Heaven's Memories
One day everyone in Heaven woke up and discovered that they had lost their memories. Consternation was robust, but everyone stayed calm. Comments were overheard from people wandering the golden streets.
“I love everyone. Do you love everyone?”
“I do.”
Smiling beings passed one another, nodding and gesturing in a friendly manner. A mini crisis arose when it was noticed that there were differences. All could fly, but some had wings. The winged beings were generally taller than the others. Once this distinction was pointed out, many of the winged beings flew up and down the streets excitedly, shouting down to the people below, “Do you recognize me now?”
No one knew what to do. Not one remembered their name, or their purpose, or where they were. Some picked fruit off the abundant trees and passed it around. Eventually it was decided to meet in the vast amphitheater to plan as to how they could help each other.
The Heavenites were barely seated when a winged being burst into the room, shouting, “there are beings trapped on one of the planets below us!”
Everyone rushed to the edge of Heaven. They stood gazing down through space towards a green and blue planet. Eyes sharpening, all could clearly see beings trapped underground in an enormous cavern, through which flowed a great river of lava. Gases from the fearful river circled around the trapped beings and most writhed in apparent agony. A shudder moved through the crowd. There were moans and tears and outcries for a rescue mission.
A large assemblage from both types of beings gathered pickaxes, shovels, and burn medicine and left to rescue the poor souls. Others remained preparing food, blankets, clothing, and whatever else might be needed for the evacuees.
The whole realm buzzed with excitement. There was singing and rejoicing as the preparations progressed. Heaven’s Gates were thrown wide open. Welcome signs were posted by the cheering inhabitants.
Soon, the rescue party returned, and the bedraggled beings were led inside. Everyone was fed and tended. A great fuss was made over the wounds of the evacuees and another meeting was called in the amphitheater to hear their stories and decide what could be done for them.
The newcomers were strangely silent. Most sat morosely, listening carefully to the chattering group surrounding them. Succulent food and drink were pushed on them from all sides. The Heavenites explained in a joyous manner how they had lost their memories and how glad they were that they had noticed the terrible plight of the newcomers and were able to rescue them.
Two speakers were chosen to explain their predicament on behalf of the set of rescued people. The two volunteers stood in the center of the amphitheater, gazing wordlessly at the enthusiastic crowd. Finally, it quieted down, and the first speaker adjusted the blanket carefully around his shoulders. The second speaker met his eye and nodded slightly.
Speaker One coughed gently, and said, “I really don’t know how to say this. I am sorry to be the one to break the news, but we were unjustly expelled from this habitat. You threw us out and locked us in that horrible place, where we were in constant anguish.”
Speaker Two raised his voice over the hubbub.
“It’s true! In fact, we were the rulers here. We created this lush environment, and we brought you to live here with us. We welcomed you in the friendliest manner, so that you could live with us and serve us. You were happy and had everything you needed, but some troublemakers started rumors against us, and we were unjustly imprisoned. We never got to explain how much we truly care for all of you and would willingly help you in any manner, although we are the masters.”
The two beings stood nodding solemnly. All the Heavenites were on their feet and howls of lamentation rebounded off the walls until the building itself rang like a great bell tolling a dirge.
Evacuees stood with eyes lowered, not meeting the eyes of those who wailed at their own selfishness and injustice. A quick vote was taken. The Heavenites unanimously elected to lose no time before making reparations for the sufferings of the poor souls who had been wronged.
The best habitations were prepared for the newcomers. There were countless protestations of willingness to carry out any task or perform any deed desired by the newly returned Masters of Heaven. Joy flowed in the streets and in the parks where the Ingrates, as they called themselves, made their abodes so that their dwellings could be occupied by their bosses.
Both newcomers and old-timers seemed satisfied with the new arrangements, though a distance grew up between the two groups. One kept to themselves and with those of like status, while the other served joyously and then withdrew, as was proper due to their subservient rank. Singing in the parks and kitchens and service buildings continued unabated.
Visitors arrived from the second heavens. Stars brought themselves with their nuclear cores to the edge of Heaven, while their essence walked within to converse with the inhabitants there. The celestial visitors inquired after Yahweh to the astonishment of those who greeted them, none of whom remembered such a being. The whole story of the memory loss and the subsequent discovery of the terrible injustice done to the Masters was spilled to the cosmic delegation. Masters were sought to join in the animated conversation, but all their residences were uncharacteristically locked, and none were found to participate in the discussion.
Silence in Heaven stretched out. The stunned Heavenites pondered incredulously the impossibility of what the stars stated in response to the recitation of events. The stars said, “They are lying.”
How or why would it even be possible to do such a thing?
When the stars left, the Heavenites retreated to the amphitheater to talk it over. They were there, arguing in a confused babble about what to do, when Yahweh returned. He and Jesus led the discussion about what should be done with the escapees from Hell.
How could the evacuees be returned after their mistaken delivery? Was it possible that the so-called Masters were now worthy of release? What should be done?
Several votes were taken, and it was resolved to cordon the newcomers into one area. There they could take classes and study the Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule, and other practical lessons on how to coexist with others. Some Heavenites volunteered to teach, and others to serve, until every person had graduated into Heaven Proper.
Rejoicing commenced, and the evacuees were rounded up and led into the hastily constructed school grounds. The stars were invited to come back and give lessons on astronomy and signs and wonders in the heavens. Yahweh started construction on a new solar system and a spirited contest began to give the brand-new galaxy a suitable glowing, sparkling name.
