SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY

It is not the docile companion  who most needs your immediate fraternal understanding. But the one who still struggles to subdue the ferocity of wrath which lies deep inside. 

It is not the person who is full  of evangelical understanding that requires your most urgent attention. But the one who still has not succeeded in eliminating the viper of malice from within their heart. 

It is not the friend marching peacefully along the path of goodness who will insistently solicit your care. But the one who loses himself in the thicket of discord and misunderstanding, who is without strength to return to the right path. 

It is not the person who goes about his normal work that requires urgent help. But the one who did not have sufficient resources to conquer the constraining circumstances of human experience, and so fell into the dark zones of derangement. 

It is very probable that, for the time being, your co-operation in paradise is completely dispensable. However, the unquestionable reality for the moment is that your place of service, learning, helping and loving is right here on Earth.

Excerpted from Chapter 46 of "Christian Agenda" - Chico Xavier (by the Spirit André Luiz)

KNOWLEDGE OF NATURAL LAW

619. Has God given to all men the means of knowing His law?

"All may know it, but not all understand it. Those who understand it best are they who seek after goodness. All, however, will one day understand it; for the destiny of progress must he accomplished."

(*) The justice of the various incarnations undergone by each human being is evident when seen in the light of the principle just enunciated; since, in each new existence, his intelligence is more developed, and he comprehends more clearly what is good and what is evil. If everything had to be accomplished by each man in a single existence, what would be the fate of the many millions of human beings who die every day in the brutishness of the savage state, or in the darkness of ignorance, without having had the possibility of obtaining enlightenment? (177-222) *(Remark by Allan Kardec)

620. Does a spirit, before his union with the body, comprehend the law of God more clearly than after his incarnation?

"He comprehends that law according to the degree of development at which he has arrived, and preserves the intuitive remembrance of it after being united with a body; but the evil instincts of man often cause him to forget it."

621. Where is the law of God inscribed?

"In the conscience."

- Since man carries the law of God in his conscience, where was the need of revealing it to him?

"He had forgotten and misunderstood it; God willed that it should be recalled to his memory."

622. Has God given to some men the mission of revealing His law?

"Yes, certainly. In every age there have been men who have received this mission; spirits of higher degree, who have incarnated themselves for the purpose of advancing human progress."

623. Have not those who have professed to instruct mankind sometimes made mistakes, and led them astray by false reasonings?

"Those who, not being inspired by God, have arrogated to themselves, through ambition, a mission which they had not received, may, undoubtedly, have led them into error; nevertheless, as, after all, they were men of genius, great truths are often to be found, even in the midst of the errors they taught."

624. What are the characteristics of the true prophet?

"The true prophet is an upright man who is inspired by God. He may be recognised both by his words and by his deeds. God does not employ the mouth of a liar to teach the truth."

625. What is the most perfect type that God has offered to man as his guide and model?

"Jesus."

(*) Jesus is the type of the moral perfection to which man may attain upon this earth. God offers Him to our thought as our most perfect model and the doctrine taught by Him is the purest expression of the divine law, because He was animated by the divine spirit, and was the purest being who has ever appeared upon the earth.

If some of those who have professed to instruct man in the law of God have sometimes led him astray by the inculcation of error, it is because they have allowed themselves to be swayed by sentiments of a too earthly nature, and because they have confounded the laws which regulate the conditions of the life of the soul with those which regulate the life of the body. Many pretended revealers have announced as divine laws what were only human laws, devised by them for serving their own passions and obtaining dominion over their fellow men. *(Remark by Allan Kardec)

Excerpted from Chapter I of the Third Book of "The Spirit's Book" - Allan Kardec

ALWAYS CALLED

Christians are called to serve everywhere. 

In a house of suffering, they administer consolation. 

In a den of ignorance, they will offer enlightenment. 

In a castle of pleasure, they will teach moderation. 

On the brink of criminality, they will impede the falls. 

In a charabanc of generic abuse, they will exemplify sobriety. 

