An article appearing in the Christian Science Sentinel referred to the wonderful treasures to be found in seeking, sentence by sentence, for the spiritual meaning in the Sermon on the Mount. In carrying out this method of study over a period of months a student of Christian Science found many deep and satisfying spiritual truths that had remained hidden to her more casual reading.
One of the Beatitudes that particularly arrested thought was, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Matt. 5:9). The question arose as to the meaning of "peace" in "peacemakers." The student saw that this peace could not mean excusing and covering error or placating mortal mind. Mary Baker Eddy says (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 209), "Peace has no foothold on the false basis that evil should be concealed and that life and happiness should still attend it."
Throughout the history of mortal existence disturbance or lack of peace has often been expressed in wars on varying scales.
It has been seen in struggles within groups and in the basic conflict between good and evil which goes on within the individual's consciousness. The human heart desires a cessation of inharmony. Those who become interested in Christian Science soon long for a steady enjoyment of the pure spiritual peace they have glimpsed. This is a peace that in reality is always present, but is recognized only through spiritual prayer and by doing God's will.
Sometimes when the truths of Christian Science reach human consciousness and begin to destroy error, disturbance ensues. Sins never before recognized come to the surface. Varying forms of self-righteousness appear. These frequently resist stubbornly the tender ministrations of Spirit. Strong personal opinions, fortified by self-justification, present themselves. Only the humble, prayerful rising above personal sense into the perception of God's grace and glory— of the perfection of true being—wins the struggle and brings harmony. The Gethsemane experience precedes resurrection of consciousness and prepares us for the understanding of true peace.
Through the overcoming of error a more constant recognition of the presence of God is felt and true peace is realized. The peace indicated by the word peacemakers in the Beatitude referred to earlier is not merely a cessation of discomfort; nor is it peace at any price. It is the deep, comforting consciousness of spiritual harmony, of our oneness, or unity, with God.
Though this desired state is sometimes achieved through struggle and overcoming, it is also the fruit of prayerful acknowledgment of the truth and acceptance of our spiritual birthright. It is always coincident with our recognition of the presence and reality of Spirit. A moment-by-moment dwelling in the joy of Spirit, with constant gratitude for God's love, reveals a steadfast sense of the peace of God. Then peace becomes to us the normal and constant state of consciousness.
In these days of extreme disturbance in the world—cold wars, subtle and persistent aggression from anti-Christian ideologies, and threats of further world wars and disasters—a Christian Scientist has a very special opportunity to bring the ever-present peace of God to the realization of weary humanity. When he has achieved a degree of understanding of his own peace in God, he is better prepared to attain peaceful associations with friends, fellow workers, and acquaintances. He remembers at each stage that God works with him and that his friends and associates actually have no identity other than sonship with God.
One student of Christian Science worked with a girl many years ago with whom she had had very friendly relations. A series of incidents arose, however, that made friction between them; and the other girl, in spite of friendly advances, maintained a hostile attitude. The Christian Scientist was very much disturbed about this. One evening she prayed earnestly and humbly to be shown the way to break the barrier. While praying, she got a much clearer view of the fact that both she and her friend were in reality beloved children of God and so were at one with God and with each other. Then she was impelled to do a small service for the friend, one that had previously pleased her. The next day when she met the other girl at the office, even before this service had been performed, she was met with the utmost friendliness. This proved to her that the peaceful relationship had been restored by the humble realization of spiritual truth. And this friendly act received pleased appreciation.
We need not wait until we have achieved a constant realization of perfect peace within and harmonious relations with our friends before we attempt to pray for world peace. As God maintains His kingdom in perfect peace, His peace is always present; and prayer in affirmation of this spiritual fact is beneficent, whatever our stage of experience may be. But our realization of peace within and peace with our neighbors is a practical contribution to our realization of the universal concept of peace. It strengthens us, helping to ally us with the deific power wherein is fullness of peace. Mrs. Eddy tells us (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 96): "This material world is even now becoming the arena for conflicting forces. On one side there will be discord and dismay; on the other side there will be Science and peace. The breaking up of material beliefs may seem to be famine and pestilence, want and woe, sin, sickness, and death, which assume new phases until their nothingness appears. These disturbances will continue until the end of error, when all discord will be swallowed up in spiritual Truth."
Every overcoming of the false qualities from which all wars stem will forward this swallowing up of error in spiritual truth. Every understanding prayer of the Christian Scientist, every joyful recognition of the presence of Spirit, will reveal the peace on earth which the angels announced at the birth of Jesus.
Of all spiritual qualities contributory to the attainment of the peace of God, the love referred to in Jesus' two great commands (Mark 12:29-31) is most potent. These two commandments indicate the universal reflecting of divine Love. If obedience is given to these, no space remains in consciousness for the entrance of irritation, distrust, resentment, or any other apparently peace-destroying quality. In Science and Health our Leader writes (p. 264): "Spiritual living and blessedness are the only evidences, by which we can recognize true existence and feel the unspeakable peace which comes from an all-absorbing spiritual love." This "all-absorbing spiritual love" enables us to feel, know, and dwell in peace. Every loving thought, act, and impulse brings the heart closer to true satisfaction and peace. And the recognition and cherishing of the manifestation of spiritual love in others make the experiencing of peace in our own consciousness more constant and forward the impulsion of peace on earth.
When we are compassionate, helpful, and above all when we refuse to see aught but the perfection of God and of man as His reflection, the peace of God becomes practicable. We see that an understanding of man's sonship with God is the basis for all true peacemaking, and this recognition bears holy power.
