Article February 17, 1917 Issue

Our Father

INEZ KOCH

To the student of Christian Science fundamental truths contained in the Bible seem to unfold in limitless ways, thus proving the infinitude of the one Mind. It is the nature of truth to unfold itself, because it is infinite. The Lord's Prayer, simple and short as it is, has been unfolding to human consciousness for centuries, and is doing so now in an ever more enlightening way. Mrs. Eddy, with her clear spiritual understanding of the Scriptures, interprets the opening words of this prayer, "Our Father which art in heaven," as meaning "Our Father-Mother God, all-harmonious" (Science and Health, p. 16). The completeness of man's parentage is here indicated.

When told by his disciples that his mother and brothers were waiting to see him, Jesus replied, "Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?" To this he added, "Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." He similarly instructed his disciples to call no man father upon the earth. This should surely lift the load from many a weary heart, anxious or troubled for one near and dear, burdened with a sense of responsibility which is wholly false,—for can we not leave God's children to His omnipotent care?

It may be that there is in some cases a sense of resentment harbored at relationships which seem to have brought little sweetness into our lives. The realization that no tie holds man but the tie to the one "Father-Mother God, all-harmonious," will serve to destroy resentment and replace it with the loving compassion which sees man as the idea of the one Father, and refuses to see him as sinful or sick. Children can hardly be taught too soon to look up to their true parent, "our Father-Mother God," for in loving obedience to His law there will be found loving obedience to His right demand made upon them.

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