“I love everyone. Do you love everyone?”
“I do.”
Smiling beings passed one another, nodding and gesturing in a friendly manner. A mini crisis arose when it was noticed that there were differences. All could fly, but some had wings. The winged beings were generally taller than the others. Once this distinction was pointed out, many of the winged beings flew up and down the streets excitedly, shouting down to the people below, “Do you recognize me now?”
No one knew what to do. Not one remembered their name, or their purpose, or where they were. Some picked fruit off the abundant trees and passed it around. Eventually it was decided to meet in the vast amphitheater to plan as to how they could help each other.
The Heavenites were barely seated when a winged being burst into the room, shouting, “there are beings trapped on one of the planets below us!”
Everyone rushed to the edge of Heaven. They stood gazing down through space towards a green and blue planet. Eyes sharpening, all could clearly see beings trapped underground in an enormous cavern, through which flowed a great river of lava. Gases from the fearful river circled around the trapped beings and most writhed in apparent agony. A shudder moved through the crowd. There were moans and tears and outcries for a rescue mission.
A large assemblage from both types of beings gathered pickaxes, shovels, and burn medicine and left to rescue the poor souls. Others remained preparing food, blankets, clothing, and whatever else might be needed for the evacuees.
The whole realm buzzed with excitement. There was singing and rejoicing as the preparations progressed. Heaven’s Gates were thrown wide open. Welcome signs were posted by the cheering inhabitants.
Soon, the rescue party returned, and the bedraggled beings were led inside. Everyone was fed and tended. A great fuss was made over the wounds of the evacuees and another meeting was called in the amphitheater to hear their stories and decide what could be done for them.
The newcomers were strangely silent. Most sat morosely, listening carefully to the chattering group surrounding them. Succulent food and drink were pushed on them from all sides. The Heavenites explained in a joyous manner how they had lost their memories and how glad they were that they had noticed the terrible plight of the newcomers and were able to rescue them.
Two speakers were chosen to explain their predicament on behalf of the set of rescued people. The two volunteers stood in the center of the amphitheater, gazing wordlessly at the enthusiastic crowd. Finally, it quieted down, and the first speaker adjusted the blanket carefully around his shoulders. The second speaker met his eye and nodded slightly.
Speaker One coughed gently, and said, “I really don’t know how to say this. I am sorry to be the one to break the news, but we were unjustly expelled from this habitat. You threw us out and locked us in that horrible place, where we were in constant anguish.”
Speaker Two raised his voice over the hubbub.
“It’s true! In fact, we were the rulers here. We created this lush environment, and we brought you to live here with us. We welcomed you in the friendliest manner, so that you could live with us and serve us. You were happy and had everything you needed, but some troublemakers started rumors against us, and we were unjustly imprisoned. We never got to explain how much we truly care for all of you and would willingly help you in any manner, although we are the masters.”
The two beings stood nodding solemnly. All the Heavenites were on their feet and howls of lamentation rebounded off the walls until the building itself rang like a great bell tolling a dirge.
Evacuees stood with eyes lowered, not meeting the eyes of those who wailed at their own selfishness and injustice. A quick vote was taken. The Heavenites unanimously elected to lose no time before making reparations for the sufferings of the poor souls who had been wronged.
The best habitations were prepared for the newcomers. There were countless protestations of willingness to carry out any task or perform any deed desired by the newly returned Masters of Heaven. Joy flowed in the streets and in the parks where the Ingrates, as they called themselves, made their abodes so that their dwellings could be occupied by their bosses.
Both newcomers and old-timers seemed satisfied with the new arrangements, though a distance grew up between the two groups. One kept to themselves and with those of like status, while the other served joyously and then withdrew, as was proper due to their subservient rank. Singing in the parks and kitchens and service buildings continued unabated.
Visitors arrived from the second heavens. Stars brought themselves with their nuclear cores to the edge of Heaven, while their essence walked within to converse with the inhabitants there. The celestial visitors inquired after Yahweh to the astonishment of those who greeted them, none of whom remembered such a being. The whole story of the memory loss and the subsequent discovery of the terrible injustice done to the Masters was spilled to the cosmic delegation. Masters were sought to join in the animated conversation, but all their residences were uncharacteristically locked, and none were found to participate in the discussion.
Silence in Heaven stretched out. The stunned Heavenites pondered incredulously the impossibility of what the stars stated in response to the recitation of events. The stars said, “They are lying.”
How or why would it even be possible to do such a thing?
When the stars left, the Heavenites retreated to the amphitheater to talk it over. They were there, arguing in a confused babble about what to do, when Yahweh returned. He and Jesus led the discussion about what should be done with the escapees from Hell.
How could the evacuees be returned after their mistaken delivery? Was it possible that the so-called Masters were now worthy of release? What should be done?
Several votes were taken, and it was resolved to cordon the newcomers into one area. There they could take classes and study the Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule, and other practical lessons on how to coexist with others. Some Heavenites volunteered to teach, and others to serve, until every person had graduated into Heaven Proper.
Rejoicing commenced, and the evacuees were rounded up and led into the hastily constructed school grounds. The stars were invited to come back and give lessons on astronomy and signs and wonders in the heavens. Yahweh started construction on a new solar system and a spirited contest began to give the brand-new galaxy a suitable glowing, sparkling name.