Belvedere
Translator - Bo Hi Pak
Whenever the truth is manifested in a pure way it is an example of public righteousness. The Chinese characters I am using for the title today have a profound meaning. They have a surface meaning and an internal, hidden meaning as well. The first letter is composed of two parts; the top part signifies the number 8. The number 8 according to Divine Principle is a very significant symbol of a new beginning and the completion of a cycle.
The bottom part of the letter is a triangular shape. The number 3 is important according to Oriental philosophy and in God's providence, as well. Only two points are needed to draw a line; however you need three points to create a circuit or begin a circular motion. In doing surface surveying, there must be three points in order to begin. A triangle in a vertical direction creates the shape of a mountain. The direction of up and down movement requires three points.
When you throw a ball it hits the ground and bounces broadly then gradually it bounces closer and closer together until it stops. The opposite of that is the increase of energy in which the up and down motion gradually becomes broader and stronger. A nation, too, can be seen in this perspective. If some country is declining and nothing happens to stop it, it will reach its end. But if that country then is able to regather its energy, it can begin to move forward with greater vigor; it will begin to climb upward and to have new hope. In other words, if the citizens become united and determined to begin anew, there will soon come a point when that nation will start to bounce back toward prosperity.
The Unification Church operates according to the same principle. Many people observing the church from the outside think that we must be declining, since we are now suffering a great deal of tribulation. However the court battles and difficulties we are experiencing are a preparation for a great leap forward toward new growth on our part. Externally it appears that the Unification Church is declining; but if the members are totally united internally and highly motivated and inspired, this will be the point when we will start to bounce back.
Included within the Chinese character for "public" are the concepts of heaven and earth in harmony with mankind. The word "public" is used very freely in this country but you need to understand clearly what the word really means. The Chinese character representing "righteousness" includes a top portion signifying a lamb and the bottom portion signifying "oneself." Together they mean that oneself should resemble the lamb. This is parallel with the philosophy of the Bible in which Jesus is referred to as a lamb. Certainly Jesus' life was a life of total righteousness.
The life of the lamb exists solely for the sake of its master; it does not have its own will but does whatever the master desires. The lamb is the most sacrificial animal since it gives every part of itself to be used, including its wool and its flesh; everything provides a service to the master. Thus the meaning of public righteousness, according to the internal meaning of the Chinese characters, includes a person dedicated to living a lamb-like, sacrificial way of life for the sake of heaven, earth and mankind.
Within the Oriental way of thinking there are always dual reasons for something existing or happening, the obvious, external reason and the less apparent, internal reason. There is no concept within oriental thought of an entirely private individual who is independent from the whole. However there is such a concept in Western thinking, so individuals in the West can more easily feel they are totally free to do anything they feel like doing. They do not usually feel that they are bound into a relationship with the larger society.
The individually oriented way of thinking produces a society which does not have a clear focus or cohesion. However in the Orient, the concept of a central person and the concept of the center of society is more natural. The only way Western societies have been able to unite and organize has been by law; through law, these societies have tried to maintain order and unity. But the Oriental societies are linked more by the underlying philosophy or way of thinking, not so much the law.
Within Western society each individual can go in his own personal direction feeling that he is alone. However in the Orient people feel a greater burden of responsibility for the society at large in their own personal actions. That is one way to describe the differences between the two worlds. This is a simple but very important way to analyze the two cultures.
Not only the universe and mankind, but also God is included within the concept of public righteousness and truth. What is the goal or purpose of public righteousness? It is to leave behind something better; to better the environment. This is a goal which everyone would like to achieve, including every individual, society, nation, and even God himself. Every being is striving toward something better than the present.
In Western cultures people have the ambition to leave behind them a better name or reputation through their descendants. In order to leave behind a good name each person must fulfill his responsibilities in a meaningful way. When you want to leave behind something better, you cannot imitate others or take on their reputation but you must be an initiator and a creative person. How can that be done? With a sacrificial attitude, you can be a creative person of initiative for goodness.
The goal of leaving behind something better than oneself can only be achieved by giving oneself sacrificially, like a lamb. Someone might think such a way will damage him and that he will only lose if he lives that way. However, look at the trees out on the lawn. Have you ever considered that they might get tired of wearing their green colors every day, without any variation? Can you imagine the tree asking, "Why can't I wear a different color for a change, like red?" Perhaps for the sake of the tree alone, he would like to wear different colors besides green; however, it is for a larger purpose that he wears green every day.
