once again, and I speak for Fonta as well, congratulations and welcome.”

Andon didn’t appear to be in any way depleted by communing with and embracing so many. It was plainly obvious he enjoyed it, as he truly beamed with fraternal love and spirit joy. He very humbly excused himself from their group, in such a way that sent a message but without saying it, ‘I don’t wish an entourage to follow.’ They all seemed to understand, even though some thought they had met a fully realized child of God and only wanted to be near him. It was sinking in ever more deeply that this was in their future, to become one with the indwelling fragment of the God of all Creation.

 

The fifth course gave the banqueters a good sampling of morontia food plants, and it was quite obviously prepared by consummate artists. The servers informed them that all of the course’s ingredients were grown in the extensive gardens surrounding Banquet Hall. Kala and Saro had remarked on the gardens’ beauty and organization on the way to the banquet.

 

This Mansonia salad was combined in a way—super vegetables and exotic tasting herbs, mixed with fragrant and spicy oils–that made it incredibly and irresistibly enticing to their morontia eyes. The ingredients were a variety of vivid colors; violet, red, indigo, brown, green, orange, and white, all beautifully arranged in various shapes and sizes. The delicate, subtle, and profound taste combinations caused nearly every banqueter to enjoy the flavors rather than talk. But not for long. Soon there were eruptions of moans of goodness ingested, followed by universal exclamations of delight.

 

“At our first chance, let’s tour the gardens,” said Kala.

 

“I was hoping we could check the relatives and friends registry on our first liberty day,” replied Saro.

 

“Of course! Then the gardens,” she smiled. How beautiful that smile, thought Saro.

 

After that exquisite, but certainly not heavy course, they felt inclined to move. Just then the music swelled, and this time almost everyone felt like dancing. The level of joy and mirth was building as all were taken up in this fascinating, memorable, once-in-a-universe-career experience.

 

“Who do you think will welcome us next?” asked Saro as they moved slowly to the intoxicating music. The artistry of the soundscape continuously stimulated pleasant and unprecedented moods in every one of the banqueters. It was becoming more and more obvious morontia bodies have senses and abilities that the resurrectees had only begun to discover. The pair felt strong, healthy, and focused, even as these new morontia feelings and sensations kept surfacing.

 

“Either Gabriel’s emissary or Father Melchizedek,” Kala replied thoughtfully.

 

After they sat and before the next welcomer appeared, Kala took off the elegant morontia shoes all pilgrims found themselves in at resurrection. She truly enjoyed bare feet and shed the slippers at every opportunity. Observing her sculpted feet, Kala declared, “Perfect for dancing.”

 

The host Companion returned to the stage, calling attention and saying, “Throughout the Seventh Superuniverse, one class of universe sons is widely regarded as wise men, those who attend to the greatest and most difficult problems that mass soul-rearing creates. So wise are the Melchizedeks that they are permitted to govern themselves.

 

“On their own initiative Melchizedeks patrol all the worlds of Nebadon. Indeed they watch over every local universe in Uversa, ever available and willing to aid, assist, and enlighten wherever needed. They have never been known to be disloyal, never once in the long history of the superuniverse of Orvonton have these Melchizedek Sons ever betrayed their trust. These are your good friends and external guides. Use them!

 

“Nebadon has ten million of these highly versatile and loyal sons, though their work very often goes unrecognized by the creatures who inhabit the worlds they supervise. These philosophers, judges, teachers, and trainers maintain headquarters on Jerusem, the System’s capitol. And you will certainly pass through their 490 universities on the Superuniverse capital, Uversa. And they sometimes minister directly to the evolutionary worlds, even incarnating as ones like you so recently were. By these incarnations they lead children of darkness into the divine light of true liberty and soul progress, spirit ascension.”

 

The host then invited the Melchizedek to address the throng.

 .

“The Father Melchizedek of Nebadon sends greetings and felicitations to the newly resurrected children of Satania.” Applause broke out momentarily. Everyone was immediately captivated by this being’s bearing and presence. Saro was trying to recall how old the Melchizedek sons are. His memory was still patchy, but he did recall Michael and the Divine Minister began organizing Nebadon four hundred billion Urantia years ago.

 

The Melchizedek spoke eloquently and majestically as Saro and Kala shifted their gaze between him and the personalized translation that appeared before each of the celebrants.

 

“I was sent with this message by Father Melchizedek, the First Executive Associate of the Bright and Morning Star, Gabriel, the first born of the father and mother of Nebadon:

 

“We the Melchizedeks congratulate everyone of you on passing the test in the flesh. You worked diligently to gather a soul, and now you reap a reward; eternal life. You have seen some of the glories and wonders of morontia life, will you now take the last step and give God the gift of yourself? Each of you will soon make that decision.

 

“In all your endeavors, I urge you, do not fail to see your universe career from the highest possible perspective, always consider the cosmic outlook, Our Paradise Father’s point of view which ever and anon provides the greatest good for the greatest number. You each have available a unique role in universe unfolding. You are each an indispensable thread in the tapestry of eternity.

 

“The challenges of the moment, the training you will receive here on the Mansion worlds are the raw materials from which you will continue to gather values, spiritual values, the substance of the soul and the currency of Spirit. You are privileged to host the envy of many a universe creature, an actual fragment of The First Source and Center, Our Universe Father, the God of Paradise. After you have fused with this mighty Indweller, you will be prepared to ascend to Edentia, and eventually on to my place of origin and residence, the Melchizedek worlds orbiting Salvington.

 

“Between here and Salvington you sons and daughters of time and space will hear those longed for words, ‘This is a beloved child in whom I am well pleased.’ Heed you well the teachers encountered on the way to full universe citizenship. Listen to your instructors, and take counsel when it is offered by those of us who were designed to fill just such roles as this. You and I were created for each other, by Michael and the Divine Minister, who in turn were created by the Original Wiseman of the Universe, Our Universal Father.”

 

This great being then summoned a large group of fellow Melchizedeks to the stage front. They too descended into the sea of banqueters. There they freely mixed, answered questions, imparted insights and established new relations between two vastly different orders of being, newly resurrected pilgrims from lowly evolutionary worlds and ancient Melchizedeks hailing from the commanding heights of Salvington and Uversa.

 

***

Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

RESURRECTION HALL – A Mansion World Odyssey

 Chapter 7: Sixth and Seventh Course

 

As the Melchizedek Sons moved toward the ring of tables to which they were assigned they paused to greet individual banqueters. When these ancient beings reached their appointed ring, they took a position at the center. When a Melchizedek entered Kala’s and Saro’s ring, all one hundred remained seated. The table rings were separated just enough that the voices from one did not significantly disturb or distract adjacent rings.

 

As a warm and fraternal greeting gesture, Melchizedek bowed to the group ever so humbly. Then he proceeded to answer all questions with good humor and unflagging charm. This period of questions and answers was the longest break between courses so far. Each answer caused his hearers to have many more questions. This superb giant of wit, charm, and grace radiated a light that could only come from a being billions of years old.

 

Kala and Saro listened intently but asked no questions. Very much of the truth, beauty and goodness he shared with this group of spiritual babes, this class of cosmic beginners, Saro and Kala well knew already. When he exited, everyone stood and applauded lovingly, for they had all fallen in love. Then and there an enduring interest in the Melchizedek order was integrated into the mind of each pilgrim.

