Article January 22, 1927 Issue

Opportunity

ALICE CARY VICTOR

"Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." These words came to the thought of a Christian Scientist as she read in The Christian Science Monitor that the Board of Directors of The Mother Church had sent a considerable sum for relief work into a stricken district, and a deep sense of gratitude followed that the supply was there when the call came, ready to be expressed—awaiting the opportunity for expression.

Whence came this seemingly material supply? The Church Manual (p. 45) speaks of the "wide channels of The Mother Church." A definition of "channel" is "medium of conveying." Then, if the church has channels, there must be something to be conveyed; and it must be the recertacle and distributor of that which has to be conveyed. We know that the true understanding of Church covers the whole world's need; that wherever there is human necessity, it is there to meet that necessity, though human eye may not see it. Our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, tells us in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 559) that "the 'still, small voice' of scientific thought reaches over continent and ocean to the globe's remotest bound." The Church may be likened to a great reservoir fed by many rivers, these by streams, and these again in turn by brooks and springs—sources innumerable, each doing its part to swell the tide of love that is pouring out to a hungering, thirsting world.

Our opportunity, therefore, is to fill these channels. Is it not a joyous thought that we may do so; that no one can deny us the privilege; and that we may not deny ourselves this great privilege? Does one say, My income is so limited that I cannot give? Does the overburdened housewife and mother say, I have neither time nor opportunity? Does the businessman say, I am having a struggle to keep on my feet; I have not a dollar to spare? Christ Jesus had no visible income; yet to the burdened Martha he could say, "Mary hath chosen that good part"—spiritual understanding. He was about his Father's business. No one ever lived who worked more incessantly than he, and with no financial recompense; yet he never lacked any needed thing. And human problems are much the same to-day as in Jesus' time.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Poem
Gratitude
January 22, 1927
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit