“This is the process we are currently in,” continued Harmony. “Some of the women are finding their new sense of self in what they can contribute to the community.”

  “I think this is progress,” said Anne, “although it can sometimes seem like avoiding the issues.”

  “The lines in our hearts are blurred, but given time, the confidence gained from helping in the community can often help to heal deep issues,” said Jesus “Do you feel any of them are ready to spend time in mixed company yet?”

  “I would say that by the end of the next jubilee some of them may be,” replied Harmony.

  “Alright, we will place each of them in communities with just women again,” said Jesus. “As for Johan and those in his community, they will be placed in communities appropriate to their current level of maturity.”

  Jesus looked around the table once again, taking a moment to look in each person’s eyes.

  “And how are you feeling in yourselves? You’re not expected to be superheroes. What are you seeing and learning?”

  Harmony checked around the table before speaking first.

  “I’m aware of just how different my background is to most of the women I’m working with,” she said thoughtfully. “I’m learning not to assume that anything about my upbringing or education is the same as theirs. I feel that I’m constantly having to check my assumptions.”

  “That’s good, Harmony. People’s personalities and past experiences are so varied. The process of learning about others never comes to an end,” said Jesus.

  “I’ve felt tested at times,” said Bull. “In the early days I got physically beaten up, and then it moved on to criticism, accusations and all kinds of verbal attacks.”

  “I know exactly how that feels,” said Jesus.

  “I know you do, and that’s what’s kept Thomas and I going in the darkest times. You didn’t choose sides. You stayed true to the way of agape love – and you were killed for it.”

  Jesus nodded slowly. “It’s the price we pay for following the path of agape love and refusing to take part in the power games of the world. When we choose to lay down our power, others may take advantage of us. The authorities crucified me although I had shown unfailing love to them all.”

  Bull sighed. “When I think back to all I’ve done and seen, I can see that the way of agape love doesn’t need to punish or seek revenge. Experiencing the consequences of one’s own actions can produce lasting transformation. I must admit at times, though, it has seemed that the men in our community would never change.”

  “How are you feeling about it, Thomas?” asked Jesus, turning to his old friend.

  “I trust and believe in the process, but it can sometimes feel like there is no kairos time for the men, only chronos time, which can seem to drag. The days can feel very slow, but Bull and I can always find Ruach’s presence with us as we pause and focus. Bull and I seek her in the mornings and in the evenings, and she has never, ever failed to comfort us. She lifts us up and gives us the energy to face the harder days. Our respite periods in the City have always been a joy too. We have never burned out or lost the plot, because we are so deeply refreshed here. The angels know what we need.”

  Jesus laughed “Yes, they are certainly wonderful like that!”

  “I’m struck by how deep the trauma of war is,” said Yan. “We all suffered, but we also remember better days. Some of the men in our village died young and violently. They experienced years of war and military training, and so they remember very little else.”

  “Many who became soldiers saw things that can shake the soul to its very foundation,” said Jesus. “The young men who died in uniform need much love and understanding, and that’s why I’m so glad you have been there with them, Yan.”

  “Are some of them placed in communities with other men who have committed violence, even though they had no choice in being co-opted to fight and obey orders?” asked Yan.

  “A few are,” said Jesus. “We understand that many had no choice about what they were made to do. But for some, war created the opportunity for them to satisfy their worst desires, and so we have to be very firm to help them clearly see the consequences of their actions and the suffering they caused.”

  “In our village we have seen a lot of pride and bitterness,” said Carlos, “but we have found that this only serves to inspire us to continue living in a different way. Sylvia and I have been very happy in the home we built, and it was really good to involve some of the men from my end of the settlement in the building project. Working together meant that they actually started to communicate with each other after decades of stubborn silence.”

  “Whereas the women were arguing and gossiping throughout!” added Sylvia.

  “Of course, not all women are like that,” Anne commented. “We found that many in our community kept themselves to themselves for a very long time.”

  “Anyone else had people still believing themselves to be addicted to things from the Previous Age?” asked Carlos. “We’ve had trouble from some people demanding all sorts of things and turning the place upside down trying to find cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.”

  “Yes, we’ve experienced that too. And we’ve also had folk who find it hard to accept that there’s no sexual desire on the New Earth,” added Yan.

  “Their minds are still psychologically programmed to think that they want these things,” explained Jesus. “This won’t change until they are able to fully embrace the present moment and become completely in tune with their resurrection bodies. Then they will see that they are truly free of sexual desire and any previous addictions.”

  “So, is it just an illusion that they need these things?” asked Harmony.

  “Yes and no,” replied Jesus, “If they are craving something, the craving is real. They just haven’t realised where that craving comes from and that it’s not a genuine physical need. The brain in resurrected bodies is completely new, so these desires are not coming from the brain. They are coming from the mind, which is much more than simply the brain. These are psychological crutches that they believe are part of who they are, but it’s not the truth.”