 

The sixth course was liquid, a refined elixir that opened up whole new vistas in taste. It was slightly more viscous than water, with iridescent colors that shifted as the goblet was moved. Kala, Saro, and all the banqueters observed it in fascination for a moment but didn’t hesitate to take a sip. Their server said, “This is a combination of the juices of seven types of morontia fruit.” It was slightly sweet, supremely flavorful, and very robust. It seemed to satisfy an unrealized thirst. Almost all imbibers sipped and savored it with gusto.

 

Just as they were finishing, the host called for the pilgrims’ attention. With a charming smile she asked, “Are all enjoying?”

 

A tremendous roar of approval instantly flooded the reception hall. Her smile grew even bigger.

 

She continued, “In every local universe there is a Mother and a Father. This pair of primary procreators gives life to countless individuals who inhabit millions the evolving worlds, spiritual infants who become hosts to the Paradise Indwellers, just as you are indwelt. Sooner or later, you all crave to know your Creator Parents, your universe Mother and Father. And so you shall.

 

“When the Divine Minister, the Mother of Nebadon, and Michael were given this region of space to create their universe according to the plans of the Architects of the Master Universe, their first born son Gabriel worked alone. When it was time to create assistants for their son, our universe parents brought into being thousands of angels who are now known as Brilliant Evening Stars. Two of them have come from Salvington to welcome you. Always do they travel in pairs, always do they enjoy ministering to the children of Michael and the Divine Minister. It is a special honor to introduce your Creator Mother’s emissaries.”

 

With the word brilliant in their title, the pilgrims were somewhat prepared to lay eyes on the pair of beings who then took the stage. But brilliant was a vast understatement in the minds of every one of the two hundred thousand who beheld this order of being for the first time. Those who hadn’t already, now realized there are many levels of being, and many kinds of beings who are teachers and toilers in the creation and administration of Nebadon’s eventual ten million worlds.

 .

A truly angelic voice entered their ears when one of the two spoke, “We hail from Salvington, with affectionate greetings from the Divine Minister. Our Mother, the Divine Minister of Nebadon sent us to welcome her children to the first of many wombs of space. She entreats you to willingly and joyfully pass through each one, gathering what you must, attaining what you require, and then to come to Salvington, the capital of your universe of origin and the abiding place of your Creator Parents.”

 

Her complement spoke adding, “Your Creator Mother wishes you to know that she loves you, that she adores and cherishes every one of you. And the solicitous devotion of her angels will nurture you until you are spiritually fit to advance to Jerusem, Edentia, Uversa, Havona and Paradise. Come to your Mother on Salvington, receive the milk of eternal life, let her embrace you. We, her angels, will guide you. Her sons will teach you, even as Our Father on Paradise indwells and pilots you. You cannot fail, unless you give up. And remember always, she is with us. Her Spirit pervades all Nebadon. And Michael’s Spirit of Truth is ever with you. Now your Mother beckons you to the abode where she and Michael dwell.”

 

This brought some listeners to tears of joy. These two beautiful creatures exuded a maternal-ness that plainly reflected their source, the Mother of all Nebadon’s ministering angels, the distaff parent of the local universe’s needful ascenders. The words of the pair struck deeply in each pilgrim’s mind and heart. It helped that those words came from such luminous ones as these truly brilliant beings.

.

After the Brilliant Evening Stars were roundly applauded in a long ovation of deep and sincere appreciation, and finally escorted from the central stage, the host Companion signaled the service staff to bring forth the seventh course of this divine banquet, the dessert course.

 

Kala and Saro could smell its aroma even before being served, as if it had just been created. This strikingly attractive and artistically embellished dessert had seven layers, alternating in color between azure blue on the bottom and cloud white on top. It was perfectly round with three concentric circles, also azure, on its slightly domed upper surface. The base of it was encircled with a beautiful arrangement of aromatic flowers and lovely leaves that changed color according to direction of view, all edible. The staff of efficient servers brought fresh chilled water to accompany this gorgeous piece of food art. When all in their table ring had been served dessert, they began consuming it in unison.

 

As the seventh course cast a variety of flavors across their virgin morontia tongues, the pilgrims began oozing sounds of sweet delight. And more with each bite, until nothing could be heard in the hall but one great sound of pleasure. After a moment, everyone began to laugh at the collective moan, and out of sheer joy over their now consummated welcome. They were ready to be Mansion worlders. The pilgrims had time to socialize before the final welcome. Unrestrained gaiety and fraternity filled the hall.

 

“What could top this feast?” mused Saro.

 

“Michael.” Kala replied.

 

Not all pilgrims were familiar with the emblem of Salvington, Michael’s crest. Saro and Kala informed their table-mates wanting to know if the circles on top of their dessert had special significance.

 

Socializing went on until the day sky began to wane. Pilgrims danced and conversed, visited other table areas, and in general thoroughly enjoyed themselves without the least self consciousness or worry. They were all completely satisfied, without thirst, without hunger, and with a warm and loving family. They did not in any way feel heavy or lethargic. Quite the reverse, everyone was more energized than ever, as the day turned into night.

 

From the stage the host called the hall to order and patiently waited until all had taken their seats and ceased conversing.

 

“For the creation and administration of the local universes of time and space, Our Father on Paradise and his Son, the Eternal Son, provided an order of being known as the Michaels. The Michael Sons, along with their compliments of being, Daughters of the Infinite Spirit, are designed to become co-creators and sovereign administrators of their assigned segments of space. Our segment is known as Nebadon, and Nebadon will eventually have ten million inhabited worlds, all created and managed by this pair of local Gods whose origin is the Paradise Trinity.

 

“Our Michael is the 611,121st being of that order of sonship, and his mate is the 611,121st being of her order. Michael’s bestowed Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, is with you even now. As is the Mother of Nebadon, the provider of mind. And each of you knows of the presence of the indwelling fragments of the Paradise Father, your divine Thought Adjusters. There is a trinity of divine ministry living and working within you ascenders, ever urging you on to greater and greater heights. Father’s, Michael’s, and Mother’s Spirits are everywhere present in Nebadon, and they most certainly hover over you, even dwell within you.”

 

The host then exited the stage, leaving it entirely vacant. Nothing occurred for a long moment of near total silence. The audience could sense something great was about to unfold. They remained silent. Kala and Saro glanced at each other with a smile and simultaneously mouthed the name, “Michael!”

 

Soon, a tall slender shaft of light appeared high over the central stage and very slowly descended. As the light widened and focalized, it grew in intensity, size, and beauty. The group’s collective attention shifted entirely to that mysterious luminosity. It gradually increased in brightness and allure until the pilgrims felt this must be the maximum of visual experience.

 

As they sat back in awe, amazement, and fascination, a transcendently beautiful voice came to the pilgrims’ ears. Some thought they heard it, some thought it occurred in their minds. A translation did not appear before them as it had previously. It was not required because the words were in the language of each hearer.

 

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. Follow me.”

 

This warm presence of light then, very slowly, appeared to diffuse and expand to embrace the whole hall and all its pilgrims, service staff, and invited guests. None doubted that they were feeling Michael’s embrace, his touch. Everyone realized they were experiencing a divine being of an order that hailed from a much, much higher place, a pure and holy place of unimaginable glory and splendor.

 

Kala and Saro were completely absorbed in the moment. They watched and felt utter bliss as Michael’s luminous presence gently lifted and slowly became less and less visible, until it vanished. But none felt sorrow nor loss, for they now had in their possession the experience of an embrace with a genuine God which would remain forever theirs.

 

They all then recalled that this local God is but one of some six hundred thousand Creator Fathers and Mothers, each pair with their own universe. Therefore the Paradise Father must be a Person of staggering immensity, dignity, and presence. Saro and Kala were recalling that pilgrims will certainly rise to the level of Michael on Salvington, even to God on Paradise, by the seven-fold ladder of pilgrim ascension.

