MARCH NEWSLETTER 2024 JESUS’ INFLUENCE ON EARTH Written by Yvonne Crespo Limoges This Easter we remember the poor humble Jew who owned nothing but the clothes he wore, who wrote nothing we know of, who taught about the Creator, the afterlife and the eternal life of the spirit…starting with just a few devotees. Although he taught to have charity and love for everyone, he was sadly perceived a threat and ordered killed in his 30s. Over 2,000 years later, about 2.2 billion people around the world consider themselves his followers, and Christianity is currently the largest religion on the planet. 1 Jesus is mentioned in the holy texts of all three major religions. Even many Hindus consider him an Avatar, 2 and Gandhi said Jesus was one of mankind’s greatest spiritual teachers. 3 In addition, the Dalai Lama from a Buddhist perspective acknowledges the profundity of Jesus’ teachings in his book, The Good Heart. And, Christianity is growing in numbers in Africa and Asia. Jesus’ moral teachings continue to have an important influence around the world. IS JESUS RELEVANT TO SPIRITISTS? The answer is an emphatic, YES! Famous medium/healer Miguel Vives from Spain (known in his day as the “Apostle of Goodness”) clearly stated in his book, A Practical Guide for the Spiritist: “To attain the level of morality that every Spiritist needs in order to fulfill his mission as properly as possible, and to have peace somewhat while on earth, and to attain some happiness in the spirit world, he should fulfill the Divine Law. Where is the Law? It is in the Gospel as proclaimed by Jesus… Therefore, every Spiritist should know by memory, if possible, this moral teaching because how can one apply the law, if one does not know it? “It was not in vain that the Creator sent us the greatest spirit that has yet to set foot on this earth… and the spirit communications from superior spirits [even up to the present day], pointed out Jesus as our model and guide. That is why every Spiritist should…study His behavior through His sacrifices…His wisdom. “We should, above all, study the purpose of His elevated mission because within this issue, there are two essential points of foremost importance… to comprehend the Divine Law to fulfill it… [and] …another lesson of vital importance…the consolation, resignation, and patience that His sacrifice can inspire within us.” Jesus, was a morally superior spirit who willingly incarnated on a backward world, on a Divine spiritual mission he knew would entail suffering and daily sacrifices, eventually leading to horrific violent death. But he came out of love. He came to teach humankind to love unconditionally and to show it in his actions. Jesus is our supreme example of the level our spirit will evolve to eventually, after a myriad of lifetimes. Progress and soul evolution are Divine laws, to continue progressing by merit is our soul’s destiny! (Excerpts from Vives’ book translated from Spanish by our founder Edgar Crespo) JESUS – Psychic Par Excellence 1 With many denominations such as Catholics, Protestants, etc. 2 Among Buddhists and Hindus, incarnation of a morally superior spirit meant to counteract evil or suffering in the world. 3 Especially in a Gandhi letter dated April 6, 1962 letter to Milton Newbury Frantz, a US Christian religious leader. 2 Spiritist Society of Florida, March Newsletter 2024 Inspirationally received by Yvonne Crespo Limoges Did Jesus perform miracles? 4 Short answer…NO. Jesus, by virtue of the high elevation of his morally and spiritually superior incarnated spirit with a perispirit of powerful beneficially pure fluidic energies, allowed him to naturally have superior psychic abilities but always within natural laws. By virtue of this superiority, he could consistently know/do things by the power of his own spirit. Things his contemporaries and us cannot do. His exceptional psychic abilities are illustrated in many situations in the New Testament of the Bible; the only place written about him. If we take what was written at face value and examine these through a Spiritist lens, what seems to be paranormal events surrounding him and acts of spiritual/psychic abilities, we find that it is by his own power as a naturally superior spirit. Thus, we find he: - Had full knowledge of his mission on earth, and all the sacrifices and suffering involved (Bible sections examples: Mark 1:15, Matthew 5:17, Luke 4:18-19, Mark 10:45, etc.) - Had foreknowledge; where the fishes were for Simon (Peter) in the water (Luke 5:4-11); he predicted the events involving his life; who would betray him, his early death and his spiritual return. - Knew the thoughts of others; there are quite a few passages that state, “Jesus knowing their thoughts” without no one contradicting him. - Resurrections: of those several Jesus “resurrected,” considered near death, or considered “dead,” Jesus could sense if a body was genuinely dead and whether it could be revived via magnetism and vital spiritual energies. Ex. appearance of death - catalepsy. - Could heal; he could sense those he could cure physically and spiritually (magnetism) in accordance with Divine laws; he could direct by thought perispiritual fluids; they have a direct influence on incarnated beings, physically and spiritually. - Could remove obsessing spirits; he recognized inferior spirits and with the purity of his spirit he commanded supreme power over them. - Ability to change his appearance; this incident of the transfiguration; Jesus took three disciples to a mountain to pray. A cloud appeared (vision?), they watched Jesus transform to a figure dressed in white, radiant light about him. In addition, apparitions of Elijah and Moses appear beside him. - Could easily communicate with spirits; incidents of expelling obsessive spirits and talking to them without a known medium present. - Had a powerful personal magnetism which could have a powerful sway over the people; it could have come into play during the story of the “fishes and loaves” among the multitude. We know the power of hypnosis and persons with great magnetism can cause fascination and have great sway over people. - Paranormal phenomena occurred around him; the cloud and apparitions during the transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8); the calming of the seas (Mark 4:35-41); levitation or “walking on the sea” see (John 6:15-21) 5 Also, in other Gospels. - Materialization. As a superior spirit, he could at his will, easily do this with control to show his apostles he survived physical death, to allay their fears, to say he would watch over them, to give his last instructions and inspire them so they could spread God’s teachings. More Spiritist interpretations can be found in Kardec’s book Genesis, the Miracles and the Predictions according to Spiritism. 4 Acts contrary to the laws of nature. 5 https://psi-encyclopedia.spr.ac.uk/articles/daniel-dunglas-home – Informational: Daniel. D. Home (1833-1886) levitated and was considered the greatest physical medium. 