  “One lady in our village tried to smoke leaves from some of the trees in the forest,” remembered Sylvia, “but she soon gave up when she realised it wasn’t giving her any kind of chemical high.”

  “It often takes unpleasant experiences for people to understand what is and isn’t good for them,” said Jesus. “Those outside of the Eternal City are in environments that encourage such experiences. It will take some a long time to leave their former behaviours and beliefs behind. They are still perfectly free in their agency to choose for themselves as we do not coerce anyone. It’s possible that in the coming jubilee period some will dig themselves into deeper and darker holes, but we know that others will begin to make much healthier and constructive choices.”

  “Will mixing up their communities and locations help them?” asked Anne.

  “Moving to a new community every fifty years is good for everyone. It allows each person to ‘restart’ their lives unencumbered by any previous choices they may have made in order to fit in with their neighbours. Sometimes a person desires to change but feels unable to because of the expectations of the people around them. Moving everyone into a new community allows each individual to change the persona they present to others, if they wish to do so.

  Some need a new environment to explore their attitude to people they won’t have previously encountered. Despite having made significant progress on one issue, they may have much to learn about another. As people experience different communities, they will learn deep and lasting lessons.

  Agape love chooses to see the best in other people – not just your ‘favourite’ people, but everyone. As you know, once you begin to think in this way, you can live anywhere without discriminating, judging or looking down on your neighbour. You have already learned this lesson because you’ve listened to Ruach, who shows you the true value in each person.”

  “So, it may take several jubilee periods for people to make progress?” asked Bull.

  “I cannot predict how long it will take. However, I’m often surprised by people’s ability to change and grow. For some, it may only take a few jubilee periods to reach the level of understanding and maturity that means they can be welcomed into the Eternal City.”

  After the meeting drew to a close, they all helped Jesus clear the table and wash up. There was much laughter and everyone was thrilled to have a week in the City to visit friends and be refreshed, ready for the challenge of a second jubilee period in a new location and a new community.

  As Jesus waved them off, he prayed silently. “I am so proud of them, Papa. Nothing of this was predetermined, but they have all overcome so much. They carry our heart so beautifully.”

  He watched as they descended the steps and headed out into the evening. Soft warm light could be seen in the windows of the dwellings and in the distance steam was rising from the hot springs that provided energy for the City and all its inhabitants, while shades of blue, mauve and purple ranged across the sky.

  Jesus stood, looking over the heavenly scene before him. A moment later he was joined by Ruach.

  “I stand in awe of what these people have gone through,” said Jesus quietly. “When we created humanity, we understood the risk that they would choose their independence forever and never want to come to us.”

  “They are our children,” Ruach replied. “They will all come home eventually.”

  “Sometimes, I wish I could just go and gather them all up and have them here with us now,” said Jesus.

  “I know. All in the fullness.”

  Johan: Enemies?

  Johan’s eyelids flickered as the soft light of early morning illuminated the room. The pillow under his head felt pleasantly cool as he stretched his body beneath the bedcovers.

  Opening his eyes, it took a few seconds for Johan to register that he was in a new environment. Gone were the familiar log walls, and instead he was surrounded by honey-coloured stone.

  Now fully awake, he eased himself out of bed. New clothes were hung neatly in a wardrobe and he could see homely furniture in the next room.

  Looking out of the window, he could see several stone buildings with wildflowers and tall grass growing around the base of their walls. There were no trees, and the ground appeared level, which confirmed that he was no longer in his mountainside village.

  Despite all the changes, Johan felt peaceful. It was the same feeling as when he had first been raised and had met Jesus and Ruach all those years previously. He was thankful for the month of preparation everyone had been given when the angel had brought news of the jubilee transition.

  Johan took his time to look around his new dwelling before making his way outside. The day was warm and the fragrance of the wildflowers filled the air. To Johan’s great joy, a familiar face came strolling around the corner of a nearby barn.

  “Yan!” called Johan excitedly.

  Yan came to him and the friends embraced.

  “So, the next jubilee period has begun,” said Yan, smiling. “Here’s our new situation.”

  “Many new people to meet and get to know,” said Johan quietly. “I must admit I am a little nervous.”

  Yan nodded and smiled. “You’ll need to do some exploring, so I’ll see you again later.”

  Johan did as Yan suggested and set out to get his bearings. As well as the stone cottages, there were other buildings that Johan presumed were for agricultural use and creative enterprises. A few other people were also walking around. There were polite exchanges of greetings, but nobody seemed ready for longer conversations.

  Johan noticed large trees laden with fruit and an area of land marked out in a distinctive way. He guessed that was where they would be planting their crops.

  The grassland that surrounded the settlement stretched out in all directions. After years of living enclosed on all sides by tall pine trees, Johan couldn’t help but feel exposed, but he also appreciated being able to see for miles around. On the horizon were purple mountains, some too far away to make out clearly, but in one direction they were closer and he could see hedgerows and clumps of trees in the undulating foothills. The sky felt vaster than before, encircling the whole scene with its multi-coloured display of light playing out on the clouds.

