While reading The Christian Science Journal (August 1999), I was deeply moved by a statement from a student who had attended the conference "Pioneers of the Spiritual Millennium" in Boston, Massachusetts. This young adult made a commitment to a new way of thinking: "I decided at this conference that I am going to try to make the transition from patient to a healer." I loved her/his humility—"going to try," and I loved this individual's goal—to be "a healer." I thought, now here is a pioneer, one who is not afraid to brave new territory in order to gain a new perspective. For weeks, these words surfaced many times during my day, and I found myself continually asking what it means to be a healer.
I began a study of Mary Baker Eddy's use of the words patient and healer in Science and Health and in her other writings. One of my favorite statements was her reference to Peter's answer to Jesus' question "Whom say ye that I am?" See Matt. 16:13–18. She states, "It was now evident to Peter that divine Life, Truth, and Love, and not a human personality,was the healer of the sick and a rock, a firm foundation in the realm of harmony." Science and Health, p. 138. Not a human personality as the healer—what an important concept!
Then the question arose, "So, exactly where does this young adult or anyone who is seeking to be a healer fit in if God solely is doing the work of preserving the eternal harmony of all existence?" In another of her books, Mrs. Eddy gives a succinct answer to my question: "That individual is the best healer who asserts himself the least, and thus becomes a transparency for the divine Mind, who is the only physician; the divine Mind is the scientific healer." Miscellaneous Writings, p. 59. I love this definition of healer—"a transparency for the divine Mind." I have cherished this time of thinking and praying about everyone as healers—about all of us as capable of seeking God's power and presence to heal and to save humanity.
