The spiritual growth that comes naturally as we study, pray, and prepare for a term as Reader in a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, opens our hearts to the love of God. As we respond to this love, we discover we love ourselves, our church, congregation, and world more. This deeper spiritual affection is what being a Reader is all about. It is not something that we personally manufacture. It's not something that we can run out of or turn on only when we are at the podium. Because it is an affection that originates in God, it reaches the receptive heart wherever that heart is.
How important, then, in our preparation for Readership that we live what we are learning in our study! When we do live the precious truths of Christian Science and really make them our own, our reading comes alive and it rings true. Mrs. Eddy writes, "The vital part, the heart and soul of Christian Science, is Love." Science and Health, p. 113 We must live that divine Love if we want to express the letter and spirit of Christian Science in our services. Then our reflection of this Love will shine during the service, melting away fear, pride, or a false sense of personal responsibility.
Mrs. Eddy established the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures as the pastor of her Church. These two books provide all Christian Science churches with an impersonal pastor. It is this pastor that imparts the Word and meets the need of the congregation. The Reader's work is to express the letter and the spirit of our pastor.