It is summertime, so today will be very hot. Imagine how you would feel if all the grass and trees were a bright, burning red color. It is a terrible notion! Or what if all the trees were multi-colored when you walked into Belvedere on a hot day? Suppose you were to turn all the green of nature into a yellow color. You might like it at first but within a short time you would be yearning for the green color again. The green of nature is designed for people; green is a comforting, peaceful color. The basic color of all nature is green; green is the harmonizing color for all existence.
Likewise, green is a basic color within each human body. There is a harmony between man and nature. In order to complement the basic green of the earth, the sky and water are blue. With green as a background, God gave brilliant colors to the flowers, such as red, pink, yellow and so on.
Once a year at autumn time God allows nature to turn different colors. Imagine if everything were always red, including the trees and grass; then a red flower would not even be noticeable. Because it is supported by its green background a red flower stands out and looks more beautiful. We cannot complain about the ways in which God created the harmony of the world.
The trees are green for the sake of others, namely people. When you go out into nature to pray during the early morning, you can hear the birds singing beautifully. At night there are the sounds of an orchestra of insects. I sometimes think about why these creatures of nature are making this music while everybody else is sleeping. It is because they are fulfilling their role in achieving harmony with the universe. For the insects nighttime is the time of activity. If they come out during the day, they are eaten by birds and other animals.
Once sundown comes the insects all come out and rejoice because it is their time. Sundown is like their dawn and they sing to celebrate. There is such a poetic beauty in the singing of the insects under the moonlight. God is the greatest romantic poet, since He is the author of all this beauty.
The sun is truly the most important heavenly body to those of us on earth; without it we would not survive. Yet during broad daylight people almost never look up and give thanks to the sun for being there. However when the moon comes out at night, people frequently notice it and appreciate it even though its usefulness is much less than that of the sun.
The moon has poetic stages during the month. At first it is just a tiny sliver and finally it becomes a full moon which disappears and becomes a new moon again. In Oriental philosophy, the sun is Nature's father and the moon is Nature's mother. Women reflect the moon's nature; you like to change your appearance and show romantic beauty. You like to look in the mirror and figure out ways to make yourselves look more beautiful.
Children within a family naturally are drawn toward their mother. They like to comb their mother's hair and get close to her beauty. In the universe the sun represents the father, the moon represents mother and all the creatures of the earth are like the children. Within the small universe of a family, then, the father is in the sun's position, the mother is in the moon's and the children are in nature's position. When they mingle in harmony there is great joy and beauty.
Teenagers have a tendency to wish they were completely grown up. They want to quickly achieve the status of adulthood. However, when they try to move too fast toward that goal, they will be damaged. It is not just by movement and action that a person grows and blossoms. Young people must also cultivate their strength and endurance; they should not be restless all the time. By developing a more meditative and contemplative attitude, a person c an truly blossom at the appropriate time. When you experience suffering, if you can endure it and set your mind toward the future you will be victorious.
What is righteousness? We could say that it is the effort to harmonize everything for the sake of beauty; it is not chastisement or division but harmonization. Don't you want to leave behind you something better? What will be the central, most valuable thing you can leave behind? Loving harmonization is the most central value to leave behind you. Many things can be harmonized, but the harmony of love is the greatest. You can harmonize with words, with songs, with art and painting-but the most precious harmonizing is that of love.
Transcendent of everything past, present and future, the value of love shall remain. Why is the harmonization of love the greatest of all? It is because everything is contained within love, including God himself and the whole universe. If you try to achieve harmony with your academic knowledge, you will have nothing more than the dry books. You cannot dance joyfully with a bunch of books. However when you are dancing with love, you never get tired; you will dance with your wife, your children, other people, even God himself. You will have everything. The insects at night have a beautiful orchestration; their music is that of love. The males and females sing together in their bass and soprano insect's voices. The ear of a man is created to listen to the voice of a woman, more than another man's. There is a harmony between the two voices since one is low and one is high. Their give and take creates a wave-like sound. The entire universe is moving in a wave, never according to a straight line. A wavelike motion is a sign of life; the absence of that is a sign of death.
Harmony is the means of survival of the universe. A woman's voice is naturally high and it needs the balance of the lower voice of a man. When a man is sitting quietly, he often produces a calming effect upon a woman, even if she is high-strung. When a husband and wife argue, the woman usually reacts very sharply. She might get very angry and just run out of the room; but a few minutes later she will cool off and come back. This is the way a woman's mind works. I do not criticize you women for this; it is actually your privilege and it is also a beautiful aspect of you. Without it you lose some of the beauty of your character.
