Editorial January 13, 1945 Issue

Are We Willing to Wash the Brother's Feet?

John Randall Dunn

From the time of Paul to this year of our Lord, the celebration of what is known as Holy Communion has been possibly the most sacred rite of the Christian church. The apostle admonished those who would partake of the sacrament to approach this observance with humility and genuine heart-searchings. He cautioned against the error of memorializing the last supper "unworthily," and bade every celebrant subject himself to an examination of thought and motive before partaking of the traditional bread and wine.

According to Christ Jesus, as well as to Paul, no sin was blacker than, and no dereliction so inexcusable as, hypocrisy. An outward profession of piety, cloaking an inward unhealed sensualism, selfishness, and hate, brought forth the Master's sternest condemnation; and Paul in strong language states that "he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself" (I Cor. 11:29). Equally pungent are the observations on this question of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy. She writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 20), "To the ritualistic priest and hypocritical Pharisee Jesus said, 'The publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.'" Then she adds, speaking further of the Master, "He knew that men can be baptized, partake of the Eucharist, support the clergy, observe the Sabbath, make long prayers, and yet be sensual and sinful." The foregoing quotation is from that remarkable chapter in Science and Health entitled "Atonement and Eucharist." Certainly the student would do well to review these inspirational paragraphs frequently, and especially during the week when all Christian Scientists are studying the Lesson-Sermon on "Sacrament." There could be no better preparation for the Communion service than this.

I recall as a child hearing my parents discuss a situation which had arisen in the church of which they were members. It seemed that the minister had announced no communion for several months. Inquiries as to the reason for this omission brought forth the information that this earnest, conscientious shepherd of his flock felt that he could not administer the sacrament because of discord in his home. Honestly and sadly he assumed his share of the blame for the unfortunate condition, and stated that he could not preside at the sacred rite until, chastened and pardoned, he could approach the communion table with clean hands. Would that all professing Christians might celebrate the Lord's supper with the sincerity and consistency of this pastor! What happifying regeneration would follow, what newborn strengthening of resolve to "fight the good fight" and prevail!

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