Article March 30, 1929 Issue

The Walk to Emmaus

M. VIOLET PALMER

"While they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them," we read in the Gospel of Luke. Has not each one, in the study and practice of Christian Science, had a measure of the experience which came to the two disciples in their walk with Jesus to Emmaus? Perhaps we have been struggling for some time with a problem, and have yielded to the temptation to outline the precise solution which we consider from the human standpoint would be the correct one. This impulse to arrange or adjust according to mere human will, receives a rebuke in Jesus' words to Peter when the disciple wished to prevent Jesus' course: "Thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."

The correct solution to all problems is discerned only through self-denial and humble obedience. The spiritual idea must be held to at whatever cost. It is just at this point that we often have a severe struggle, and error would claim to send up a mist of confusion, doubt, and fear. Then is the time to take the quiet road to Emmaus, and, with the aid provided for us in the Bible and our beloved Leader's writings, to study and ponder, humbly asking that the Christ, Truth, may lead and enlighten us. Then, perhaps almost imperceptibly, the import, the spiritual meaning of the Word, will grow upon our thought.

We begin with the earnest endeavor to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the great command of the divine law, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord." This divine command includes the correlative command to love one's neighbor as one's self. The demonstration of these commands of divine law demands moral courage, patience, and persistence. The steadfast endeavor to practice love for God and man will lead us on and into the light of inspiration and revelation; and at this point we shall begin to gain a sense of peace and assurance. But if we would behold the Christ, Truth, with us, we must open wide the door of our consciousness, by purifying our aims, motives, and affections.

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