Within a neighborhood, women normally visit with each other and are very interested in their surroundings while the men are usually more prone to be content within themselves. It is normal for women to talk freely and to have a lot of give and take with others; there is nothing wrong with that as long as it is done for the sake of others. Don't criticize or hurt anybody. As long as you are doing things to benefit others, you are living properly. Give of yourself to help each situation; never exploit it. This is the way of achieving harmony.
The best standard would be for the women to bring harmony within their neighborhoods and the men to support them in that. The women would be the pioneers. When men talk a lot it is not natural; it is more natural for the women. As long as a person is talking and acting for the sake of others, that person will not make a mistake. But as soon as you start centering your talking and your actions on yourself, you will start to make mistakes.
I want you to understand that self-centeredness is your worst enemy on the road to public righteousness. When you step forward you are a representative and a part of the entire universe. "You" includes your eyes, mouth, ears, mind and your love; it includes everything about you. Your righteous mind must govern your eyes and ears.
Sometimes your eyes might say, "I love to see movies so I just want to do that all day long." However from within you the public mind will reject such desires. Otherwise your eyes will become your master. Suppose your ears insisted upon listening to music all day long and refused to listen to Rev. Moon's sermons. Your ears might say, "I won't go to Belvedere because we will have to suffer hearing those strong words." However, your public mind must take subjectivity over those ears and reject their desires.
Maybe you men will find your noses wanting to smell the lovely perfume of women. Likewise your hands may have the urge to touch a woman's hand or body. However, your public mind will tell your nose hands to stop distracting you and will tell them, "You've got an important job to do!"
The body has certain urges and desires for sensation; but they must be disciplined by your public mind. The body must endure for the sake of public righteousness, just like the green of the trees. You are like the green trees; day after day you must endure the same "color." When you make effort and strive for this goal, you know that you are accumulating in your life something noble; you are leaving behind something better.
Even though you may appear very unassuming, when you walk the road of public righteousness all the goodness of the world will follow after you. An ugly man who practices public righteousness will find that beautiful women will admire him and want to follow him. A plain-looking woman will be sought after by handsome men if she embodies the beauty of public righteousness.
When a homely man is teaching the truth to a beautiful woman and she is intoxicated to hear it that is a holy, dramatic scene. This is far different from a man saying cheaply and shallowly, "I love you." He is giving her an understanding of a profoundly righteous way of life and she is respecting him for it.
There are many ways to convey love to another. One way is by becoming intense, passionate and overpowering that person with your words of love. But another way is to express your love in a poetic way, perhaps by singing or in some way communicating your love without so many words. Which would you prefer?
Western culture usually has a more outgoing way of expressing love, for example by saying "I love you" so freely. However the Oriental culture is one in which love is not spoken about so freely. In fact, the language doesn't even contain the words, "I love you" but that doesn't mean love is not there. In Western societies love is more freely manifested, but in the Orient one does not observe such things; love is more profoundly expressed. East and West are two different shades of expression.
The Western and the Eastern ways of expressing love both have certain deficiencies. I am not saying that one is right and the other wrong. The most ideal form of love would be a combination of the Eastern and Western ways. God has been thinking about who would be able to accomplish this merging of the two ways to bring about the ideal form of love, so He assigned Reverend Moon to do the job. This merging of the two ways can never be accomplished by force or coercion. It can only be done through education and enlightenment by the truth. Do you feel that when you hear my teachings you are being commanded or you are being inspired and enlightened? You feel enlightened.
In the Unification Church when people first come to hear my sermons they often feel their logical minds pulling them in one direction saying, "No. that is just the Oriental way of acting, " but they find themselves intrigued and they try out what I say. After a while they can see through experience that what I was saying was actually logical all the time and they really get inspired to follow my teachings. This happens very frequently.
When you first go out to do fundraising or witnessing, your logical mind is saying, "No, I wasn't born for such activities! I can't do this." Yet you make effort to do it. Now, after Blessing many of you are really running along the path feeling so strongly how important it is that you learn to raise spiritual children and do fundraising.
Why do you not boycott completely such activities? It is because you have developed certain "Moonie habits." You have become accustomed to receiving nourishment for your daily life from the inspirational words you hear and the publicly-oriented work you do. If you feel this life within the Unification Church is just too difficult then go and live in the secular world for a time. You may think you will enjoy every sort of freedom and indulgence, but you will discover something different. You will find yourself desiring the joy of the beauty and inspiration of your Moonie habits; at that time you will realize the value of this way of life.
