Every Christian Science branch church holds a Wednesday testimony meeting that serves as a midweek “refresher,” where those present tell of inspiration and healing experiences that have come through their individual practice of Christian Science. On my way to one of these recent meetings, it dawned on me that the week before, I had experienced a physical healing so naturally that I’d forgotten there was ever a problem!
The opening readings at church that night from the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, focused on the “Comforter,” which Jesus promised to his followers on the night before the crucifixion.
In practical usage, the term comforter could be many things, including a compassionate person who ministers to the sick and brokenhearted, or something as simple as a blanket providing warmth and comfort. People may find comfort in a good Wi-Fi connection, or tons of friends on Facebook. Any one of these provides temporary relief, but Jesus promised much more when he said, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16).
