CHAPTER XVI – The Risen Christ contrasts the spiritual practices of Mars with those of Earth, particularly in how the Martians approach Christ’s teachings and the observance of significant events like Easter. While Earth celebrates the Resurrection on April 4, 1920, through rituals that often focus on superficial aspects of the faith, the Martians, having never rejected Christ’s teachings, live in a constant state of spiritual alignment with His message. Rather than commemorating Christ’s crucifixion with sorrow or reflection on past events, Mars lives in the perpetual presence of Christ’s teachings, which is integrated into their daily lives. This view emphasizes that the Martians do not simply commemorate Christ’s death, but actively embody His lessons of love, humility, and service, which allows them to live with a level of grace and power that mirrors the miracles Christ and His disciples performed.

This reflection on the spiritual state of Earth reveals the disparity between the two worlds. For the Martians, Earth’s spiritual condition is clouded by darkness, misunderstanding, and a superficial relationship with Christ’s teachings. Earth has relegated Christ to an ideological figure rather than a living presence in the hearts of its people. The Martians observe Earth’s rituals, such as Lent, with dismay, noting how these practices often focus on appearances rather than genuine spiritual growth. While the people of Earth may outwardly participate in these religious observances, their hearts are not aligned with the true message of Christ. This serves as a profound critique of the spiritual materialism that has overtaken many Earthly traditions, where rituals are followed for the sake of tradition rather than deepening one’s connection to the divine.

The chapter suggests that the spiritual growth of Mars offers an important lesson for Earth, proposing that Martians live their lives according to Christ’s teachings in a way that Earth has yet to understand. The Martians have reached a level of spiritual maturity where they no longer need to focus on the externalities of religious observance. Their lives are centered around Christ’s message of love, and they perform miracles through their unwavering faith, which is not seen as a mark of personal achievement but as a natural outpouring of their connection to the divine. In contrast, Earth’s persistent denial of Christ’s teachings—through materialism, selfish desires, and the distortion of His words—leads to a cycle of spiritual stagnation. This ongoing metaphorical crucifixion of Christ on Earth, where His lessons are misused or ignored for selfish gain, serves as a reminder of the spiritual work still required to align humanity with Christ’s true teachings.

Despite Earth’s spiritual struggles, the Martians hold out hope for humanity, foreseeing a future where Earth will undergo a spiritual awakening. Through mediums and communicative efforts, the Martians believe that Earth can be guided toward enlightenment, elevating humanity to a higher spiritual plane. The hope is that one day, Earth will join the broader cosmic community, and in doing so, align itself with the divine principles that guide the universe. Mars, having experienced this progression, serves as a beacon of possibility, showing that spiritual growth is not only achievable but inevitable when one is willing to embrace Christ’s teachings wholeheartedly. The Martians, however, caution against complacency, emphasizing that the journey to spiritual enlightenment is continuous and requires a constant alignment with higher principles.

This chapter urges Earth to look inward, reflecting on its spiritual failings while considering the potential for transformation. It challenges humanity to move beyond the materialistic distractions that dominate modern life and focus instead on spiritual truths that transcend the physical world. The Martians, with their deep understanding of spiritual evolution, offer a vision of what Earth could become if it embraces the core teachings of Christ: a peaceful, loving, and spiritually aligned society that transcends the limitations of physical existence. In this vision, Earth would not only join the Martians in spiritual harmony but also help to shape a universal community based on mutual understanding, compassion, and divine love. Through this invitation to reflect on and realign with Christ’s true message, the chapter emphasizes the transformative power of faith and the potential for humanity to overcome its current spiritual challenges. By doing so, Earth can realize its potential and fulfill its role in the grand cosmic plan.