16

 What is Spiritual Community?

April 20, 2000

Beloved children of my heart,

Welcome! Welcome to each and every one of you who has once again made the sacred journey and joined your sisters and brothers here on Long Island for the wonderful task of honoring the mighty Resurrection Flame and its ever-present activity within all life. May you all be blessed in many ways during your time together.

Spiritual community is the theme for this conference. It is also a concept which is particularly near and dear to my heart. For after the Resurrection and Ascension of blessed Jesus, many of those who shared his life and actively served his ministry, including myself, chose to unite our energies and create a wonderful spiritual community of our own.

This was mutually decided upon for several reasons. First and foremost, our spiritual society would be dedicated to preserving my beloved son's many beautiful teachings. However, quite rapidly we realized, that in order for us to do this effectively, we must also fully understand his messages and exemplify his teachings in the world of form. So a great deal of time was devoted to teaching and learning, and during the process a wonderful school, the first dedicated to the teachings of the Christian Dispensation was created. Thus, the spreading of Jesus' words began to expand throughout the planet and continues unto this day!

Secondly, we all shared so much in common. Often our discussions focused upon protecting, supporting, nourishing and assisting our spiritual family as each of us individually and collectively worked ceaselessly to fulfill our own divine plans and that of our little community. Simple guidelines and perimeters were created so that everyone knew what was expected of each person within the group. We worked hard to provide clarity to all, concerning what was acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

As you can well imagine, it quickly became apparent that someone needed to hold this varied and dynamic group of individuals together. Each precious soul was intent and focused upon their own part of this great plan. There were times when each one was oblivious to the needs of others and more than a few times moments of discord did erupt to disturb the one-pointed group energy which in turn, slowed our forward momentum and progress. Disagreements did arise and feelings were occasionally hurt.

When this happened someone needed to step forward not only to remind all concerned to remember beloved Jesus' message to the world but to acknowledge the importance of each individual's service to life. Even though everyone was involved in the day to day running of the brotherhood, ultimately, one person needed to make the final decision. By the Grace of God and the fact that in my gentleness there was great strength and courage and I was rarely dismayed, this enormous task fell upon my shoulders and most of my waking hours were dedicated to establishing and maintaining harmony within the group. I happily accepted my task for as you know my gift is primarily that of holding the Immaculate Concept for all life. My focus has always been and continues to be that of recognizing and honoring the good in people.

Does my description of the creation of our little community sound familiar, beloved ones? Do you find that these things and more are happening to you as you attempt to resurrect the Activity of The Bridge to Freedom, raising it to a new and higher level with the emphasis now placed on the 'spiritual' aspect of this organization?  

I say to you now, be not afraid, for what has been taking place during these last few years is nothing more than the pains of rebirth within yourself and The Bridge. For each of you to flourish and grow, you must, I repeat must, now expand within yourself the qualities of love, peace, harmony, cooperation, friendship, mercy and forgiveness. You must also offer these gifts to others, dear ones, actively and honestly stretching forth your hands in friendship whenever and wherever the opportunity arises. Learn to share with one another; happily giving to others and also humbly receiving that which others offer to you. In the long run you will see that the scales are tipped in your favor, as you receive much, much more than you could ever possibly give. That is, and this is the key beloved ones, only if your give freely, expecting nothing in return.

Now, keeping the theme for this conference in mind, as I gently and lovingly enfold each of you sitting before me in my gift to life, I have a request! Throughout the next five days, ponder the truth and reality of the term 'spiritual community'. It is time to make the choice, beloved ones. Before this conference ends you must either vow to hold the Immaculate Concept for this Activity of Light and each other or you most go forth in love and light to serve God in another capacity.

My request may sound harsh at first but as you contemplate my words you will come to see that I have only the good of the whole in mind. Whatever your decision, be assured that I will be with you each time you think of me. Accept my love into your minds and hearts, and my blessings into your beings and worlds as you drink deeply of the pure and perfect essence of divinity available to you during the Feast of the Resurrection.

So be it, beloved ones!

In Love and Light,

I AM Mary, Servant of God