In dark hideaways, they will kindle the light. 

In the fog of despondency, they will open the doors of encouragement. 

In the inferno of hatred, they will multiply the blessings of love. 

In the market-place of malice, they will distribute goodness. 

In the courts of justice, they will put themselves in the place of the accused, so that he may examine the errors of others. 

At every turn of the path we encounter suggestions from the Lord, challenging us to serve.

Excerpted from Chapter 45 of "Christian Agenda" - Chico Xavier (by the Spirit André Luiz)

REINCARNATION

166. How can the soul that has not attained to perfection during the corporeal life complete the work of its purification?

"By undergoing the trial of a new existence."

- How does the soul accomplish this new existence? Is it through its transformation as a spirit?

"The soul, in purifying itself, undoubtedly undergoes a transformation; but, in order to effect this transformation, it needs the trial of corporeal life.”

- The soul has then, many corporeal existences?

"Yes; we all have many such existences. Those who maintain the contrary wish to keep you in the same ignorance in which they are themselves."

- It would seem to result from this statement that the soul, after having quitted one body, takes another one; in other words, that it reincarnates itself in a new body. Is it thus that this statement is to be understood?

"Evidently so."

167. What is the aim of reincarnation?

"Expiation; progressive improvement of mankind. Without this aim, where would be its justice?”

168. Is the number of corporeal existences limited, or does a spirit go on reincarnating himself for ever?

"In each new existence, a spirit takes a step forwards in the path of progress; when he has stripped himself of all his impurities, he has no further need of the trials of corporeal life."

169. Is the number of incarnations the same for all spirits?

"No; he who advances quickly spares himself many trials. Nevertheless, these successive incarnations are always very numerous, for progress is almost infinite."

170. What does the spirit become after its last incarnation?

"It enters upon the state of perfect happiness, as a purified spirit."

171. What foundation is there for the doctrine of reincarnation?

"The justice of God, and revelation; for, as we have already remarked, an affectionate father always leaves a door of repentance open for his erring children. Does not reason itself tell you that it would be unjust to inflict an eternal privation of happiness on those who have not had the opportunity of improving themselves? Are not all men God's children? It is only among selfish human beings that injustice, implacable hatred, and irremissible punishments are to be found."

(*) All spirits tend towards perfection, and are furnished by God with the means of advancement through the trials of corporeal life; but the divine justice compels them to accomplish, in new existences, that which they have not been able to do, or to complete, in a previous trial.

It would not be consistent with the justice or with the goodness of God to sentence to eternal suffering those who may have encountered obstacles to their improvement independent of their will, and resulting from the very nature of the conditions in which they found themselves placed. If the fate of mankind were irrevocably fixed after death, God would not have weighed the actions of all in the same scales, and would not have treated them with impartiality.

The doctrine of reincarnation - that is to say, the doctrine which proclaims that men have many successive existence - is the only one which answers to the idea we form to ourselves of the justice of God in regard to those who are placed, by circumstances over which they have no control, in conditions unfavourable to their moral advancement; the only one which can explain the future, and furnish us with a sound basis for our hopes. because it offers us the means of redeeming our errors through new trials. This doctrine is indicated by the teachings of reason, as well as by those of our spirit-instructors.

He who is conscious of his own inferiority derives a consoling hope from the doctrine of reincarnation. If he believes in the justice of God, he cannot hope to be placed, at once and for all eternity, on a level with those who have made a better use of life than he has done but the knowledge that this inferiority will not exclude him for ever from the supreme felicity, and that he will be able to conquer this felicity through new efforts, revives his courage and sustains his energy. Who does not regret, at the end of his career. that the experience he has acquired should have come too late to allow of his turning it to useful account? This tardily acquired experience will not be lost for him; he will profit by it in a new corporeal life. *(Remark by Allan Kardec)

Excerpted from Chapter IV of the Second Book of "The Spirit's Book" - Allan Kardec

RISE ABOVE

When looking at a block of crude stone, do not dwell on its possible weight. Remember the perfect statue that will emerge from it. 