 

When the host Companion did not return to the stage after Michael’s welcome, the recently embraced pilgrims began talking with one another about that experience with him. It was so personal and unique they found it difficult to describe. But the experience was undeniable, and they had each other as co-experiencers.

 

Their joy was supreme, and their souls were in a state of sublime peace at the end of this, their first full day as morontian beings on M1. They had all witnessed a spectrum of unalike beings take the stage. Beings who stimulated their minds and warmed their hearts, from the Morontia Companions serving on this world, to Michael, Nebadon’s Creator Son reigning over millions of evolutionary worlds from its capital Salvington.

 

A lovely strain of soft music was heard, apparently emanating from everywhere. It was perfect accompaniment after such a day. Everyone was virtually aglow by this time and primed to celebrate.

 

“Care to dance, my love?” asked Saro of his one-time wife, and mother of his children.

 

“Why yes,” Kala replied, offering her hand.

 

Gradually the music swelled and rolled, and as it did, so did the mood. Kala and Saro both were wondering where in the universe there might be a more joyful occasion. Soon, almost every banqueter was dancing. The whole group felt as if they truly were in heaven. Even though it was dawning on all that the road to the highest heaven could be long and perhaps even arduous. Kala and Saro were sure of it, and wholly ready to take on the challenge.

 

Jubilant dancing, warm conversations and whole-hearted fraternity filled the time before their departure, notwithstanding the evening had a timeless quality. But ere long, the Agondonters from Urantia prepared to depart. As Kala and Saro were sharing hugs with new found friends and making plans to reconnect later, the host once more asked for everyone’s attention.

 

In a most charming and loving voice she said, “And now, ascenders, go to your lodgings. Be prepared, on the morrow at daybreak, to begin your final day of welcome, Orientation Day, after which you will enjoy ten days of liberty, your time to explore Mansion one. I bid you goodnight, and once again congratulate you on resurrection and survival.”

 

Immediately there began a chorus of heavenly voices, barely audible at first, then gaining volume until the first of three crescendos stirred the resurrectees to the threshold of prayer and adulation. Some heads bowed; kneeling felt appropriate to others, but all gave thanks for life, for a universe dominated by love, and their divine welcome to Mansonia.

 

Some didn’t leave the banquet hall after the closing prayer. They remained for the night, worshiping. Saro and Kala kept dancing until the music faded, then decided to go. For the first time, they were thinking of rest. They had, after all, been in full-bore experiential mode for a day and a half, without ceasing. “That’s almost five days on Urantia,” Saro calculated.

 

Walking back to their lodging arm in arm, they talked little. They were simply taking in the fascinating sights of this magical place, now cloaked in the shadows of night. Every structure, every being, every point of light on the surface and in the sky held a special beauty, etching itself into their memories. Their bodies, minds, and souls were completely satiated. And this heaven of a world felt a bit more like home now.

 

They didn’t go directly to their abode. They strolled the same park where they had spent the previous night. Saro and Kala wanted to add one last touch to this day’s experience before terminating it in rest. They found a cozy nook from which they could view a broad swathe of the park. There they sat for a long while, watching others, listening, silently communing with their Adjusters, the Divine Minister, and Michael, ever grateful to God and for each other.

 

After their visit to the park, Kala and Saro came home and fell into bed. As they viewed the night sky Saro said, “I’m speechless.”

 

“Me too.”

 

They took each other in arm and rested in that embrace for the night.

 

***

Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

RESURRECTION HALL

A Mansion World Odyssey

Chapter 8 – Orientation

  .

The pair was awake before dawn. They remained in bed thinking of the day ahead, intermingled with periods of communing with the God who created the Creators who made Mansion life possible. They made it not only possible but inviting, thrilling, and most of all, spiritually edifying, soul satisfying.

 .

Kala and Saro each knew when the other was in worship mode. Worship was their habit as humans, it felt perfectly natural to continue that here. Notwithstanding the many inspiring ideas surfacing in their new and marvelously efficient minds–plus the myriad attractions and powerful stimuli of this super-rich environment–worship was still their uppermost thought.

  .

After a while Saro said, “It feels like my attachment to Urantia is beginning to slip away. You?”

  .

“Yes, now that you mention it. But you know we’ll never forget Urantia. Besides, our kids, grandkids, and great grandkids, are still there. This world is peaceful; it knows its purpose; there’s a single focus. I like it because everyone is on the same path. There’s no worry here, at least so far. No one I’ve met seems worried, or fearful…But I’m recalling speculating about how many, what percentage if any, give up the Paradise journey after resurrection.”

  .

“Not you, nor me, nor any of ours!” replied Saro hugging her firmly. They kissed and smiled adoringly at each other.

  .

“Let’s wake up Will, Joy, my parents, and grandparents. They’re all leaving M1 today.”

  .

“That’s right. Let’s go,” said Saro.

  .

They leapt from bed, looked in the mirror and literally giggled in the delight of being freshly alive, then pulled on their wraps and shoes, dashed outside and playfully pranced to the adjacent lodge’s doorway. Both were thinking how good their strong, light, healthy bodies felt.

  .

They announced themselves and entered. “You’re all up!” said Saro on seeing the six sitting around a wide, solid gold table.

  .

“We’re about to eat. You two hungry?”

  .

“Not at all,” said Kala. Saro shook his head no.

  .

“Did you have your first rest last night?” asked Kala’s mother.

  .

“We did,” Kala replied. “I had a vision. It was vivid and beautiful, about one resurrection after another until I reached Havona. I was in front of a huge door, knocking away. The door swung fully open and I walked in. That was it.”

  .

Saro said, “I dreamed of graduating from the last of the Melchizedek universities on Uversa. There were millions of us in the class. And our angels were standing by, ready to fly us to Havona right after graduation. We were congratulated and certified by the Ancients of Days, immediately enseraphimed, and then took off together in a mass launch!” They laughed at the dramatic way he said it.

  .

“So you both had visions of Havona,” said Kala’s grandfather. “I had a similar one during my first night’s rest on M1. But I was flying to Paradise, just after circling Havona’s billion worlds. Then I landed on Paradise and was immediately escorted to a holding area where new arrivals wait to meet God. I was ecstatic. We met and embraced. That’s all I recall.”

  .

They conversed until dawn about a variety of subjects. Saro asked questions about the similarities and differences between M2 and M3. Kala wanted to know how long each of them spent on M1. They both wanted advice about how best to spend their ten day liberty.

  .

When the day had fully dawned, Will looked out and noticed a visitor approaching, “Here’s your Receiver, Saro.”

  .

The relatives embraced a final time. All agreed to keep in touch, and to have more reunions with more family members after Kala and Saro had settled and chosen their route to Jerusem. They exchanged fond so-longs and Saro pledged jokingly to “catch up to them in order that they might all fuse off Jerusem at the same time.”

  .

On the way to Orientation Hall, the Receiver answered questions, telling them some of what to expect on their third day as mansion world citizens, adding that they would be obligation-free at the end of the day.

  .

Orientation Hall, like Banquet Hall, is another gigantic high-walled roofless arena linked to Resurrection Hall and the Temple of New Life. It too is surrounded by stunningly beautiful and perfectly sculpted shrubbery, large flowering plants, and a variety of spreading trees. Many of the plants had violet colored leaves, but all colors were present in one form or another. Jewels, crystals and glimmering metals were hanging from, or embedded in, almost every thing on this world.

  .

