The Bible abounds with references to angels. To those unacquainted with Christian Science such phenomena may appear in this day and age to be nebulous. No doubt this is because of physical characteristics ignorantly attributed to angels by mortals.
But Science shows that angels are not material beings. They are immortal messengers from God, Spirit—holy thoughts from divine Mind, which, when permitted to enter human consciousness, prove practical in everyday life, refreshing and sustaining us. "When angels visit us," Mrs. Eddy writes, "we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts." Miscellaneous Writings, p. 306;
We find that, when understood in Christian Science, angels come to us with healing power. Let us consider how this works out in practice in regard to real nourishment and refreshment.
The subject of food, its choice, preparation, cooking, and serving, is of major interest to humanity; it occupies much time, thought, and skill. It inevitably touches us all, and the question constantly arises, "What effect does food have on my health?"
At the outset it can be stated that nowhere does Christian Science endorse neglect of the human need for, and enjoyment of, wholesome meals, nor advocate a uniform diet. The world would be a much duller place if everyone's eating habits followed the same pattern. However, Science points out that the human mind needs release from the imprisoning beliefs engendered by false education, which seeks to endow food with energy and health-giving qualities it does not and cannot possess. Appearing beneficial in some instances but harmful in others, these false beliefs would have us think that food has power in and of itself, whereas it has in fact only the power we give it in belief.
Perhaps food has become distasteful because of an inability to eat normally through fear of its aftereffects; maybe dieting is causing frustration; or it could be that overeating is becoming an embarrassment. Or, worst of all, sufficient food is unobtainable.
There is no need to be afraid or discouraged. God's angel messages are always at hand to bring release from suffering, and by elevating thought, to reveal something of the grandeur of man as God's perfect idea, forever sustained by Him. Mrs. Eddy writes: "The good in being, even the spiritually indispensable, is your daily bread. Work and pray for it."The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 196;
The Bible is an immense storeroom replete with ingredients for healing. Always fresh, never in short supply, and ever available, these but await our use. For instance, this one from the Gospel of John: Christ Jesus' brief encounter with the Samaritan woman in the quiet hour by Jacob's well, and their ensuing conversation, part of which included his offer to her of "living water." John 4: 10;
I proved the power of "living water" while on a long route march. This basic Army training was designed as a toughening -up process; food and drink were forbidden, and my comrades and I were harassed by thirst in the summer heat. As the march proceeded complaints abounded. But it became clear to me that dwelling on the circumstances produced trouble-making thoughts; and I knew these could not originate nor proceed from God; so they must be powerless.
I knew that as the material sense of taste enables us to reject unpalatable food, so spiritual sense enables us to discard wrong thoughts and admit the right ones —God's angels. Applying this process to the situation, I found my consciousness becoming flooded with the inspiration of the account of the Samaritan woman at the well. I glimpsed that the "living water" offered her was the understanding of the Christ; this acted as a refreshing draft. It was not long before the complaining remarks ceased. On returning to quarters I was not fatigued nor unduly thirsty or hungry. Moreover, the routine foot inspection showed my feet to be unblistered.
All of us are taking a mental journey leading to a deeper understanding of God. In our march toward this destination— as we traverse the hot and dusty highways and byways of material beliefs—we can constantly invite the angels and experience the refreshment they impart. How comforting it is to know they are our inseparable traveling companions.
It may be asked: What of those who are ignorant of the availability of these spiritual ideas? How can they be reached? The benevolent embrace of The Mother Church includes all mankind. Apart from its humanitarian aid to drought- and famine-stricken areas, it has provided a table piled high with a menu of unsurpassed variety: Bible recipes containing satisfying and vital healing ingredients. Two favorite items are among them—the wine of inspiration, and "the spiritually indispensable," our "daily bread."
We partake of this spiritual nourishment as we study the weekly Lesson-Sermon from the Christian Science Quarterly. This study, combined with gratitude and a desire to share, prepares us to become more effective hosts in catering for the spiritually hungry. Furthermore, it unites us in response to Mrs. Eddy's encouraging and impartial invitation: "As you journey, and betimes sigh for rest 'beside the still waters,' ponder this lesson of love. Learn its purpose; and in hope and faith, where heart meets heart reciprocally blest, drink with me the living waters of the spirit of my life-purpose,—to impress humanity with the genuine recognition of practical, operative Christian Science." Mis., pp. 206-207.
Every healing we experience is proof that Christian Science is practical and bears witness to the sustaining power of the angels we entertain. It points to the blessing we can all enjoy as we welcome these messengers of God as permanent residents in our mental home.