3 Spiritist Society of Florida, March Newsletter 2024 Paranormal phenomena were initially considered magical, supernatural or with superstition by those that did not understand the true psychic/spiritual mechanisms involved. And, still are for many. However, sufficient scientific investigations of mediums, spirit communications and paranormal phenomena has been done by many prominent and reputable researchers for years. For a modern-day compilation of the best informative material, I highly recommend Michael E. Tymn, a reputable and highly regarded historian of centuries of paranormal/mediumship research in his excellent books available on www.amazon.com. While average persons are psychic/mediums to a certain extent, there are some people that are much more so than others, however, none of their abilities can be commanded in a constant, consistent manner to the extraordinary extent that Jesus could himself, especially for goodness. In conclusion, Jesus was in control of his abilities, and what he had, was from him. These resulted naturally because of his highly evolved superior soul. Jesus also said, “…he that believe in me, the works that I do shall he do…” (John 14:12-18) Because, it is our spiritual destiny to follow him in all ways! A WARRIOR OF LIGHT Inspirationally received by Julie L. Harper Resilience is by the strength that comes from faith and a spark of indwelling love. An enduring survivor must have resilience, faith, and love in order to rise from severe difficulty again and again. Such is the evolution of one equipped to serve others with compassionate selfless intent. The life of Jesus exemplifies love in action; from purity arises a monumentally superior and lasting effect. You too can make a positive worldly difference if you follow the path of love lighted before you. PEACE UNCOVERED  Spirit Communication by Julie L. Harper Each of you as a human being holds more power than is realized. But many people are like suns shadowed by disheartening clouds of earthly illusion. And many people project spiritual untruths that only stand to charge disharmony. Truth includes: goodness, peace, love, compassion, and grace; all aspects of the Creator. Think and speak spiritual truth, for untrue notions, words, and wrongful actions are of ignorance. Human beings can surpass the shadowy illusions that impede earthly happiness through the choice to be mindful and by actions in accordance with the Creator's virtuous sacred laws. Therein is the truth where love, harmony, and all that is good, fair, and just exist. Goodness always outshines disharmony caused by error. And peace is found by those who embody the purity of love and morality. Human existence collectively co-joined with the Creator's goodness can promote greater peace on Earth.    SPIRIT TEACHINGS “Blessed are the merciful! “Mercy… consists of being able to forget and forgive all offences...” “Forgive your fellow men as you would wish that they forgive you… forgive without limit…each offence as many times as it is done to you …” “Indulgence… does not occupy itself with the wrongdoing of others…” “Everyone has a burden, more or less heavy, which must be got rid of in order to be able to ascend to the summit of the mountain called Progress.” (Excerpts, various sections in the Gospel according to Spiritism, Ch. 10.) SPIRIT INFLUENCES and OUTCOMES   By Julie L. Harper 4 Spiritist Society of Florida, March Newsletter 2024 Many people are unaware of an existing spirit influence because its causation is typically very subtle. However, the Creator's spiritual laws of: attraction, eternal life, and freedom enable spirit entities to interact with and to influence human beings. Any discarnate whom you associated with, whether from a past life or from this current one can find and gravitate to you through the essence or composure of your soul. Spirit(s) draw close to a place, a person, or a group of people, or even a thing to satisfy its fancy or its agenda. Their motivation and intent vary according to each spirit's good or wrongful disposition and intent. Yet, regardless of external circumstances of good or wrongful influence, every human being is responsible and will be held accountable for any action taken. Within this lifetime or the next, an appropriate consequence will result. We cannot change our past behavior or forecast another being's influential action. But we can be mindful of our present state of composure and our current behavior in order to ease future difficulty. Being good hearted helps toward elevating yourself which supports the likeliness of a better outcome. Remember too that prayers are heard and good spirits draw close to assist as they are able. Always do the best that you can. BE TOLERANT, BE KIND Inspirationally received by Yvonne C. Limoges If we want a calm and peaceful ambiance around us (our family, friends, co-workers, strangers and other groups, etc.), we must put forth our own effort to create and maintain one around ourselves. Being pleasant, agreeable, positive-minded (being grateful for what IS GOOD in our life) no matter our life’s struggles… a positive attitude radiates good spiritual vibrations. This attitude more easily attracts the good spirits who second our efforts providing beneficial influences, not only to us (which can ease some sufferings or make it easier to bear them) but for those around us as well. A person undergoing suffering with an agreeable disposition, acts as an example of resignation to others. This can help to inspire and uplift others who may be suffering in silence. In interacting with others, it is greatly beneficial to try and be tolerant, sympathetic and sensitive in all manner of dealing. Keep in mind, much is said and done by people without purposeful ill intent, or without them really thinking, or out of habit or ignorance. Remember, each person is at a different level of morality and intellect. Be attentive to their ways, emotional condition and state of mind. Then be kind, patient and indulgent. People come from different personal experiences, many from places of hurt and suffering of various types. We do not know each person’s struggles. These may lash out in anger or have an unpleasant manner because they feel all they have known in life is pain. However, if we are able to help them, it is our moral duty to do so if we are able. You may inspire in them the hope they need that there is actual kindness in the world; while you learn patience, tolerance and humility. This will lead them on a pathway to eventually learn calmful resignation. Everyone needs to be helped, we are all imperfect! *************************************** Edited by Yvonne Crespo Limoges, Director E-mail: ylimoges@aol.com Society of Florida (est. 1982) 5042 22 Avenue North St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 Website: www.spiritistsocietyfl.com