The pair was more fully realizing that art and beauty are central here, not an afterthought. The Receiver informed them the landscaped plants are not of the edible variety as are Banquet Hall’s encircling gardens, all are ornamental. Ornate indeed! they thought.

  .

The same pilgrims with whom Saro and Kala had spent the previous day were pouring into the orientation arena. Each one now eager to enter this new world, each one feeling they had had a taste of Paradise reality and wanted more. It helped that they were all third circlers, beings long accustomed to following the watchword of the universe—Progress!

  .

Kala and Saro immediately noticed that Orientation Hall’s interior has features of both Resurrection Hall and Banquet Hall. It is bowl-shaped but segmented into thousands of square cells instead of table rings. It too is vast.

  .

The Receiver told them, “I will meet you at day’s end, after your last session, and escort you to the exit where you may depart on ten days liberty. Or you may wish to return to your lodging, rest, and begin tomorrow. As long as you are on M1, that will be your home.” She then conveyed their seat assignment and pointed them in that direction. The three embraced and separated. Aids were stationed at cross-aisles to redirect lost or confused pilgrims.

  .

There was a soft musical interlude that allowed time for everyone to find their place and settle. All was in readiness for a long day’s instruction on orientation to a new world. What is it like outside the resurrection complex? Kala’s and Saro’s curiosity was beyond piqued, and they were just a day away from actually experiencing and exploring this new world full of strange beings and apparent mysteries, new at least to these two hundred thousand novices.

  .

On the instructor’s platform at the bottom of the great bowl, a being took a position and indicated a wish for quiet and attention. Kala immediately recognized her as the Morontia Companion who hosted their banquet the day before. It took a moment for Saro to realize it was she.

  .

When all was quiet, the Companion spoke, “Welcome! Anyone experience a visualization last night?” Saro and Kala watched the translation before them, and immediately heard a roaring response. They looked at each other knowingly and joined the applause.

  .

“Happens every time,” said the Companion with a big smile. After a pause she went on, “Today, we hope to give you enough information to enter Mansion one on your own. Your lodging in the Melchizedek sector will be your base, your home, until you depart for Mansion 2.” Everyone was watching their translation of the Companion’s words, at the same time listening to her beautiful voice enunciate the morontia language.

  .

She continued, “There is more diversity and variety here than on the worlds you so recently left–physical, intellectual and spiritual diversity. You may be overwhelmed at first. Here on Mansionia you will find transplanted artworks from far away Havona. Some of it will be visible to you, some not.  Some beings here you may see, some you can only be told about. Not because they hide, rather because you have much to learn, acquire, and assimilate. Doubt not your vision, indeed all your senses, will improve greatly as you progress.

  .

“Permit me to quote an Archangel who very wisely stated: ‘To material beings the spirit world is more or less unreal; to spirit beings the material world is almost entirely unreal, being merely a shadow of the substance of spirit realities.’ (44:0.15)

  .

“And always, as you ascend upward on the scale of life, will you retain the ability to recognize and fraternize with the fellow beings of previous and lower levels of existence. Each new translation or resurrection will add one more group of spirit beings to your vision range without in the least depriving you of the ability to recognize your friends and fellows of former estates.” (44:0.18)

  .

The audience was completely silent and hanging onto each word. The Companion went on, “Some of you will be on this world only ten days. Some longer. Celestial Artisans agree to tarry in Mansonia for a thousand years of superuniverse time, at least. Yesterday you were introduced to Andon and Fonta, the mother and father of the human race of Urantia. Those two arrived here long, long ago, over a million planetary years.

  .

“Some beings pass by the Mansion worlds, those coming from spheres in the advanced stages of Light and Life. You are here to learn how to reach Light and Life within yourself, to bring your soul up to that level where it may unite, where it may fuse, with your Paradise Partner, your Indweller, the real you.

  .

“While you are in Mansonia the Broadcast Directors will supply you with information and news, while the Thought Preservers will gather and store your gems of mentation. And the Morontia Recorders will capture your image. These two groups preserve your thoughts and appearances for the archives of the morontia halls of records.

  .

“There is a real economy on the Mansion worlds, and you shall have a place in it. Here you will live, serve, learn, rest, play and worship. You will earn credits for your labors that may be used for travel, for sustenance, for any number of personal wants and needs.

  .

“There are seven mansion worlds, and all seven are satellites of Transition World One, The Finaliters World. The Finaliters are another order of being you will encounter as you explore this first heaven. In fact, one day, you will number in their ranks. The Finaliters World and its seven mansions orbit yet another sphere, one hundred times its size; Jerusem by name. There are six other major worlds orbiting Jerusem, so-called transition worlds. Like the Finaliters World, each of those six also has seven satellites in orbit. In all, there are fifty-seven architectural spheres in the System. Jerusem, the largest, is at the center of all. It will now be your goal to become a citizen of this capital world.

  .

“You have already become a part of the history of this System. Before you leave it your contributions and rewards will be many. Afterward, you will move up to the next level of spirit training, the 771 worlds of our Constellation, Norlatiadek, with its capital Edentia, abiding place of the Most Highs.

  .

“In the local universe of Nebadon there are 647,591 worlds. Each world is built and maintained by a vast legion of beings, many of whom you will come to know and love. And consider this fact as you build a larger concept of universe life: Nebadon is only one third complete. Nebadon has more than three million worlds with life of some kind, and will, some far-away day, have ten million.

  .

 “No one being does everything here. There is a vibrant economy, with specialized workers for every need and ministry. While you are traversing Mansonia you will repeatedly cross paths, even collaborate with, the Vocation Builders, ones who design and construct our residences. And you will meet and interact with our numerous Supervisors of Morontia Power. They are providers of energy drawn down from the ever-circulating currents of space, and made available to all, everywhere, and in a useful form. Many are the kinds of beings you will find here on Mansonia. And all ascenders are siblings in one great and diverse family. Many more types of beings will be revealed to you at every level of your Paradise trek.

  .

“You will find Spornagia everywhere in the System; they constitute Mansonia’s workforce, adorable super animals who are helpers on the physical level. Beginning on Mansion two and beyond, you will find another type of being called Spironga, caretakers of everyone’s spiritual needs.

  .

“While you are here you will learn. And you may be certain your education is well-planned and carefully administered by our Celestial Overseers, beings drawn from diverse orders, ones who watch over Nebadon’s many schools.

  .

“The methods employed in many of the higher schools are beyond the human concept of the art of teaching truth, but this is the keynote of the whole educational system: character acquired by enlightened experience. The teachers provide the enlightenment; the universe station and the ascender’s status afford the opportunity for experience; the wise utilization of these two augments character. (37:6.3)

  .

“Fundamentally, the Nebadon educational system provides for your assignment to a task and then affords you opportunity to receive instruction as to the ideal and divine method of best performing that task. You are given a definite task to perform, and at the same time you are provided with teachers who are qualified to instruct you in the best method of executing your assignment. The divine plan of education provides for the intimate association of work and instruction. We teach you how best to execute the things we command you to do. (37:6.4)

  .

“The purpose of all this training and experience is to prepare you for admission to the higher and more spiritual training spheres of the superuniverse. Progress within a given realm is individual, but transition from one phase to another is usually by classes. (37:6.5)

  .

“The progression of eternity does not consist solely in spiritual development. Intellectual acquisition is also a part of universal education. The experience of the mind is broadened equally with the expansion of the spiritual horizon. Mind and spirit are afforded like opportunities for training and advancement. But in all this superb training of mind and spirit you are forever free from the handicaps of mortal flesh. No longer must you constantly referee the conflicting contentions of your divergent spiritual and material natures. At last you are qualified to enjoy the unified urge of a glorified mind long since divested of primitive animalistic trends towards things material.” (37:6.6)

  .

