"COME AND DINE"

In loving remembrance of the invitation Christ Jesus gave his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias, the student of Christian Science recognizes that he too is being offered a wonderful feast of good things. The invitation, "Come and dine" (John 21:12), partake of the things of the Spirit, the Scientist eagerly accepts. He knows how well prepared the meal is because of the love and unselfishness of the Master and his faithful follower, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy. The call to come and dine is motivated by the love of our divine Father-Mother God, who is ever conscious of the supply that meets every need.

Do we hear the call and are we ready to respond? Do we know that it comes from the house, the consciousness, of Love, which is ever prepared to receive us? Are we filled with gratitude for the invitation and eager to participate? Are we hungry enough to desire to be fed by the spirit of Truth?

The need of some may appear as a demand for physical relief from pain or distress. With others there may be a requirement of financial support, a better living standard, or more congenial occupation, social or moral order. Viewing the case in Christian Science, we can see plainly that while God is no respecter of persons, He is a respecter of spiritual thinking, and He rewards such thinking bountifully under His law of good.

Through progress we realize and bring to fruition a true sense of substance promised in the Bible and in the writings of our revered Leader. The study and application of the truths which these books contain confirm our faith and make possible the proof of God's providence and ever-present care. Through Christian Science, Christ repeats the message in Revelation (3:20), "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

Healing is always paramount in the order of the repast which Christian Science proffers. It is said of Mrs. Eddy (Mary Baker Eddy: Her Mission and Triumph, by Julia Michael Johnston, p. 62), "She would not have the words of Christian Science without the works of healing." How like Mrs. Eddy it was to demand of herself and of her followers the proof of Christian healing, to require that it accompany daily living in fulfillment of divine law. As students of Christian Science we are bound in gratitude to repeat the works as well as the words of the Scriptural teaching as they appear in the inspired Word of the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings. It is necessary to recognize that the real man and the spiritual universe exist under the law of God's unerring direction. Oh, what evidence of true manhood and womanhood becomes apparent as one sees, acknowledges, and proves the divine order in scientific thought and action!

The questions may arise, What constitutes practice in Christian Science? and, When does one become a practitioner? To answer the first question one may begin by saying that Christian Science practice is the embodiment and expression of a love of God, good, so developed in the human heart and thought that it takes precedence over every other desire and hope. It is to feed the hungry thought as well as to be fed. In the beginning it is prayer in action in the most simple manner. Ability to practice Christian Science successfully develops with increased spiritual understanding of God and His law, until one reaches the ultimate, that is, instant realization of the truth of being as applied to any erroneous condition or experience.

As to the second question, when one becomes a practitioner after acquaintance with Mrs. Eddy's discovery, he does so almost immediately after the acceptance of Science. By this it is not meant that one engages in public healing work before he understands its mighty import, but that the recognition of one's duty to himself and others must include a manifestation of love and brotherhood. One should early see the practical value of doing good as well as being good, and of sharing with others that good which has come to oneself.

One may ask, "Can I consider myself in the practice now?" Yes, at this very moment, and every minute from the beginning of one's study, down through all the years to come. How grateful we should be that Christian Science has come to teach us how to put into practice the law of God wisely and effectually.

The practitioner or student of Christian Science sees man as an individual idea in the universe of Mind, in the family of God. His concept of that family, including all in his understanding of man's reflection of the oneness and wholeness of infinite Love, brings a sense of brotherhood that unites him with his fellow men. Therefore in his love and practice he could not possibly overlook the needs of the children of men. With this vision of divinity and its application to humanity his prayers for understanding cannot go unanswered. One's application of Truth for himself and for others is thereby controlled by divine power and activity and is protected from ignorance, fear, or doubt as to the work God has called him to do.

Every moment we are afforded the opportunity to be of service to the Cause of Christian Science and the activities of our great movement. In the most simple and direct way we can present the truths of being. We can lift ourselves and others above limiting human beliefs into the spiritual consciousness of a good God and a good man in His likeness. How easy healing would be if it were always acknowledged as the expression of God, coming in the name of the Christ, Truth, impersonally yet individually.

In the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy says (p. 570): "Millions of unprejudiced minds—simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert—are waiting and watching for rest and drink. Give them a cup of cold water in Christ's name, and never fear the consequences." Be not afraid to invite them to partake of Love's feast.

