Article April 1, 2013 Issue

Jesus' call to heal

Bob Bilhorn

In all the thousands of pages in Mary Baker Eddy’s published writings there is one paragraph that especially stands out to me. It begins: “When will Jesus’ professed followers learn to emulate him in all his ways and to imitate his mighty works?” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 37), and continues: “May the Christians of to-day take up the more practical import of that career!” This paragraph uses exclamation points and italics multiple times, and employs exceptionally strong rhetoric for emphasis.

Mrs. Eddy tells us specifically in that passage to: “Hear these imperative commands.” It’s important to note that her comments are directed to “every child, man, and woman,” imploring all to be obedient to Jesus’ commands: “ ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature!’ ‘Heal the sick!’ ” I am unaware of any other paragraph in all of her writings that has such emphasis and is such a motivating call to duty.

I was in my teens when I began to be a devoted student of Christian Science. The powerful commands and demands of that paragraph had a great impact on me. Reading that paragraph felt like having a private meeting with Mrs. Eddy—as though she were placing her hands on my shoulders, looking me straight in the eyes, and saying, “My dear, this is what I especially want you to understand and to do.” Also, I realized that, in point of fact, healing is itself an effective way to preach the gospel, making the biblical promises real and of service to mankind.