The Companion then gave an overview of M-1’s transportation system as correlated images and maps appeared beside her. The professionalism of the Mansion world administrators very favorably impressed Saro and Kala.

  .

Next she instructed the group on using their harps to obtain information of every imaginable kind, to find individuals, and to locate places. She then asked a company of Mansion World Teachers, who were already in place and standing by in each occupied square, to begin a question and answer period for their group. Kala recalled these teachers are ‘abandoned’ angels, cherubim and sanobim whose former wards have gone on to Edentia.

  .

This pattern of offering general information from the instructor’s platform, then following it with question and answer sessions about specifics, led by two Mansion World Teachers within each square, repeated all day. The pilgrims were loaded up with useful advice on ways of doing things, and ways not to. The Companion showed them charts of the types of beings here, some of which Kala and Saro had examined the previous morning at their Receiver’s suggestion.

  .

Around midday the companion sent the group on break, for sustenance, for rest, for worship, however they wished to spend it.

 .

Saro and Kala spent the break strolling around the outsides of all three halls, enjoying the aesthetics of morontia gardening alongside and integrated with shimmering and bejeweled architecture. Most structures, art, and sculpture are made from lustrous morontia materials that well resonated with their quickly expanding sense of aesthetical appreciation.

  .

Kala spotted a group of spornagia tending the gardens. They moved closer, pausing to watch the creatures working, and quickly confirmed Malavatia Melchizedek’s statement about their extraordinary beauty. And a Bright and Morning Star’s description of these lovely and useful morontia animals. She wrote in part:

  .

“…They are devoted to the care and culture of the material phases of these headquarters worlds, from Jerusem to Salvington. Spornagia are neither spirits nor persons; they are an animal order of existence, but if you could see them, you would agree that they seem to be perfect animals.” (37:10.3)

  .

During the last half of orientation day the pilgrims were presented with the fundamentals of morontia culture, a culture “designed and built for transition,” said the instructor. But many of them were surprised to hear her declare, “If your new body should be injured, you will be taken to one of many care facilities on M1. Yes, your morontia bodies may be strong, but they are not invulnerable. They may be injured by mishaps of ‘a mechanical nature.’” (50:3.3)

  .

The pilgrims were also informed of the eight body changes, morontia adjustments, to be experienced during the Mansion ascension, and that there will be a total of 570 alterations before arriving on Salvington.

.

They also learned about the world they were standing on, its overall construction from the core to the sky; the regulation of its water and its atmosphere; its power supply and distribution system including some of the beings involved in building and maintenance. They received information about the mansonia economic system and the wide variety of service venues transient pilgrims may choose from. Practically everyone had questions about their next step after ten days of liberty.

  .

The Companion dwelled on the real purpose of the seven mansion worlds: Spiritual progress and the shedding of the “mark of the beast.” (47:9.1) Pilgrims who hadn’t already realized it, learned that the mansions are rehabilitation worlds, a planned and well ordered system of spheres designed to orient all categories of beings coming up from the evolutionary worlds ascending into cosmic reality, and beginning the Paradise journey.

  .

She went on explaining that, “The Mansion regime fully compensates for the lack of higher spiritual training on the evolutionary worlds. Eventually mansion worlds will no longer be needed for rehabilitation, when all 1000 evolutionary planets of the System have achieved the highest level of Light and Life.

  .

“You passed through spiritual infancy during your former life, and now you find yourself here on Mansonia about to enter primary school. When you leave Jerusem for Edentia, you will be graduate students. And by the time you reach Michael on Salvington, you will be fully fledged, Adjuster fused, sons and daughters of God, well on the way to Uversa and Havona. And some wonderous day you will receive your doctorate degree. You will meet and be personally embraced by the Universal Father in his abode on Paradise.”

  .

In the question and answer session that followed the Companion’s plenary speech, Saro used his harp to access the System’s library and retrieve a line from the Urantia Book he couldn’t quite recall word for word, and read it to the group in his study square.

  .

“…On the mansion worlds the seraphic evangels will help you to choose wisely among the optional routes to Edentia, Salvington, Uversa, and Havona. If there are a number of equally advisable routes, these will be put before you, and you will be permitted to select the one that most appeals to you. These seraphim then make recommendations to the four and twenty advisers on Jerusem concerning that course which would be most advantageous for each ascending soul.” (48:6.5)

  .

Much useful and fascinating information was given the pilgrims on this afternoon, so much their minds were reeling. Even Kala and Saro were taken aback by the intricacies, facilities, and provisions of this one world. And from what they had seen and felt, it is a true poem of living harmony to experience. The host Companion thanked and dismissed the group just before eventide, right after a touching and satisfying group prayer and moment of worshipful reflection on the day’s experiences.

  .

When the meeting ended the pilgrims moved en masse to Banquet Hall where the service staff had set out a moving buffet. Diners could choose from a tremendous variety of dishes, all works of art, and all perfectly keyed to the morontia palate. Saro and Kala enjoyed a leisurely dinner, talking with newly made friends, getting to know this diverse family from many evolutionary worlds now gathered for the first time on a mansion world.

  .

When the pair had finished their second delectable meal as mansonians, Saro asked the inevitable question, “Shall we make our exit tonight, or rest first and leave early tomorrow?”

  .

***

  .

Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

RESURRECTION HALL – A Mansion World Odyssey

 

~ Chapter 9 ~

 

Meeting Solonia, First Transport

 

Just as Kala and Saro were leaving Banquet Hall, still discussing their first visit to the world outside the resurrection complex, all four of their Guardian Angels appeared.

 

The angels seemed even more beautiful than either of them recalled from their last face-to-face. They were both thinking perhaps their morontia vision is improving, possibly becoming better attuned to the sights and beings of this world.

 

“We have your assignments,” said one of Kala’s Guardians. “In ten days you will advance to Mansion 2.”

 

Kala and Saro were surprised and didn’t know quite how to react at first. They had erroneously assumed M1 would be their home for a while. As the implications began to dawn on them, questions arose.

 

“Will we stay on M2 for only ten days?” Saro wanted to know, “how far will we be advanced?”

 

“That we should know after you have arrived on M2, if not sooner,” answered the Guardian. This meant they had just ten days to explore M1, a world the size of Urantia. Their angels led the pair to a sitting area under a giant tree by the side of the pathway, in order to discuss their plans for the coming ten days.

 

“We have been exploring this world during your reception and orientation,” one of Saro’s angels told them. “We recommend you take excursions to various sites with the aid of a personal Morontia Companion.” Saro immediately thought of the Urantia Paper’s revelations about excursion supervisors, Morontia Companions who serve as mansion world guides and associates in leisure.

 

“We four have discussed the matter, and we advise that you retire for the night and rest. We have arranged for a personal Companion to meet you at your abode at daybreak tomorrow. Of course you are not obliged to accept our arrangement, and you may change it at any time. You may leave now, and go wherever you please for the next ten days without restriction. And you will always have the option to take group excursions that leave from the Melchizedek sector each day.”

 

Kala and Saro looked at each other, thinking for a moment.

 

Saro asked, “If we go with a personal excursion guide, where will she take us?”

 

His angel answered, “If you approve, you will be taken to the hall of records to consult the registry about your predecessors, those still on M1 who you may wish to call upon and make plans to visit during your brief stay here. Then you may wish to transport to three of the principal temples of M1. You may want to tour the seven major circles of the Morontia Companions, and view their magnificent temple. After that, you might choose to see the governor’s abode. And you have already expressed a desire to visit the gardens of the Banquet Hall. But you may, if you wish, alter this itinerary at any time, at any point in your ten day liberty.”

