Page 42 - Built For God Handbook (Annotated and Explained Edition) - The Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching - The New Evangelization - Pope John Paul II

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In the weeks that followed, Keith sensed a divine call to
present the bishop with special gifts, which he believed were
heavenly signs. It was only later, when Keith received a booklet of
Christ Cathedral from the bishop’s private library, that he
understood the significance of these five gifts. Astonishingly, the
five divine signs offered to the bishop matched perfectly with the
five symbolic images on Bishop Vann’s coat of arms. This served
as God’s promise to Keith, confirming His divine presence and
guidance in their mission to build up the Kingdom of God and
restore the truth to all nations.

First Sign from God: Trees and Rivers and Streams

God revealed to Keith that the restoration of truth would
begin in a land abundant with trees and flowing rivers and streams.
This land, rooted in the East, is where the people’s faith is
unwavering. The imagery of a deeply rooted tree symbolizes
creation and growth, capturing the tender yet intentional process
through which life is cultivated and thrives. This portrayal
underscores God’s enduring message, highlighting His constant
guidance as the foundation that anchors and sustains all existence.
With its sturdy roots and expansive branches, the tree powerfully
reflects the theme of restoration, illustrating that divine strength and
nurturing care are the wellspring from which renewal and spiritual
flourishing spring forth. It is a sacred ground where the blood of
martyrs has been poured out like a river, a silent witness to
sacrifice, sanctifying the earth and marking it with the weight of holy
suffering. It is from this sacred ground that the Gospel will spread
far and wide, renewing the spirit of those who receive it and bearing
good fruit throughout the world.