When contemplating the difficulties of sowing, do not let the fears of torrential storm or blight detain you. Think of the grain that will overflow in the granary. 

When facing a storm, do not lose yourself in lamentations. Meditate upon the benefits that its passage will bring. 

When faced with hard work, do not be afraid of the copious sweat it will produce. Centralise your expectations on the good that will results from it. 

Do not be preoccupied with the heat of the forge. Look towards the useful articles with which it will furnish your life. 

Do not only picture only the dangers of illness. Reflect upon the joy and possibility of being able to cure. 

If you are governed effectively by the higher ideal, forget the friend who deserted, the wife who fled, the ungrateful companion or the difficult relative. All of them are learning and passing by, just as you are... What matters is the intensification of light, the progress of truth, and the victory of goodness.

Excerpted from Chapter 44 of "Christian Agenda" - Chico Xavier (by the Spirit André Luiz)

A CHRISTIAN IS RECOGNISABLE BY HIS WORKS

"Not all of those who say: Lord! Lord! will enter into Heaven, but only those who do the Will of my Father, who is in Heaven."

Listen to these words of the Master, all those who repel the Spiritist Doctrine as the work of the devil. Open your ears because the moment to listen has arrived.

Is it sufficient to carry the uniform of the Lord in order to be His faithful servant? Is it enough to say: 'I am a Christian', for anyone to be a follower of Christ? Search for the true Christians and you will recognise them by their works. "A good tree cannot give forth bad fruits, nor a bad tree good fruits." "Every tree that does not give forth good fruits will be cut down and cast into the fire." These are the words of the Master. Disciples of Christ, understand them well! What kind of fruits should be given by the tree of Christianity, which is a mighty tree, whose leafy branches cover part of the world with shade, but does not as yet shelter all who should seek refuge around it? Those from the Tree of Life are fruits of life, hope and faith. Christianity, as it has done for many centuries, continues to preach these divine virtues. It uses all its strength to distribute its fruits, but so few pick them! The Tree is always good, but the gardeners are bad. They tried to mould it to their own ideas, to prune it to their necessities. They cut it, diminished it and mutilated it. Having become sterile it does not give forth bad fruits, because it gives forth no fruits at all. The thirsty traveller who stops under its branches looking for the fruits of hope, which are capable of restoring strength and courage, sees only bare branches foretelling a coming storm. In vain he asks for the fruits from the Tree of Life. Only dry leaves fall at his feet. The hands of Man have so tampered with it that it has become scorched.

My dearly beloved, open then your hearts and ears. Cultivate this Tree of Life whose fruits give eternal life. The One who planted it incites you to treat it with love and even yet you will see it give an abundance of its divine fruits. Conserve it just as it was when Christ gave it to you. Do not mutilate it. It wants to cast its immense shade over the Universe, so do not cut its branches. Its tasty fruits fall abundantly so as to satiate the hungry traveller who wishes to reach the end of his journey. Do not gather these fruits in order to leave them to rot, so they are of no use to anyone. "Many are called, but few are chosen." This is because there are monopolizers of the Bread of Life, as there are also of material bread. Do not be one of them: the Tree that gives good fruits must give to everyone. Go then, and seek those who are hungry, lead them under the leafy branches of the Tree of Life and share with them the shelter it offers. "You cannot collect grapes from amongst the thorns." My brothers and sisters, turn away from those who call to you in order to show you the thorns of the way; instead, follow those who will lead you under the shade of the Tree of Life.

The Divine Saviour, the Just par excellence, spoke, and His words will never die: "Not all who say: Lord! Lord! will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who do the Will of my Father who is in Heaven."

May the Lord of blessings bless you; may the God of Light illuminate you; may the Tree of Life offer you its abundant fruits! Believe and pray. 

- Simon (Spirit), Bordeaux, 1863.