 

“How many days will that itinerary take?” asked Kala.

 

“Much depends on you, Saro and Kala. If you choose to be escorted by a personal guide, you can move at your own pace. If you choose to explore by group excursion only, you will of course forfeit autonomy. But you will have peers to share the experience. We recommend you employ both the personal guide and the group excursion options in your explorations.”

 

Saro and Kala wanted to think over their choices, especially now, after having learned they are to be on M1 only ten more days.

 

The Guardian added, “Remember that all plans are tentative, you may alter or amend them at any time.”

 

Their angels followed as the pair walked slowly toward the Melchizedek sector discussing the matter.

 

“Having a personal companion and guide seems like a luxury,” Kala said.

 .

“There’s no shortage of luxury here,” Saro replied. And I like the idea of having someone with us who knows the territory and probably more than a few languages.”

 

Kala agreed. Turning to the angels she said, “We prefer a personal escort, with the option to take excursions.”

 

Saro’s Guardian said, “Your personal Companion will call on you shortly after daybreak.” She and the other three angels wished the pair good night, then embraced and assured them, once again, that their angels are ever at hand.

 

The pair went to their lodge contemplating who they might find in the personnel registry on their first day of liberty on this astonishing world with so many beings and things completely and utterly new to them.

 

Their personal Companion arrived on schedule at daybreak. Kala and Saro were silently worshiping in back of their abode, on an elaborate swinging platform that hung from a large flowering tree. Once they set the swing in motion and took a seat, momentum kept it swinging for a long while. As they slowly swung, drifting in and out of prayer and worship, petals fell from the tree’s bountiful flowers. They were feeling a consuming oneness with Our Father, Michael, and Mother.

 

The Companion caught a glimpse of the pair in the swing and walked around the cottage to greet them. In soft voice she asked, “Ready to tour Mansion World number one?”

 

They opened their eyes a bit and smiled, both uttering the word, “Yes!”

.

The Companion stepped forward and very graciously introduced herself, “I am Solonia.”

 

Kala and Saro dismounted the platform and greeted her with an embrace. She was as lovely and warm-hearted as any Companion they had so far encountered.

 

“That name sounds familiar,” said Saro.

 

“Solonia was the name of the ‘voice in the garden’ of Eden on Urantia,” replied Kala.

 

“I adopted that name – one that most ascending pilgrims can easily pronounce – after hearing of the loyalty and leadership she displayed while serving with Adam and Eve on Urantia.”

 

Solonia went on to tell the pair about her title and mode of service, “My current assignment is with the Excursion and Reversion Supervisors. I have been assigned as your guide, to escort you wherever you wish to visit on Mansion One. And your Guardians informed me of their recommendations, to see the registry, to tour three of the main temples and the governor’s headquarters, to visit the seven circles of the Companions, and your desire to tour the gardens of Banquet Hall.”

 

“When may we leave?” Kala inquired with an enthusiastic smile.

 

“Now” said Solonia. “The registry edifice is not far from the nearest gate. And that gate is only a short walk from here. Shall we?”

 

“Please, lead on Solonia,” said Saro. The pair was primed for this experience, ready to see just what’s out there on this beautiful sphere, one of millions of “cities of God,” hanging in space.

 

On the way to the gate, Solonia prepared them for their first impression of greater M1 saying, “You are about to view a world that leaves many pilgrims awe-struck. Since you were somewhat prepared by the revealed text you found on Urantia, you may be merely breathless,” she said with a reassuring smile. They laughed, which broke any tension Kala and Saro were feeling on this unique occasion.

 

They were realizing that the resurrection complex is much larger and grander than they first thought, and completely surrounded by a high wall with a broad promenade on top.

 

There are entry and exit gates at regular intervals all around the base of the complex’s circular wall. The gate they were approaching is gigantic and somehow, by its design, conveyed a sense of welcome. Certainly not foreboding.

 

Well before the pair came to the gate, they could glimpse activity on the outside, on the surface, and in the sky. Beings were moving about, some walking, but most riding in, or on, a variety of swift moving vehicles, wheel-less pods made of an astonishing array of materials, sizes, and shapes. All vehicles appeared to be riding on invisible currents.

 

Kala and Saro looked at each other with a new sense of glee and joy. It was hard for them to imagine exactly what this world would be like, but no longer did they have to use imagination. It was unfolding before them.

 

Their eyes became larger with every step. Already they could see a vast cityscape, with walls that form concentric circles, triangles, rectangles, and squares. When they passed through the great gate, Solonia directed them to a high lookout point that provided an unrestricted view. Just as they reached the top, Kala pointed overhead and exclaimed, “Saro, a passenger bird!” Saro looked up to see two great wings flare as a huge morontia transport animal landed with a passenger on the promenade directly above their exit gate.

 

What high adventure, what wondrous sights, what a world! Saro and Kala stood atop their perch, viewing the myriad complexes of work and living, with beings moving in every direction, on the ground and in the sky. The complexity and beauty of the view was all but overwhelming. The scenario prompted them to try to imagine what might be transpiring inside all those geometric formations, and at the same time wondering what it would be like to see them from a bird’s back.

 

After seeing the big bird land, Kala and Saro glanced at each other and instantly knew one of them had to ask. Kala did so, “Solonia, are new pilgrims permitted to ride them?”

 

“You are,” she replied.

 

“Today?” asked Saro.

 

“Now if you wish. Shall I make a reservation?” Solonia pointed to a peak on the far-away horizon saying, “That is where the birds roost.”

 

These lovers of flying, who were both licensed pilots on Urantia, who even died while flying, were thrilled by this chance to soar on a bird’s back over M1. When on Urantia they also enjoyed flying gliders for recreation and inspiration, riding on rising air currents with the soaring birds.

 

Immediately after Solonia made the reservation, their transport vehicle arrived. It moved very fast, dropping from the sky, coming to a smooth halt directly in front of them, then hovering silently hand-high off the surface.

.

One side of it opened wide and Solonia said quaintly, “Pilgrims first.”

 

They smiled and stepped in. The vehicle held quite firm, not shifting at all with their added weight. All three took forward-facing seats on lavishly decorated bench chairs, each with cushioned and embellished armrests. They watched the door close quietly and seamlessly.

 

The pilotless transporter lifted off, slowly at first, then accelerated quite rapidly. Kala’s and Saro’s morontia bodies and minds were sensing and cherishing the liberty of flight on this new world. New to them at least.

 

Solonia was very much enjoying watching their reactions to this first flight in a common transport pod. There were many other pods flying above and below, all perfectly coordinated apparently. The floor of the vehicle was completely transparent. Looking down in every direction there appeared dynamism, intense activity. Everything had a pristine cleanliness about it, the air, the structures, even the creatures of this world gleam with morontia beauty, purity, and appeal.

 

The pair was fascinated by the strange and fascinating world below, viewing it through the clear shell of their swift ride, now moving extremely fast, “Up to 500 Urantia miles per hour,” Solonia told them.

 

They could see many interconnecting waterways and reservoirs shimmering in the early morning light. Saro and Kala were each silently expressing profound gratitude to God for this wondrous world, and for being part of it. The transport reached their destination so quickly the pair didn’t have time to ask Solonia questions about all the beings and doings passing beneath them.

 

The pod slowed as it approached the massive aviary, sitting on top of a high, broad, pedestal formation. Just before setting down they watched birds landing and taking off. They could see that the morontia animals had stalls behind each launch point which were situated all around the pedestal’s periphery.

