Article March 24, 1923 Issue

Hospitality

DAISY BEDFORD

In the epistle of Peter, that apostle says, "Use hospitality one to another without grudging." Perhaps one of the most perplexing problems presenting itself to the busy practitioner of Christian Science is compliance with this simple direction of Peter; and one student found it an ever increasing difficulty as the needs of her work apparently demanded every second of her time. She frequently asked herself the question, Am I fulfilling the law of Love by being unable, seemingly, to invite others to my house in the simple friendly fashion of earlier days? As she pondered over the matter, with an earnest desire to work it out in accordance with the demands of divine Principle, the light suddenly dawned, and the student realized more clearly than ever before the true meaning of the word "hospitality." This word is derived from the same root as "hospital," and, therefore, indicates that its true meaning is associated with the healing of those diseased in mind and body.

Our Way-shower, in accepting and showing hospitality, never for one instant lost sight of his mission of healing. He was ever available to those who, weary and heavy-laden, sought freedom and surcease from their problems. As the honored guest of Simon the Pharisee he was sought for, even there, by the "strange woman," who found the healing she so earnestly craved. At the wedding feast he demonstrated the power of the Christ "to give to human life an inspiration by which man's spiritual and eternal existence may be discerned," as Mrs. Eddy tells us on page 65 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." And many other instances could be quoted, showing that Jesus practiced true hospitality in extending to suffering humanity that which they were seeking. With simple directness the gospel narrative, telling of the multitude which followed him wherever he went, concludes the description with the words, "And he healed them." Should not the Christian Science practitioner realize, too, that this true form of hospitality is his or her privilege, and not be contented with any lesser ideal? At the present moment the world is crying out, with a cry that will not be stilled, "They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him;" and patiently and lovingly Christian Scientists are endeavoring, by following in the footsteps of their Master and emulating his example in healing the sick and the sinning, to prove to the world that the Christ is indeed here, "even unto the end of the world."

Mrs. Eddy says in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 357) of humility, it has "no time for idle words, vain amusements, and all the et cetera of the ways and means of personal sense." In spite of this, how often a Lazarus lies at our door, beseeching help and receiving none because our gaze is fixed in other directions! Nero's name has been handed down to posterity with the greatest sense of opprobrium because of his callous, heartless behavior; and yet, in our day, are we not often engaged in following his example in some direction? The carnal mind is frightened by the strong demands of Truth. Like Lot, when the opportunity comes to ascend the mount of inspiration, it pleads for the city of little endeavor. "I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die: behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live." Lot's life was one of backsliding. He chose the easy path of present advantage; whereas Abraham, a type of the true seeker for Truth, sought always for "a city which hath foundations;" and it was his privilege to be called "the Friend of God."

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