Once someone understands the Divine Principle he cannot deny the truth of it. Many people have left the Unification Church and tried to totally forget and deny the Divine Principle but they cannot.
Everything we do in our daily lives is guided by the Principle. Sometimes common sense tells someone, "This will never work. Reverend Moon's method is totally impossible." However, after watching for one or two years that person observes that it is working and the method is entirely successful. It is a phenomenon of our church that the person who was a nondescript personality before joining often becomes totally different-a celebrity of the Unification Church!
Many people think Reverend Moon is going through the worst period of his life right now. They think I must be completely miserable; but on the contrary, I feel totally high and inspired every day! The trial has not perturbed me at all.
Do you think the sentence is a judgment against me? Actually I feel an exhilaration from witnessing this drama being played out. I observe the government trying to control my mission in any way they can. Yet I know that ultimately I will be the one to take the subjective position and give direction and education to this nation about God's providence. My life is basically just like everyone else's. I have high points, low points, bright and dark times, but the important difference is that I will never cease to move forward toward God's goal.
I am always thinking, "At this junction of history, what can I and the Unification Church leave behind which will better the world and all mankind?" At the courthouse during these past months I felt that God was saddened by the events. Therefore instead of being sad myself. I stayed busy comforting God and spirit world. I continually told God, "Do not worry about me. This will only make me more loyal, stronger and more righteous. When I think of the world and mankind I have even greater determination to serve them." I am confident that righteousness and justice will prevail eventually and I will be vindicated.
I feel that this is a special opportunity for me. Why?? During ordinary times it is easy to love God and mankind-it is normal. But when a person is subjected to suffering and tribulation and at that point still comforts God and loves mankind, that is something special. I actually thank God for giving me this opportunity to demonstrate a special love for God and humanity.
When the sentencing was pronounced my thought was not about "my sentence," but I was concerned about how I could lead the Unification Church and inspire the members. When I received a heavier sentence than Mr. Kamiyama I was the first to rejoice. I was very happy that Mr. Kamiyama received a lighter sentence.
I recognize this time as an opportunity to exhibit the words which I have been teaching. Instead of being discouraged, I actually felt hopeful on the day of the sentencing, knowing that a much greater good could come out of it. This is the road of righteousness. My immediate reaction was to tell everyone-Unification Church, Korea, God-"Do not worry about me. Goodness will come out of this event." At this hour I am continually searching for the ways to leave behind me a better tradition, a better example for others. This comes out of my heart very naturally.
How are you looking at this time? Do you think. "Father is a great and righteous man so everything is wonderful"? You should realize that your attitude ought to be different from mine. Even though I feel exhilarated, you American people especially ought to feel deeply sorry that the nation of America has treated me this way OUT of their ignorance and misunderstanding. You ought to be thinking, "I am responsible for this."
I told you that by 1978 our movement needed a certain number of supporters in this country. You elder members should feel that you should have worked harder to achieve that goal, knowing that such a mistake would not have happened at this time. When you consider the injustice which has occurred, you should bow your head in repentance for the sake of this nation.
Mr. Kamiyama should be thinking, "What a terrible injustice that I got a lesser sentence than Father. I wish I could have gotten ten years and Father could have gone free! This judge is making a terrible mistake." Such a way of thinking is beautiful.
I feel the desire to take on all the burdens of my followers; I rejoice at the opportunity. But that kind of feeling should be reciprocated in order to produce a beautiful give and take and a manifestation of true public righteousness. I know that I am a victorious person from that standpoint. Whoever is not vindicated from that standpoint will be the one to diminish.
When I suffered in the prison camp in North Korea. I established the foundation for my prosperity in South Korea. By the same token if I am sentenced to prison here in the United States, I know that God will be able to open a new door for my work in some place like Soviet Russia. I always see myself as paying for some greater event in the future.
I have always walked the road of public righteousness throughout my life so I never feel lonely. I can exhibit great courage because God is with me and the universe is supporting me as I walk according to the Principle. Nothing can stop me from moving forward. Even my physical death will not be able to stop my work on this earth. However, those who oppose righteousness will truly be stopped by death.
When Jesus was hanging on the cross, he spoke to the women weeping beneath him, "Do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children." Even the crucifixion could not stop the power of Jesus' righteousness; it continued to move forward. Jesus was only concerned for the future of the children of Israel.