 

The great birds could launch or land themselves from any point on the pedestal’s edge, and retire to their appointed stall as needed for sustenance, grooming, and rest between flights.

 

Kala and Saro followed Solonia to their assigned transports, walking through a charming garden of low, purple-leaved trees, many laden with morontia fruits of diverse colors and sizes.

 

“The birds are very fond the fruit,” Solonia told them.

 

Their eyes bulged and their jaws dropped on seeing the gigantic birds face to face. As they approached these two great flying creatures they couldn’t help but notice how intelligent and aware they appear. The birds are also beautiful, with flawless feathering, some iridescent, but mostly golden. The two giants looked alike to Saro’s and Kala’s untrained eyes.

 

As the three drew near and stood under the two birds’ attentive eyes, each bird watching them out of their right eye, Kala looked up and asked the nearest one, “Do you have a name, beautiful?”

 

Solonia translated a jewel-ringed plaque on the roost’s wall, “They are called, in Urantian English, ‘Faithful-One and Faithful-Two.’”

 

“That’s reassuring,” said Saro laughing.

 

Solonia translated the rest, “One is male, two is female. The female can be distinguished by a faint red band around her upper neck.” Looking closely they spotted it.

 

In a display of friendliness and affection, the great birds slowly lowered their heads, placing their large beaks directly in front of Kala and Saro. The pair looked the animals straight in the eye and then, impulsively, indulged an urge to embrace the beasts’ beaks. As they did, the birds made a chortling sound, one of approval they presumed. Saro and Kala instantly loved these giant flying animals.

 

After passing Solonia’s brief tutorial to ensure the two possess the skill and confidence to ride the birds, she said, “Faithful One and Two, and their progenitors, have flown this area for many generations, safely taking millions of pilgrims for their first post-resurrection flight. They know the area and will fly you to any destination their caretakers ask. The birds are quite smart and understand their keepers’ language. It is advised that you not attempt to direct the bird’s path, at least not until you have been qualified by the creatures’ caretakers. Shall I have them instruct your birds to circle this area three times and leave you at the hall of records? We can reconnect there.”

 

They agreed. Solonia spoke to the keeper and the keeper spoke to the birds in odd, brief spurts. The birds appeared to perceive his meaning. It was touchingly beautiful to watch them communicate. The keepers informed Solonia that the birds would be ready to launch as soon as they are outfitted.

 

Saro and Kala were very curious about what they only glimpsed on the way to the great pedestal, so they walked out to its edge for a standing-still view.

 

They wanted to know more about the many activities happening inside and outside these curious triangles, circles, rectangles, and squares. The range and acuity of morontia vision continued to amaze them; they could view far away objects with astonishing clarity in detail and color. They then and there pledged some part of their ten days’ liberty to tour the surface; to visit the ordinary places of M1.

 

When the trio returned to the birds, the keeper informed Solonia they were almost ready to mount and launch. One of the lovely spornagia came out of the stable’s quarters carrying safety equipment, and offered help putting it on and adjusting it properly.

 

Solonia advised Saro and Kala, “The safety devices will deploy automatically should the bird, for any reason, fall from the sky. Accidents are extremely rare, but have occurred,” she added.

 

Saro and Kala didn’t seem at all fazed by any possible risk. But Kala had been wanting to ask, “Are these bodies killable?”

 

***

Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

RESURRECTION HALL ~ Chapter 10 ~

 

The Flight and The Registry

 

In answer to Kala’s question Solonia said, “You may recall that the body you now inhabit is the same type in which Jesus was resurrected. Any morontia body may be considered beyond repair by some rare and extraordinary misfortune, but you will never be so regarded. Once resurrection takes place, eternity remains available to all who will persevere to the apex of the ascension scheme—Paradise perfection. And always will you have a suitable form to inhabit.

 

“However, Companions are instructed to advise ascenders it is intended that you use your body for the utmost benefit of spiritual progress, without putting it in undue jeopardy. One of the initial signs of spiritual maturation is the proper care and safeguard of the temple you inhabit, a gift from our creator parents, which in turn is a gift from the First Source and Center. You both did well as stewards of your Urantian bodies, as your life records show, no doubt a contributing factor to your uncommon – uncommon for present day Urantia at least – attainment of the third psychic circle before death.”

 

Solonia confirmed what Kala and Saro already knew in their souls, that nothing good ever perishes, most especially the hard-earned values that are the sum and substance of an immortal soul.

 

She added, “There are time-tested systems of safety in every endeavor of Mansonia culture. But you must surely have in some manner realized the beings and forces that created your bodies can create another. And you have been told of the eight adjustments your bodies will undergo as you pass through the System.”

 

Her answers were very much what the pair expected. But at a time like this, when one is about to dive off a high perch into an unknown world on the back of a newly-met creature, such questions do come to the minds of ex-mortals.

 

Their birds were equipped with a broad seat, strapped securely to the crook of their neck which is connected to their body by colorful, highly visible webbing. The saddles have a waist belt attached at back and front, with two short hand grips in front of the saddle for passenger stability, and where reins to each side of the bird’s bridle are secured.

 

The keepers asked Solonia to remind the passengers not to use the reins. Which she did. The pair expressed assurance and gratitude to the keepers. Obviously, the animals were in perfect condition, well cared for, and superbly content. They also exuded a powerful presence, as if their consciousness equaled the size of their body.

 

The keepers then led the birds to the launch point, where they lowered themselves to allow their passengers to mount. Kala and Saro donned the goggles that were offered by the attending spornagia, then climbed atop their birds; Saro on Faithful 1, Kala on Faithful 2. They indicated readiness. The birds stood up, the keepers signaled all is prepared for launch. The animals hobbled to the pedestal’s leading edge, stretched their wings and without hesitation dove nearly straight down catching the heated air coming up around the great pedestal. A favorite line from The Urantia Book was flashing in both their minds at this instant: “Even when the air currents are ascending, no bird can soar except by outstretched wings.” (91:8.9)

 

As the pair descended and watched the surface rise, they held tightly to the saddle posts, grinning like ecstatic children, completely trusting of these giant birds and their trainers. When sufficient air speed was attained the two birds began flapping their great wings, turning upward against the warm, ascending three-gas morontia air. They rose mightily with every flap.

 

The birds quickly climbed in small circles to a great height above the launch point. They simultaneously stopped flapping, stretched out their giant wings, and began a gradual downward glide three times around the area they had zipped across earlier in the transport pod.

 

The pair glanced and laughed at each other as they soared over this magnificent world. As far as they could see, there are endless activities inside and outside great circles, squares, rectangles, and triangles.

 

Many other beings were flying in a variety of transports around, below, and above them, including other birds with and without passengers. Transportation on the ground and in the air was a moving vision of light and life to Kala’s and Saro’s new morontia eyes. For a moment Kala thought she heard celestial music coming from above. Maybe it was only the wind passing her ears.

 

The birds were given wide berth by the powered vehicles, which made the pair realize this grand symphony of activity is composed and perfectly coordinated by unseen hands on unknown controls. As they floated slowly downward, steady on the backs of their steeds of the air, Kala and Saro were all but mesmerized by the sights and sounds of this wonder-filled world below, humming with life and best of all, full of Godliness. The urge to gratefulness overtook them both even as they satisfied this past life wish to soar on a Fandor’s back.

