In his teaching Jesus drew upon incidents familiar to his listeners to elucidate everlasting truths. He used as illustrations things common to their daily experiences and surroundings, such as the fowls of the air, the sheep of the pasture, the lilies of the field. Memorable is that occasion when Jesus, withdrawing into a ship, poured into the receptive ears of an expectant throng on the shore his words of wisdom and love.
Here it was that in simple language he related the parable of the sower and the seed. Always it was the same seed, the same sower. The difference was in the ground on which the seed fell, for only the seed scattered on good soil yielded abundantly. How easily the workers of the soil understood his parable as taken from their own experience! How readily the disciples translated his words into their spiritual significance! It was now clear to them that the seed of Truth must be sown in a receptive consciousness. Only thus could a satisfactory harvest follow.
Today the same seed of Truth is being sown by Christian Science. Its growth is dependent upon receptive thought. We may well ask ourselves frequently: What kind of soil do I find in my consciousness? Do stones of envy or revenge forbid the growth of the seed? Do the thorns of self-righteousness or self-condemnation entangle the tender rootlets? Do the fowls of the air—rumor, criticism, suspicion—devour the seed before it propagates? Do the weeds of human concepts consume the tiny plant at its first appearing? Am I seeking Truth unreservedly, or only half-heartedly? Shall I resort to some material remedy in the event that I fail to receive help at the time or in the manner I have hoped? Am I willing to pray for an understanding heart and not merely for the fulfillment of my human needs?