What is the purpose of public righteousness, then? It is to leave behind something better than oneself. Through this court battle, I have not been diminished but have used this as a way to leave behind an even better tradition for America. Do you think scholars in the future who research my life will end their studies with this trial? Certainly not. The trial will be the jumping board for a new leap forward in my life.
The court trial is a new beginning and there shall be greater accomplishment in the future. America will eventually have to follow the path of public righteousness; it will never be the other way around. with public righteousness following the secular path of America. Anyone who follows the path of public righteousness will eventually flourish and rise up; likewise, he who goes in the other direction will eventually diminish and be cast out through the judgment of public righteousness.
The entire life of Reverend Moon has been embroidered with experiences such as those of the past few months. This is the fourth attempt of a government to stop me and contain my ministry. First the Japanese government tried to eliminate me during my youth, while I was in college. Then I was imprisoned by communist North Korea for three years and liberated through the Korean War. Then the government of South Korea also tried to convict me of a crime but after a short time they had to acquit me; they simply could not find anything wrong. Now I have come to the United States and have been put on trial by this government as well.
I certainly did not murder anyone or steal anything; I did nothing wrong at all. The only "crime" I am guilty of is giving my total energies and resources for the youth of America so that they can be restored and made whole and healthy again. They should become the source of new life for the whole world as well. This is what I have been working for and will continue to work for.
There has even been misunderstanding among some American church leaders. Some of them thought, "Rev. Moon must have come to this wealthy country for the sake of the money and he is using Mr. Kamiyama for financial assistance. There must be something strange going on." I know that this kind of thinking occurred until just recently. However through the court trial, everything surfaced and it became clear that I have been giving every ounce of my energy for America's sake. I have not been spending American money for this country. Since 1970 I have been bringing money here to assist the movement in this country.
I want very much to be able to help feed and clothe American people. Also, my desire is to give the youth of this nation some joy in their lives. If this is a crime, then I am guilty. However if America sustains the conviction against me at this time, they only have to wait for a while. History will show who was right and who was wrong.
If America refuses to embrace the way of public righteousness, she will only experience greater internal corruption and turmoil. As proud American youth you should be saying to me, "Leave it to us. We will be the ones to change this nation and set it free from its evils."
At this time many people of the world will regard Reverend Moon as a "convict" or criminal. In such a case, will you follow the opinion of the world or will you support me with even greater fervor? Will you say to the world, "If Reverend Moon has to go to jail for a year and a half, I shall go the rest of my life vindicating his name and carrying on his message to change this nation."? That should be your determination.
Regardless of the court trial and the sentencing, my path and my goals shall not be altered. However. unless you have a redetermination to make a new beginning you will not be able to go parallel with me along the path. Many people around the world will think when they hear the news of the court trial, "If Rev. Moon had come to our country, we would not have treated him in such a way. I wish he were here in our country."
Those Americans who are living as my contemporaries will now have a greater responsibility. These are not my words but those of Heavenly Father and the universe. You know that I have no feelings of guilt this morning as I stand before you; but many of you feel very heavy and even guilty somewhere in your hearts. This is the reality.
You are in the position to indemnify the wrongs which have been committed by this country. I never spoke during the trial; I did not relate on that level. By the same token, you must not complain at this time about your situation. These are not the remarks of Reverend Moon alone but they are the words of public righteousness.
I will not abandon my responsibilities for America; I will continue to pray for and love this country. However, my mission for America is over; my mission for the rest of the world is now at hand.
You Americans must take on the responsibility for this nation; unless you do it, the future will be very dismal for this country. Since America treated me in such a way, how can I restore it on the world level? Of course, we have the Appeals Court and we are assured that the victory will ultimately be won, but the damage is already done. Do you understand?
Therefore the way of public righteousness requires you to commit yourselves today without waiting for the appeal to take on this new responsibility. Of course I am not in any way negating my responsibility here; I feel it down to my bones. Since all the American members will have to bear a greater burden from now on, my heart goes out to you. I want to care for you more now because I have a parental heart toward you. More than myself I am concerned about you and your future.
When Jesus was crucified he was in the company of two thieves. Why did the miserable death of Jesus have such a great impact upon history? It is because he perfectly represented this road of public righteousness.
If any country should mistreat an American ambassador they are actually mistreating the American government because he represents them. By the same token, when a nation or the world mistreats the ambassador of God the consequences are universal. Particularly when he was more than an ambassador but was also the son of God, the consequences would be even greater. In such a case, there would be no way for anyone to comfort the heart of God except to work a hundred times harder than God's son did.
I am quite calm and peaceful and I have no turmoil within my mind; I see my path clearly. I shall continue to walk as a representative of God. No obstacles will be able to hamper my path.
If you asked the Korean people today, "Is Rev. Moon an evil man?" what would they say? If they do not know me personally, how would they be able to deny that I am evil, since it appears I am about to go to jail? What about you members of the Unification Church? Do you feel you must reevaluate your membership because Rev. Moon was condemned by the law of this nation?
The truth will prevail. I am not the way America has perceived me so there has been an even greater gap created between me and America. However the more I am attacked by negative, evil forces, the more blessings come over to my side from the evil side. If the members of the Unification Church adopt the determination to take on even greater burdens than I have and to vindicate the name of Rev. Moon in this country, then blessings will surround you. This is your opportunity to transfer the blessings to God's side.
Who will be responsible for stopping the degradation of America's youth? Who will attack the problems of drug abuse and communism? There is no one except Rev. Moon who is determined, as well as destined, to eliminate these problems. You must take upon yourselves the responsibilities of these burdens together with me.
Once I have completed this court battle I will have no further reason to remain here in America. You must be serious at this time to inherit the way of public righteousness. This is your duty to fulfill. You must have the attitude that until the name of Rev. Moon is completely vindicated, you will not be vindicated, either. You should want to suffer more than I; this is the only way we can defeat our opposition and walk the road of public righteousness.
I returned to this country to face the court trial with a very serious attitude because I knew all the implications and consequences of it. I made up my mind how to fight the battle and I determined that I would not complain against or hate America or any of those who prosecuted me. When the sentence was read last week, I smiled and shook hands with all the defense lawyers and then tried to shake hands with the prosecutors. The first one was stunned; seeing me shaking his hand, the other two prosecutors quickly assembled their papers and practically ran away so they wouldn't have to face me. I certainly wasn't running away from them but it was the other way around! That was a moment in which the judgment of public righteousness was pronounced.
I have nothing to fear or feel ashamed about in the sight of God, America or its forefathers. My own dignity is intact. I have never hated the prosecutors; I know that although they do not understand me, their children will come to appreciate me in the future. How will their children feel when they learn that their parents organized the prosecution against Rev. Moon?
The road is set for men of righteousness. Although it often appears to be dark and difficult, that way will always prosper in the end. The road of men of evil appears to be easy and prosperous, but it always leads eventually to destruction. That is a universal truth.
When you face some difficulty, ask yourself, "Did I do my duty toward my parents, toward my teachers, toward God, the community and the world?" You must feel a certain shame if the answer is no.
Today you must remember that righteousness requires a person to become like a lamb, totally giving of himself. I have been teaching this truth for a long time and I always want to practice it; thus the court trial is merely a test for me and my way of life. It doesn't matter, really, what the verdict or the sentence was; what matters is how I behaved in the situation.
Many people expected that Mr. Kamiyama would receive a much heavier sentence than I, since he had more counts totaled against him. Because of that my heart was pained; so as soon as I heard his sentence was only six months I felt jubilant. Also, Mr. Kamiyama has to think in the other way in order to balance things. He should be telling the Japanese members that he is repentful because I received a greater sentence than he. He must demonstrate to the entire Unification Church his righteousness.
If I were in Mr. Kamiyama's position, on the day of the sentencing I would have gone to East Garden with the Japanese leaders to apologize sincerely. Likewise if I were in the American leaders' position, I would have done the exact same thing. In that way, the heart of the father and the children can be melted together.
I do not show any signs of emotion but that does not mean you should not, either. I restrain myself because of your benefit. You are in the position to reflect God's feelings about this situation and in such a way you can give me great comfort. When the Japanese leaders have come to me and repented and the American leaders have done the same, I can then apologize and repent to God, saying, "Heavenly Father, all these members and leaders have come to me to apologize; on behalf of the entire church I apologize for all the grief caused to You."
In that way everyone can share the blessing from God at that time. Otherwise I would be the only one to receive it and that would mean a separation between me and the rest of the Unification Church members. That would not be good.
We are discussing the way in which a person of public righteousness should behave. You cannot laugh while your I parents are crying and you cannot dance when your spouse is dying. Universal law dictates that. At this time I am very calm and dignified, but how is God and the spirit world feeling? Is God happy about these recent events?
Those members and leaders of the American movement who have not done their proper duties are collectively responsible for this situation happening. There was not one bit of evidence presented in the courtroom that showed I was personally involved in any of the alleged wrongdoings.
