Metaphysical Interpretation of Oil

MATTIE MARVIN PETTIT

Students of the Bible acknowledge that sacred Book as the guide of Life eternal. Mrs. Eddy says in the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 241), "Take away the spiritual signification of the Scripture, and that compilation can do no more for mortals than can moonbeams to melt a river of ice." To-day, as the result of her righteous desire and consecrated study, a pure spiritual interpretation of the Bible has unfolded to human consciousness which has enabled thousands to find the study of the Bible, together with the Christian Science textbook, both interesting and helpful, satisfying the desire for holy things. Not until this book furnished the "key" did men turn the sacred pages of Scripture with understanding and confidence, truly obedient to the Scriptural admonition, "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace."

How often has the student of Christian Science, in his study of a Bible verse or sentence, found that the spiritual interpretation of one word has enabled him to grasp the meaning of the text from an entirely different viewpoint, and to find the message applicable to his own problem! In the first paragraph of the Glossary to Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes (p. 579): "In Christian Science we learn that the substitution of the spiritual for the material definition of a Scriptural word often elucidates the meaning of the inspired writer. On this account this chapter is added. It contains the metaphysical interpretation of Bible terms, giving their spiritual sense, which is also their original meaning."

The word "oil" is defined in this chapter (p. 592) as "consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration." We have become accustomed to think of oil as merely a material product which men have utilized to advantage, and which serves us in many useful ways. In Biblical times anointing with oil was a sign of hospitality and courtesy. When reading the Scriptures and substituting the above definition for the word "oil," gains a higher spiritual vision, and thought is lifted above materiality.

Who upon reading in the seventh chapter of Luke's Gospel the story of the woman "which was a sinner" has not experienced a desire to share in her blessed redemption? And we shall all have our share in such redemption when we realize to a fuller extent the spiritual signification of her anointing of the Master's feet with oil. Is there not seen in her act the uplifted desire, the prayer that she might better understand the healing Christ, Truth, made manifest in her beloved Master, and that she might consecrate herself anew to her vision of the Christ in a life of purity and service? Was it not this mental attitude which enabled Jesus to see that she loved much and was forgiven?

It is related in the twelfth chapter of John that upon another occasion Mary, the sister of Martha, anointed the feet of Jesus with oil. Surely it was her spiritual sense, her consecration to and her love for the Christ, the spiritual idea, which won for her the privilege of thus anointing Jesus. To the faithful Mary this was true service, in which material cares were cast aside. We are told that "the house was filled with the odour of the ointment." This odor was indeed a sweet perfume, symbolizing the peace of uplifted consciousness.

Many instances are cited in the Bible of faithful shepherds keeping careful watch over their sheep. As night approached, each sheep was inspected, and if found bruised or hurt its wounds were anointed with oil before it was permitted to enter the fold. To the consciousness illumined by the spiritual teaching of Christian Science, tender, loving compassion, the fruit of prayer, enables the weary ones to find rest and peace within the fold. It is divine Love that heals the bruised and wounded heart. The desire to minister to the needs of our fellow-men cleanses thought of selfishness, supplying it with a purer love. Thus is thought ushered into the spiritual sense of existence, in which man is found safe in the bosom of the Father.

In Jesus' parable the foolish virgins who had no oil in their lamps endeavored to borrow oil from those who had plenty. But no one can borrow the oil of inspiration and prayer; each must receive of it for himself from God's abundant supply, which is free to all. If obedient and alert, we shall have our lamps filled with oil to guide us on our way from sense to Soul; and we should keep our gaze ever in the light which reveals God's perfect ideas. These ideas anoint consciousness with the "oil of gladness," which makes the "face to shine." The life of consecration shines forth in the healing of every problem that is solved rightly.

The Christian Scientist finds daily need of this spiritual oil in his growth heavenward; and with it he stills the troubled waters of mortal mind, and experiences the peace which is the reward of obedience, the peace which the world can neither give nor take away.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit