"TO FEED AND BLESS A HUNGRY WORLD"

Today many are struggling with what appear to be insuperable problems of lack, hunger, and distress. Is relief from fear and uncertainty to be found? Is there something that will restore a sense of plenty in place of scarcity? Is there balm for the world's heartache? Assuredly there is.

Christ Jesus came to alleviate suffering, do away with want, console sorrow, inspire hope, and redeem the human race from its false beliefs through spiritual understanding. He loved to speak of his Father's tender care and ample provision for His children, for he knew that a correct understanding of God, Love, will alone solve all mankind's difficulties.

The loving Father of whom Jesus spoke has not deserted mankind, leaving them to plead for succor in vain. For the despairing ones there is a benison. In the sixth chapter of Matthew's Gospel, God's loving provision is repeatedly emphasized. Here Jesus said to his listeners (verse 8), "Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." Thus he indicated that spiritual supply is always at hand, awaiting our acceptance. Mary Baker Eddy correlatively writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 7): "God is not influenced by man. The 'divine ear' is not an auditory nerve. It is the all-hearing and all-knowing Mind, to whom each need of man is always known and by whom it will be supplied."

"This sounds well in theory, but how am I to avail myself of God's supply?" queries the needy one. Let us imagine a large cupboard filled from floor to ceiling with delicacies. While the wooden door is closed, we may pass it by, unaware of the abundance that is within our reach. Similarly, mortal sense is unable to discern God's abundance. But when we open the door of mortal obscurity with the truth of God and man as taught in Christian Science, we behold and enjoy the repleteness of God's storehouse of spiritual ideas.

Christian Science teaches that man is spiritual, made in the image and likeness of Spirit; he coexists with God and is therefore fed, clothed, and sheltered spiritually, not materially. In ' "Miscellaneous Writings" Mrs. Eddy explains the operation of spiritual bestowals thus (p. 307): "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies. Never ask for to-morrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment."

Humanity has to a large extent, even in a time of plenty, failed to acknowledge and express gratitude to God as the alone Giver of "every good gift and every perfect gift." When belief wanders far into the barren land of deficiency and human resources seem at a low ebb, men immediately commence the vain pursuit of relying on matter and material persons for their requirements. He who looks to God, his loving Father, in complete confidence may continue to draw from His inexhaustible supply, knowing the unlimited nature of divine Love and recognizing man as the heir of God's infinite bounty.

When Jesus was about to leave this earthly sphere, he addressed these words of cheer to his disciples (John 14:16,17): "I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." This sublime promise was intended not only for the disciples but for all mankind in every age. Christian Science is the Comforter, revealing the truth about man, God's reflection, who abides continuously in his Father's house. Just as a small child looks naturally to its parents, never doubting that its needs will be met, so let us turn confidently to our loving Father-Mother, God, trusting implicitly His willingness and ability to provide for every legitimate requirement.

During World War II the writer lived in a much-bombed city. On one occasion enemy aircraft damaged the gas and electrical plants, and all supplies of fuel for heating, cooking, and lighting were cut off. This occurred in the depth of winter, with temperatures at a low level. The writer found herself facing a bleak, chilly prospect, and a sense of vacuity presented itself very persistently to her thought.

Later, however, dismissing the subtle suggestion of mortal mind that the previous night's seeming aggression could rob her of something real, she reversed the arguments of lack and discomfort and began to wait on God for spiritual direction. With one candle for light and another in an inverted flowerpot for warmth, she opened her Bible at the one hundred and third Psalm, commencing: "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: ... who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies." Continuing, she sought further passages emphasizing God's goodness to man, until presently a glow of gratitude replaced her gloom.

At this moment the door opened, and in the dim light she saw a friend, who explained that she had a little coal and invited her to share her fireside. Immediately the writer thought of Peter's deliverance from prison by an angel. She knew that angel thoughts were leading her forth from the imprisoning sense of emptiness which had possessed her earlier in the day. She gladly accepted the invitation and spent a happy evening. Next day cooked food was sent from the most unexpected quarters, and later a cooking stove arrived.

Still later, when food was unobtainable and the water supply also failed, a spiritual idea again lighted her path. Friends outside the city offered her hospitality, and all her needs were fully met. Despite repeated evacuations over several years, God's presence was ever with her and His angels encompassed her throughout her journeyings. She was never once without shelter or for any prolonged period without food.

Turning from the empty larder of materialism, mankind glimpse the spiritual, heavenly board with its plenitude. There are no dwindling resources in the realm of Spirit; there is no subtraction or contraction of heavenly gifts. Being inseparable from Spirit, man cannot be separated from God's abundant riches. Spiritual discernment of these absolute truths effects quietly and unobtrusively what may appear as miracles to the worldly-wise.

As mankind give up their belief in matter and consciousness becomes permeated with spiritual truths, the decrepit and threadbare cloak of false beliefs drops away. Then the "new man" stands revealed, rejoicing in the ever-expanding knowledge of his spiritual heritage as a son of God, for whom all things are liberally and eternally prepared. The amplification of thought which comes as one consciously dwells in the universe of Spirit brings to light a corresponding wealth of ideas to sustain him.

How potent, and yet how simple, are the sincere, unwavering conviction and acknowledgment that divine Mind is already and forever conferring on man, by reflection, all that is requisite for his happiness and progress! Man can never suffer lack, for he is the constant and complete expression of his creator and cannot be deprived of anything necessary to his welfare. The man of God's creating is forever manifesting spiritual affluence, which never ebbs or deviates from good. Ignorance of or disobedience to God's law of spiritual abundance may result in mankind's rejection of God's bestowals, but the divine gifts are never lost, only lost sight of through faulty perception or limited outlook.

Undoubtedly the world is famished and languishing for a more satisfying sense of sustenance than matter can ever supply. Mankind desperately need the living bread of spiritual truth to replace the husks of earth. Heavenly sustenance alone can still their longings and fulfill their desires. Students of Christian Science who have in some measure proved its efficacy to supply all human needs are today prayerfully affirming the presence of divine Love's largess to heal the belief of insufficiency in which the world seems engulfed. They desire to share with all mankind the spiritual truths which give release from haunting fear of hunger and want. Assured of the availability of Love's beneficence to all who rely radically upon God and His spiritual substance, in heartfelt gratitude they breathe the prayer expressed in the following lines (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 203):