The one who is suffering the most is God and I am in the position to comfort Him. At the same time, you're in the position to comfort me. This is truly a beautiful example of give and take. Do you understand? You must feel repentful together today for what has happened and you must make a new determination to begin again. This is the attitude of public righteousness.
What will you do now? Can you go forward without me? You must be able to do that. If I should go to jail, when I come out I would like to see that everyone has surpassed me in their accomplishment. So far you have felt yourself in the position of followers but from now on you must feel you are the leaders of this crusade; you must be the front-line soldiers. That is what my message is all about today.
The Blessing has been given and I have said everything that needs to be said to you. I have spoken here at Belvedere time and again about how you should live your life. Today I am only emphasizing public righteousness. In the position of parent I am urging you to fulfill your proper role as children. You know precisely what you should do in order to save this nation and the world.
In your diary you can record an unforgettable day, July 16, the day of sentencing. Spiritually that day in America was completely dark; it was the repetition of the time of crucifixion. Thus we must create a new "sun". Each of you must become the new suns in America. Even though I will leave this country, before you follow me you must fulfill your responsibilities here; then you can have the right to follow me.
No matter how sad you may be, you must recognize that you are in the position to comfort and encourage God, mankind, the movement, your family and friends. If there had been no such a terrible event you might have simply followed me wherever I went after this, but it won't be that simple now. You should think about this. You must pay the indemnity. I have already walked this path, so now you must bear the burden.
Now I must move on; this means all the attention and support I have been giving to America must move on as well. This is not to say that I will leave behind me a vacuum. You must be the ones to take over the responsibility of the country. No matter what tribulations you might encounter, you must be ready and willing. If you are low and weak at this stage, the entire Unification Church will also reflect that weakness. If you get inspired and spurred on to greater accomplishment, so will the whole church worldwide. Unless you take the harder path there can be no success or prosperity. If you try to take the easy way out, no success can follow because the blessing will now be moving out of America.
Wait and see. Even though America seems almost almighty, the power of God can reduce it to nothing. America could very easily decline drastically and her prosperity shift to either South America or Asia, perhaps. This is simply a law of nature which no one can defy.
Your determination today must be great. I was aware throughout the court trial that if I could not fulfill my responsibility to act in the appropriate way, my own children would be affected and would have to pay indemnity. The same law applies to you. At this time, you must pay the indemnity and act in the proper way. You must take responsibility for America and for the evils which she has committed. Do you follow?
You must have the attitude that no matter how difficult things may be, you will not complain or make excuses for yourself. Now you are married and will be having families; but all that must come second to the public responsibility you have toward this nation.
You are luckier than the people of Israel 2,000 years ago. If they had been able to follow Jesus and his words, they would not have had to face such misery later, but they did not have such a clear path. Today however you have a clear teaching and you know precisely where you are, where you are destined to go, and what your mission is.
Many of the members of the worldwide Unification Church have never even seen me or heard me speak in person. Yet they are following the very same path which you are following. You are in a privileged position; therefore, you have an extra burden of responsibility. You must determine today that you will fulfill it.
John the Baptist witnessed to Jesus as the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. Today the Moonies are in the position to become like lambs, bearing the sins of America on your shoulders. After this battle is completely over, including the appeal, I will not remain here. I will leave and go elsewhere; therefore I am preparing you to take over.
At this hour you must make your commitment. Today I want you to enter into a covenant with me-that you will not let me down but will take responsibility for America. Are you willing to do that?
With this kind of commitment from you, I can look forward with hope for America. If you are making that serious commitment in your heart, perhaps I will leave my children here so that you will have at least a link to me and Mother. Otherwise, if there is not true determination or feeling on your part, Mother and I will not only leave but also the children.
I will not come here again, in such a case, even if Americans send a luxury jet to pick me up. I never came to this country because of its wealth or beauty; I only came here because of God's providence and my mission. I am walking the road of the providence, not the way of America. Do you understand?
Today you have heard me speaking about public righteousness. Can you pledge to me that even if Mother and I leave America you will not abandon the mission but will take upon yourselves all the added responsibilities and make it a success?
Those who pledge to vindicate the name of True Parents and bring all glory to God must also be willing to bear the cross for the sake of the world. I will be watching you; through you I shall take comfort and hope for America or I will have to give up on America. These are not my words alone; they are the words of Principle and public righteousness.
Those of you who pledge yourselves absolutely to this goal, raise your hands. Thank you. I am wearing new shoes today, signifying a new beginning. The old ones I had been wearing for three years and to the court every day became almost worn through. Today is the day of a decisive, new beginning.
