Article January 8, 1916 Issue

Communion

ELISHA B. SEELEY

Jesus said, "Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life." Again he said, "He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him." In other words, he that dwells in the realization or consciousness of existence as the manifestation of Life, Truth, and Love, and in whom this consciousness dwells, is spiritually and practically partaking of the Christ-life, and this at-one-ment is made manifest in health and holiness.

Communion as understood in Christian Science is not a commemorative rite, but the recognition of the divine ever-presence. It is celebrated neither at Jerusalem nor in Boston, but "in the secret place of the most High;" neither in temples of stone nor under cathedral dome, but in our "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens,"—in other words, in our consciousness.

The true concept of communion and its spiritual significance is wonderfully elucidated in the by-law regarding it written by Mrs. Eddy in connection with the original organization of The Mother Church, and published in The Christian Science Journal of August, 1889. It reads as follows: "The sacrament shall be observed . . . by a short interval of solemn and silent self-examination by each member, as to his or her fitness to be called a follower of Christ, Truth; as to his real state of love toward man, and fellowship and communion with Christ; as to whether he is gaining in the understanding and demonstration of Truth and Love, coming out from the world and being separated from error; growing less selfish, more charitable and spiritual, yea, walking worthy his high calling. It shall be observed by silent prayer after the manner that casts out error and heals the sick, and by sacred resolutions to partake of the bread that cometh down from heaven, and to drink of his cup of sorrows and earthly persecutions, patiently for Christ's sake (Truth's sake), knowing that if we suffer for righteousness, we are blessed of our Father."

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