A little of Truth is very, very powerful. Humbly, yet with good courage, let us give our mite or full measure at all times. Let us exercise brotherly kindness, especially to those who are ready to receive what we have to give. Let us reach out the hand of friendliness and faith. Where Love guides there is spiritual power and strength. And we must share generously of our faith and love if we would keep the blessings from above. The awareness of God's goodness brings freedom from the bondage of mortal mind's claim of sin, disease, and death. Thus filled with a confidence that anticipates and attends healing, we prepare the way for a better life and better healing work.

To view our situation correctly and scientifically we must understand that whereas in absolute being, that is, in reality, there is but one God and one creation—spiritual man and universe—yet we do not ignore the belief in another creation opposed to reality, that is, a material world and a kind of man that needs to be reformed, regenerated, and saved. It is to mankind that Christian Science makes its successful appeal. Many hear, some do not. But to the many we can come with grace and tenderness as we offer the understanding of Christ and its healing power.

We are taught that to the human being Christian Science must be a discovery. A discovery of what? The scientific facts of Life, Truth, and Love, and their manifestation in more abundant living. Who does not want these? Mortal mind as expressed in the human being cannot argue effectually against a pure religion which proves its divinity in works as well as words. Evil in its many forms can be overcome, regardless of its arguments of material life or being. Science is proving daily that spiritual life is for all.

Since the human self must be evangelized—and Christian Science so declares—there should be no delay in the process. The best and easiest time is now, and like the pupil in school who is alert, he who accepts the lessons offered with joy and gratitude advances most rapidly. He is eager for true knowledge and the right practice as he realizes that he is given only the lessons he needs. Each new experience or situation appears as a challenge to growth and development as he looks forward to victory in every case.

"Let them have dominion" (Gen. 1:26). According to the Scriptural decree dominion would appear as God's first gift to man. Understanding the nature and character of God and His goodness, one grasps what that dominion embodies when reflected by mankind. Love's allness, nearness, and dearness then become active ideas in consciousness, resulting in good for all concerned. Enlightened and enriched by spiritual contemplation and consecration, one's practice of Science does much to relieve world tension and fear and bring freedom from limitation.

It has been said that all the darkness of the world cannot put out the light of the tiniest candle. This fact in physics has its counterpart in metaphysics. Darkness is ignorance, while light viewed spiritually is true knowledge from God, good. Not for one moment can the evil ways of men suspend the power of Principle or supersede the law of divinity in its good provision for man. Our part in the work is to come out from the ways and byways of mankind into a progressive Christianity, a spiritual activity that is reasonable, practical, scientific, and provable.

Mortal mind would have us believe that there is no sure way of escape from evil, no permanent prevention of sickness, discord, accident, and the like. So-called science, scholastic theology, and medicine, as generally practiced, perpetuate many false beliefs, largely through fear. But the teachings of Christian Science refute the testimony of the material senses and prove that life harmonious is possible for those who truly love God and are obedient to His law. How comforting is the divine message that never fails to help in time of need. How certain is its salvation. In the inspired Word of the Bible as interpreted by Mrs. Eddy's teaching we have for our use and for the help of others a glorious offering—a pure Science without chance or change.

It just could not be true that a loving Father-Mother God would hold mankind in a state of confusion or sickness, or in ignorance as to His rule, law, or healing method. Since God changes not, His comfort and help know no change. Can this be said of medicine, surgery, or the general religious beliefs? What we discover in Science is an immutable law that remains forever the same. It is a law which has its origin in divine Life, Truth, and Love. It is the knowledge of Christ, the Comforter, which abides with us forever.

In our textbook Mrs. Eddy writes concerning Christ Jesus: "First in the list of Christian duties, he taught his followers the healing power of Truth and Love. He attached no importance to dead ceremonies. It is the living Christ, the practical Truth, which makes Jesus 'the resurrection and the life' to all who follow him in deed." These words appear on page 31 of Science and Health under the marginal heading "Healing primary."

Mrs. Eddy's discovery revealed not only her true selfhood in God, but our own, as the likeness of Love, and our freedom to demonstrate God's law as we walk among men. Let us accept the invitation to come and dine at Christ's table and invite others to do the same. With deep gratitude let us take our place and work in full assurance under the plan and law of God. The healing of ourselves and others will be Christlike and effective.

God's goodness is unlimited. Our fitness to receive our share is best expressed in the words of Mrs. Eddy in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 127): "When a hungry heart petitions the divine Father-Mother God for bread, it is not given a stone,—but more grace, obedience, and love. If this heart, humble and trustful, faithfully asks divine Love to feed it with the bread of heaven, health, holiness, it will be conformed to a fitness to receive the answer to its desire." Reverently and prayerfully may we follow our Leader's counsel, reaching out for more spiritual understanding in the manner indicated in a beloved hymn (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 90):