Page Content (OCR)
many truths that are now hidden from them. The moment in history is coming, when your planet collectively will enter an era such as it has never before experienced in all its many thousand year history." | noted that this great being, for all his simplicity and naturalness, possessed an inner nobility of character and a great depth of understanding of our condition. With sorrow, | reflected upon the overweening pride and arrogance of Earth dwellers, myself included. Who can tell what pains of growth lie ahead of us, before we can attain that degree of goodness and humility! "How beautiful it is!" exclaimed Raphael, turning toward the scene before us. "Your Earth is one of the most beautiful in the cosmos. But, in spite of that, it is in danger, because of the pride and egotism of those who would risk a destruction of unimaginable proportions. Since earliest times, we have endeavored to help you, to prevent the catastrophe that you are now preparing for the Earth, and to influence you and your actions for the good. However, we can only do that in a way that provides for your own development with complete freedom. Among us there is no desire to use force over other people; we do not lust for power." His words had an earnest tone, yet | could detect no trace of superiority or condescension, only a deeply felt sorrow, together with great love. Although | did not feel competent to converse on such a weighty topic, | gathered up my courage and asked him, "Does this mean that you would help us in the event that great calamities should befall the Earth?" "We are all brothers," he answered, "and children of the one universal Father. Our love is unconditional toward all, including those who have chosen to follow paths that lead to misery and death because they stand in opposition to the Creator's universal laws. They do not understand that 'freedom' means to travel the paths of love in their limitless diversity. For only in this direction may true life be found. To misuse the generosity of so good a Heavenly Father is a great evil, and a challenge to that which we revere as godly." His countenance had assumed a thoughtful expression, though the majesty of his appearance was in no way diminished. Then it again brightened to an affirming smile and he said, "There many things we wish to impart to you. We want you to realize that, in the whole creation, love is stronger than any other reality. This is the magnanimity of our Father-God. Mankind on Earth will have to understand how dangerous it is not to conform to the universal teachings given to them through His great love, and to go against the fundamental laws that govern throughout the cosmos, allowing life to come forth and be sustained. If they do not wish to learn this, then they will experience, in measure corresponding to their error, the purifying power of suffering." All this was said with sadness and deep concern. Now he added, "But you must go now and seek shelter, for a storm is coming." At that moment, | became aware that the weather had indeed worsened and the mountains of the Tuscany Appenines were already shrouded in low-hanging clouds. It began to rain, and soon there was such a downpour that | could scarcely see my surroundings any longer. | hastened to find shelter in a nearby chapel but it was almost in vain; my leather jacket was soaked through and through, and my hair likewise. My shoes, socks, and all my hiking gear were thoroughly drenched. It poured mercilessly, and my discomfort grew so great that | was tempted to give up the venture and to look for a dwelling where someone might supply me with a change of clothing. | felt abandoned, and fought with myself, for | was divided on whether to trust Raphael and wait at the appointed site, or seek some other way out of my predicament. | was chilled, tired, and soaking wet. In my miserable state, | turned my spirit toward my celestial visitor, with a plea that he might somehow help me, insofar as was permitted for him to do so. 14 ANGELS IN STARSHIPS www.cosmic-people.com