Excerpted from the Chapter 18 of "The Gospel According to Spiritism" - Allan Kardec

PERSONAL PROBLEMS

Living faith is not transferable property. It is a personal conquest. 

Legitimate happiness is not merchandise that can be borrowed. It is an inner realisation. 

Grace does not descend from heaven at random. It has to be earned. 

The best charity is not that which is done by substitutes. We must perform it ourselves. 

Moral strength is not the result of others pleading for us. It comes from our own effort to take stand on the side of goodness. 

Steadfast hope does not dwell firmly in our hearts by mere contagion. It is the offspring of higher understanding. 

Real love is not born from the shadows of desire. It is a crystalline and inexhaustible fountain of the eternal spirit. 

True knowledge is not the achievement of but a few days. It is the work of time. 

Paradise will never be acquired by astute bargaining. It is attainable through our good will in avoiding the purgatory or hell of our own conscience. 

The protection of the Higher Planes is an unquestionable fact for all of us who still move within the shadows.Woe to us, however, if we do not seek the blessings of enlightenment!

Excerpted from the Chapter 43 of "Christian Agenda" - Chico Xavier (by the Spirit André Luiz)

YOU, YOURSELF

Remind yourself that you are: 

the best secretary for your tasks, 

the most efficient publicity agent for your ideas, 

the clearest demonstrator of your principles, 

the highest standard of the lofty teaching your Spirit embraces, 

and the living message of the noble ideas that you transmit to others. 

Equally, do not forget that: 

the greatest enemy of your most noble realisations, 

the complete or incomplete negation of the sublime idealism that you proclaim, 

the discordant note of the symphony of goodness that you intend to execute, 

the architect of your afflictions, 

and the destroyer of your opportunities for elevation - is you, yourself.

Excerpted from Chapter 42 of "Christian Agenda" - Chico Xavier (by the Spirit André Luiz)

PRODIGAL SONS

"And when he came to his senses, he said: How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!" - (Luke, 15:17)

Upon visualizing the figure of the prodigal son, all the people idealized him to be a man of wealth, dissipating material possibilities in feasts of the world.

But the vision should be enlarged comprising all the different mannerisms.

The prodigal sons do not solely breathe where wealth is found in abundance. They are found in all the areas of human activities, slipping in diverse forms.

Some great scientists on Earth are reckless with their intelligence dispersing intellectually poisonous thoughts, unworthy of the privilege they were endowed. Marvelous artists, sometimes waste their imagination and sensibility uselessly through insidious miserly ventures, finally falling into idle pursuit of relaxation and of crime.

All over we see these dissipaters of wealth, knowledge, time, health and opportunities...

It is them who upon contemplating those with simple humble hearts, marching toward God, possessed of true faith, go through the great anxiety of uselessness, and afar from the intimate peace, hopelessly exclaim:

"How many simple laborers possess the bread of tranquility, while the hunger for peace tortures my spirit!"

The world remains replete with prodigal sons and hourly, thousands of voices repeat these same painful exclamations.

Excerpted from the Chapter 24 of "Our Daily Bread" - Chico Xavier (by the Spirit Emmanuel)

DEFEND YOURSELF

Do not turn your ears into a storehouse of rumours. Intrigue is a viper that will lodge in your soul. 

Do not transform your eyes into lenses of vivification. The images that you corrupt will remain corrupted on the screen of your mind. 

Do not turn your hand into spears in order to fight without profit. Use them in the field of goodness. 

Do not underrate your creative faculties, by focusing them on easy pleasures. You will answer for what you did with them. 

Do not condemn your imagination to permanent excitation. Your inferior creations will torment your inner world. 

Do not lead your feelings towards a lust for suffering. Teach them to delight in the enjoyment of service. 

Do not search for the pathway to paradise while directing others towards the road to hell. The way to heaven will be built inside yourself.

Excerpted from the Chapter 41 of "Christian Agenda" - Chico Xavier (by the Spirit André Luiz)