Gratitude plays a vital part in the study and application of Christian Science, indeed in the very life of any sincere student of Christ Jesus' teachings. That this is so can be seen from the provision for midweek meetings in Christian Science branch churches and societies. Here expressions of gratitude, including descriptions of spiritual healings, given by those in attendance, make up approximately half of the meeting. There is also a provision for an annual Thanksgiving service held on Thanksgiving Day in the United States and at other times elsewhere in the world. This special service also includes testimonies from individuals in the congregation. These verbal expressions of thankfulness and appreciation to God attest to the healing efficacy of the Christ, Truth. As noted in the order of service in the Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy, there is to be no collection taken at the midweek meeting. See Manual, p. 124 Similarly, no collection is taken on Thanksgiving Day.
In considering this, it occurred to me that at both these services there is still an offering. Gratitude to God is a different mode of giving, yet it is all-important. The speakers relate how, through understanding God better, they have found release from such varied problems as illness, injury, grief, strained relationships in the home or at work, and business and financial difficulties. Such evidences—and the testifying to them publicly—are treasures that transcend monetary considerations.
This was borne out for me recently when I reread a short letter that Mrs. Eddy once wrote to The Mother Church in which she sets forth the intention of the weekly testimony meetings. See Miscellaneous Writings, pp. 148-149 Her stated desire that "no moneyed contributions" be taken on these occasions appears to be based on these words she quotes from Isaiah: "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." Isa. 55:1 She calls the testimony meeting a "banquet of Christian Science." A banquet brings to mind a festive occasion, one of great happiness where the attendees will receive a bountiful and satisfying feast. A banquet at which proofs of the healing efficacy of God's Word are gratefully shared is truly joyous and rewarding. Mrs. Eddy's letter states that all should be "cordially and freely [invited] to this banquet," and asked to share whatever they have from God, which will be a blessing because it will "help leaven your loaf and replenish your scanty store." And by gathering up the fragments from this banquet—making those shared spiritual insights and ideas we've heard our own—we will have "baskets full" for our later needs and those of others.
