Article October 16, 1926 Issue

Touching the Hem

ESTHER V. MC GRUDER

How often there comes to us a sense of humble gratitude when, through the glorious light of Christian Science, we receive a new and better understanding of some verse or verses in the Bible! In the ninth chapter of Matthew, in three brief verses, there is told simply and concisely the healing of the woman who had been diseased for twelve years. She came behind Jesus and touched the hem of his garment; "for she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole." And we learn that the healing was accomplished then and there; for "the woman was made whole from that hour." The questions arise: What is "the hem of his garment;" and how may we touch it and be made whole? For to prove that man is whole and perfect now is the sincere and earnest desire of every Christian Scientist, and a vital part of Christian healing.

In "Miscellaneous Writings" (pp. 74, 75) Mary Baker Eddy gives the following illuminating explanation: "If you will admit, with me, that matter is neither substance, intelligence, nor Life, you may have all that is left of it; and you will have touched the hem of the garment of Jesus' idea of matter." Recognizing our aim as a desire to touch the hem of Christ's garment, what must be our method of approach? First, this sick woman must have finished with material methods. After finding them of no avail for twelve years, she must have turned her thought toward the new spiritual method of healing, because she greatly desired to reach Jesus. And she did not even ask that he turn and speak to her. She sought only to get near enough to him to enable her to touch his garment. Here was a faith-lighted thought; and we have it in Jesus' own words that her faith healed her.

A willingness to give up error, a right desire, true humility, and faith were her avenues of approach to Truth, as they are ours today. Turning away from old material methods, desiring and humbly approaching the spiritual, together with exercise of faith, these will do for mankind now just what they have always done,—heal or make whole, physically and spiritually.

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