On page 3 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy asks and answers a question regarding gratitude thus: "Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have, and thus be fitted to receive more. Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech."
Relating the circumstances of the resurrection of Jesus, Mark tells us that Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene. What was in the experience of the erstwhile sinner that entitled her to such recognition by the Master? An attentive study of the four Gospels reveals that this woman, "out of whom," according to the evangelist, Jesus "had cast seven devils," came "very early in the morning the first day of the week, . . . unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun." She feared not what the world would think of her or do to her. Forgetting self and the world, she was on her way to perform a loving deed of gratitude. It was then that the risen Master appeared to her. What a tribute to gratitude expressed through action! What a lesson for all!
We may ask ourselves: Am I expressing my thankfulness for Christian Science through deeds, even as Mary Magdalene expressed her gratitude, or am I like one of the eleven disciples, whom Jesus upbraided for their unbelief and hardness of heart? Am I coming to Christian Science to get the loaves and fishes of materiality, or am I coming to it with the sincere desire to give, to share the blessings already received? Am I seeking the truth through the study of the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons, so that daily I may put into practice this study? Am I thus proving my willingness and readiness to express my gratitude for Christian Science and for its Discoverer and Founder, Mary Baker Eddy? Am I dispensing the sweet spices of honesty, justice, truthfulness, brotherly love, kindness, affection, compassion, meekness, humility, temperance, receptivity? Am I proving by deeds that I am dedicating my consciousness this day to unselfish expressions of gratitude for the blessings received through the teachings of Christian Science? These are some of the questions everyone must answer, and answer aright.