So far you have been given more than enough guidance from me about what you need to do. You know how to share what you have heard with the rest of the nation and world. In that way you shall become true disciples of the Unification Church and the future of the world will be in your hands.
Do not think that you will always be able to listen to me the way you are doing today. Even if the Appeals Court overturns the verdict I will not remain in this country, so you should not expect that I will always be coming here to Belvedere to speak to you on Sundays. The responsibility is being passed on to you.
This place at Belvedere should become another "upper room" where the Holy Spirit came to the 120 disciples and initiated the activities of Christianity. The same thing must happen to you when you come here to pray; a new revival and a new infusion of spirit must come to you as you give yourself in fervent, tearful prayers here.
Don't even ask where I am or where I am going. You must be occupied with your own responsibilities for the world. Those of you who know now my will and my desire for you, please raise your hands and pledge that to me.
Thank you and God bless you.
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Col. Pak's Prayer:
Most loving Heavenly Father, we're absolutely sorry from the bottom of our hearts that we have to hear this heartbreaking word of farewell, in a way, from our True Father to the members of the Unification Church of America and to this nation as a whole.
Our True Father is one man who came with Your burdens to this nation and suffered incredible persecution, as he labored day in and day out to bring the truth to the people of this nation.
In the 200 years of the history of America, who ever came to these shores with a greater love for this nation besides Rev. Sun Myung Moon, Heavenly Father? But this nation has crucified our Father and we cannot allow this to prevail.
We pledge to You this morning that we shall see the day of resurrection; we will take responsibility for the resurrection of the name of Reverend Sun Myung Moon. We shall become Your harbingers and messengers; we shall become Your fighters. We shall even become Your martyrs if necessary and we will bear the cross for the True Parents so they won't have to.
Over and over again this nation has been told by our Father that it is the chosen nation of the world and He has blessed it. Now the chosen nation of this century has crucified the Messiah once again! Oh Heavenly Father, we're not proud of America any more. This nation has sinned so much.
Our True Father has consistently demonstrated his love for this nation, even upon hearing his conviction and his sentencing. He has never ceased blessing America and he even tried to shake hands with his prosecutors, symbolically forgiving the government and this nation so that it can continue and Your will can prevail.
Today we have been commissioned for a new responsibility. We are going to bear the cross, not our True Father. Our mission is to vindicate the name of the True Parents and bring them their proper victory. We shall win the victory on every level-in this nation and around the world. We heard the mandate and we have received our mission.
Heavenly Father, this chosen nation of America has sinned. Now we shall become America; we shall not point an accusing finger at anyone else but shall take upon ourselves the responsibility for America's sin in the spirit of public righteousness, as our True Father has taught us today. We shall walk this way of public righteousness.
We have already been given enough messages, enough sermons and more than anything else, we have been given such an incredibly perfect example in the persons of True Father and True Mother.
Heavenly Father, we repent and we pledge at the same time that our life is Yours. We only regret one thing: that we have only one life to give for this mission. Heavenly Father, if we had 1,000 lives, we would give all of them willingly. Oh, how I wished that I could have taken the guilty sentence instead of Father; I wish I could have been sentenced to jail for the rest of my life instead of our True Father. But there was no way I could take on our Father's role in that courthouse. I know there must be some way to vindicate the man of righteousness by someone else bearing his burden, even though I could not do it at the courthouse.
We shall find the way to vindicate our True Father within our hearts, since we could not do it in the courthouse. We shall be Your sons and daughters who desire to bear the prison term for our True Father. We will not let You down, our dear Heavenly Father. We will show our pride in our True Parents and we cannot ever be defeated because they are with us. We have the greatest possible blessing of all-we are living as contemporaries of the True Parents. We pray to be proud sons and daughters of our True Parents and in so doing we will give comfort to You, our Heavenly Father!
How can we be defeated? We shall continue. We have only one final prayer: we do not ask to be forgiven, because our sins are so great but we simply ask You to use us in the future as Your sacrificial lambs on Your altar. We will not hesitate to take even the road of martyrdom, if that is Your need. Please use our bodies and our strengths to save this world and to vindicate the name and the truth of our True Parents. That will be more than an honor for us.
Today this is our determination. We have received the message from our True Father and have made our covenant with him, in Your presence. We will move ahead and be totally victorious. Thank you so much for this opportunity to pledge our lives for this nation and world. We shall fulfill, we shall overcome and we shall be victorious. In the names of our True Parents, the Reverend and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon, we pray all this,
Amen