 

As the pair observed the surface, they noted the many walls separating and defining the various physical features, some high and some low, some wide and some narrow. Most had shining metallic promenades on their top surface, lined with artistry and accented by sculpture. And all are studded with aesthetically appealing arrangements of reflective diamonds, great emeralds, multi-colored jewels, and precious gems in beautiful and symbolic array, some that could only be discerned from high above. In fact, their versatile morontia vision could discern large and small details on M1’s surface, even from this lofty height.

 

Saro and Kala could see an endless web of water canals crisscrossing each of the geometric segments. Many parks, all teeming with movement, are situated along the canal’s banks. As ever on Mansonia, most structures are open to the sky. There are also graceful spires and tall edifices dotting the landscape, but no significant land elevations or depressions to be seen, and never does a cloud appear in the rich, rich air.

 

Kala was looking at one of the highest points on a far-away horizon, wondering if it might be the angels’ spaceport. Saro was watching Kala, her magnificent morontia self astride a beautiful bird on their third full day as resurrected ex-Urantians, now flying over the first Mansion World. Their birds seem to be enjoying Saro and Kala’s enjoyment. A cross species friendship was growing with each circle they made over the area.

 

As they flew, an even broader realization of how wonderful the rest of this world might be, hit them. And yet M1 is only the first step on the long, long, Paradise journey. Always will Kala and Saro remember Faithful One and Faithful Two, marvelous animals who took them on a physical flight preparatory to their imminent spiritual journey, soaring through the Seven Mansion Worlds on the way to Jerusem.

 

By the time their final lap was complete, Kala and Saro were beaming with the quiet joy of a long awaited pleasure now satisfied. They glanced at each other, simultaneously thinking of attaining certification in order to make autonomous flights.

 

After the third circle of the area, the birds slowly glided onto a raised landing pad atop the hall of registry, flaring their great wings and settling gently. It was busy but not crowded. Land and air vehicles were coming and going on the surface below. Many other big birds were landing on and launching from the pad, with and without passengers. Holding stalls are located in a large ring at the center of the pad for the animals’ comfort during waits for their passengers.

 

As the beasts crouched down to allow Kala and Saro to dismount, Solonia greeted them with a smile, saying, “Let me guess, you want to earn pilot’s certification.”

 

They laughed. “Where do we apply?” asked Kala.

 

Before departing the birds and their passengers embraced, arms around beaks. The great beasts looked them in the eye, chortled their affection, then toddled to the edge and flew away home.

 

“The registry’s entrance is this way,” said Solonia, directing them to a shaft at the pad’s center.

 

Saro and Kala were in awe of the fact that they were going to enter the registry they had so often read about, and even dreamed about while on Urantia. They each had short and long lists of friends and loved ones who might have preceded them. Also, they both wondered if they might discover the status of certain deceased luminaries of Urantia’s unique past, beginning with Mary Magdalene, Beethoven, Shakespeare, Lao Tse, Mary and Joseph, any of Jesus’ siblings, John the Baptist, Rodan, Onamanalonton, Ikhnaton, Siddhartha, and a host of others. But they had only ten days and a whole world to explore.

 

The hall of records was throbbing with activity, much like the rest of M1. Upon entering the shaft at the center of the hall’s landing pad, the trio stepped into a tiny open-topped transport that took them down and over to the personal kiosk Solonia had reserved.

 

As Kala and Saro rode along, they noted the registry had many levels and categorical groupings. They also encountered beings of immense variety, hue, shape, and size, all coming, going, or busy researching. The little pods negotiated turns with ease, traveling in established corridors with other transports, peeling off here and there to leave or retrieve passengers.

 

After their thrilling sky ride, Kala and Saro were once again feeling the enormity of the experience of M1. Kala felt compelled to proclaim, “This whole world is a sublime work of art and heavenly beauty, an intricately carved gem hanging in space by loving command of the Dieties.”

 

Saro and Solonia smiled at Kala’s poetic expression, Saro adding, “And their faithful Companions do ever lead their charges o’er this Gem, and onto the next Gem of Wonder, greater still!!” They laughed, which helped bring them down to the ground, out of the sky, to be here seeking information about enduring personal relationships, relationships that will last forever and extend all the way to Paradise and beyond, but had their beginnings on the lowly worlds of time and space.

 

After relaxing a bit in their comfortable kiosk with Solonia at their side, the pair began to feel as if they were an integral part of the artistry that characterizes Mansonia. They simply sat for a moment to enjoy their role in the morontia integration of living and static art, the creative intertwining of beauty in both spirit and material. The harmony of M1, the fraternity and friendliness of it, enthralled these newborns so recently from a disharmonious sphere, a sphere with humans longing for truth, starving for beauty, thirsting for love, and virtually clueless about this magnificent mansion to which they might soon ascend.

 

Kala was now recalling reader conferences on Urantia that had mansion world parallels; a generalized, loving, and warm ambiance, above all else. Saro thought it correlated somewhat with the, “Christmas Spirit” of Christian tradition on Urantia, when for a short season love and kindness flows more easily, more abundantly.

 

Kala, Saro and Solonia spent the rest of the morning going through endless records about relatives in their blood lines, all of which had numerous connections to other records, all fascinating and revealing of lives about which they knew nothing. Solonia helped them better formulate their requests to suit the registry’s retrieval system. Whatever they wished to know, that immediately appeared before them in mid-air in text, image, or graph form.

 

But they were surprised to discover none of their Urantia acquaintances had yet arrived, except of course the relatives who attended their resurrection, Saro’s brother Will, his two cousins, Kala’s parents and grandparents, and her cousin Joy. All others were either still living, awaiting dispensational resurrection, or had already graduated from Mansonia.

 

They each followed their lineage back to Andon and Fonta. Many in their line had attained Adjusters and passed through the Mansions long ago, and some of those had distinguished themselves in service on Urantia and on Mansonia. But all had already moved up to Edentia or above.

 

Saro found an archive of brief messages left behind by thousands of leaders and destiny reservists who had ascended from the 619 worlds of the System. Some of them were on their lists of Urantian luminaries to look up. They spent much of the day combing through those brilliant and heart-warming greetings, along with biographies and selected thought gems of the great beings, artists, and teachers who took origin on the evolutionary worlds. The translation of the messages was almost flawless. Solonia’s kind and patient assistance, along with her immense knowledge of the System’s worlds, helped them greatly when any question arose.

 

Kala found personal messages, and recordings, of new compositions by Beethoven, Mozart, and others who reapplied their talents during the mansion world stay and left behind inspired and improved creations for fellow ascenders’ enjoyment. They briefly listened to samples she discovered. There was so very much to read, view, hear, and experience just in the registry. So much so they lost themselves in it. Before they realized it the day had slipped away.

 

Finally Saro noted the day’s passing and said, “We could spend our entire liberty here, and still only begin.”

 

“True. Ready to take a break?” Kala answered.

 

“I am. Is there a temple near?” Saro asked.

 

“There are several inside the registry, two nearby,” replied Solonia. “Shall I summon a transport?”

 

“If they are close, let’s walk,” said Saro. Kala nodded agreement. They were both sensing an urge to commune with the God who conceived the vast stupendous cosmos, repletely supplied with ancient and well-kept records, of which they have now had only a slight glimpse.

 

They invited Solonia to join them in worship.

 

***

Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

The Music Schools of Jerusem

 

Quote Source

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Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

~ Jesus’ Mortal Transit ~

Quote Source

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Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

Quoted phrases within the UB quote are from the Bible’s New Testament, 1 Corinthians 2:9

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Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

 ^{30:4.17 (341.7)}

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Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

~ The Receiving Worlds ~

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Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

~ Morontia Progressors ~

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Richard E Warren

[Author]

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