human because they give us the ability to recognize what is from the Lord and
respond to situations in ways that convey His goodness and truth.
These affections are called “remains” or sometimes “remnants” because
once the Lord plants them in our hearts they remain there permanently and
are available to stimulate our lives even in times of struggle or when we feel
empty. This also means that these affections are there for us when we need
them most.
The story of Joseph when he is storing up one fifth of “the fat of the land”
in preparation for a famine represents our storing away these deep affections
so that they remain for us and provide us with the reserves we need when times
become tough. These remains are implanted in childhood any time a child is
drawn in and engages with worship, or with environments of innocence that
reflect the Lord and His love.
For infants this could be an environment where a mother is simply nursing
her child in a sphere of innocence. For a child, this could be at church where
people are singing and worshipping, or it could be at school or at home. It
could be a time when a family is reaching out and serving others in some
special way.
Remains are implanted and strengthened during our lives as adults too.
Reading the Word and reflecting on the Lord’s teachings create conditions
for the Lord to plant these affections. They are established and grow in the
measure that the person actually acts on and uses these concepts of truth to
help others.
The parable of the virgins ends with the words: “Watch therefore, for
you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”
(Matthew 25:13) These words have special symbolism in the New Church.
They suggest that as we develop in the practice of using the truths we are
given by the Lord for charitable purposes we are granted a growing sense of
eagerness to live according to the commandments that comprise our faith.
This eagerness becomes the basis of our spiritual reserves, helping us to be
active and productive in society even in times of darkness.
The wedding feast is a picture of the kingdom of heaven and its life which
the Lord desires to share with all. One way of defining the Church is as a
gathering of people who share