  Johan stood for some time, taking in the new landscape. He wished that his sister, Gerty, was by his side and that he could share it with her.

  Yan sought him out again after visiting some of the other new residents and placed a caring hand on his shoulder.

  “How are you feeling? I know you will miss your sister greatly until you are able to see her again, but she needs to establish herself and her own independence. She will be safe and well in her new community, I can promise you that. In the fullness of time, everyone will be able to see one another whenever they please, but not until all of us have learned to fully live in agape love. Until then, we may have to live with some loss and heartache, but that will only make our joy more complete when the full reconciliation takes place.”

  Johan stared toward the purple mountains. “We all went to sleep one night, and we’ve all woken up in new places. We knew it was coming, but it’s still hard. I don’t know how I’m going to manage without her.”

  “I know it’s not easy.”

  “Yan, you are always smiling, but I know you have a family too.”

  “Yes, I haven’t yet seen my family. I would love to see my Ma and Pa again and be reconciled with my brothers, my cousins and my friends. I have longings and miss them sometimes, but I know that Jesus will ensure that all will be well in the end. There will come a time on the New Earth when we will all be able to see those we love, and even those we hated, in the fullness and completeness of who we really are in the image of God. But first we must all go through the process so that we are ready for that day.”

  “I’m sorry, Yan. I think sometimes we all forgot that both you and Yvonne were missing loved ones too. Of course, you want to see them again. Knowing it’s the same for you helps me trust what you say about the bigger picture.”

  “We can all feel impatient sometimes, and that’s ok. Our longing and yearning are signs that love is alive and at work inside us. That love wants to flow out of us and embrace those who are dear to us.”

  “Maybe we need to think about those feelings as a kind of hope then?” said Johan thoughtfully.

  “Yes, that’s a good way to think of it. These feelings, although they aren’t comfortable, are a good thing. When we grieved and mourned in the Previous Age, it was because we thought our love could no longer reach those we loved. For many, death meant despair because it seemed like final and permanent separation. But now we know that death will not keep us from one another, so our grief can be turned into hope and longing – longing that will one day be fulfilled.”

  Encouraged by his talk with Yan, Johan continued to explore the village, determined to make a positive start and to begin to get to know his new neighbours.

  *

  “I’m just saying, I wish all this was a lot less like the Previous Age. I mean, I’m all for things being familiar, but don’t you wish we could all fly, or become invisible or something like that?”

  Johan turned to look at the man talking to him. He was fair-haired and had piercing blue eyes which disappeared when he smiled. The two were seated on the grassy hillside they had climbed to get a better idea of the geography of their new environment.

  “I’ll be honest with you,” said Johan, “my Previous Age was awful. I’m just glad I’m not hungry, crawling through mud, or being shot at.”

  “Soldier?” said the man with interest. “When and where?”

  Johan looked at his expression, trying to guess whether to open up or not.

  “Apparently they called it World War Two,” he said reluctantly. “But I died before it ended.”

  “Were you killed in battle?” the man asked.

  “Yes, shelled in a dugout with my friends. Never knew a thing about it. What about you? What did you do?”

  “I’m Chester by the way,” said the young man, offering him his hand. “Canadian Air Corps, also World War Two.”

  “And I’m… Johan.“ He hesitated and glanced at his companion to gauge his reaction.

  “Well,” said Chester, immediately withdrawing his hand and looking him up and down with obvious contempt, “I thought I recognised your accent. That makes us enemies.”

  “So did you die in combat, too?” asked Johan, trying to find common ground.

  “No, I never even saw action. I joined up in early ’45 and it was all over before we were deployed. So, no. I didn’t get the chance to kick your German ass.”

  “So, what happened? Since being raised, I haven’t met any other servicemen, yet alone from the same time as me.”

  “You don’t know?” Chester raised his eyebrows and let out a mocking laugh.

  “No, I only know they called it World War Two” said Johan and then quickly raised his hands. “Actually stop. I don’t want to know. I don’t need to know. It won’t help either of us to dig all of that up. We are here and we’re not at war. That’s enough for me.”

  “Well, I think you need to know that you lost and lost big time. You Nazi bastards got what was coming to you. You should be ashamed of…”

  Johan interrupted with a scowl. “For fuck’s sake, I said I didn’t want to know!”

  “Well, listen up, buddy. You need to know,” spat Chester. “You need to know that you caused a war that killed millions of people. And I guess you’re going to tell me that you thought those camps where all the Jews were murdered were just holiday camps? ”

  Chester’s anger grew as he stood up and towered over Johan.

  “You Nazi scum! You know what? I’m glad my friends bombed your cities and killed your friends and family. I’m glad you fucking died in that dugout. You deserved it.”