Article October 3, 1931 Issue

The Joy of Abiding

ANNA S. RAYNOLDS

CHRIST JESUS , the master Teacher, chose to speak to his disciples in parable and metaphor. Perhaps he did so because these word pictures are apt to remain in one's thought, and continually renew the truth of the teaching they contain. One of the most beautiful of these pictures, colored in the depths of Jesus' inspired thought, is that of the vine and its branches. Jesus explained to his disciples his reason for thus speaking: it was to tell them the source of their joy. We are told that the vine is an Eastern symbol of joy, and this parable was a communication of Jesus' secret of happiness. "These things have I spoken unto you," he said, "that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."

True joy, at which the world marvels, springs from an overflowing heart which finds its truest expression in humble, loving service. We may conclude, then, that this metaphor of the vine and the branches contains the very elements which, if we can find and apply them, will cause joy to spring up within us continually. The way to obtain it is clearly pointed out: he that abideth will bring forth much fruit; and to bring forth much fruit is joy.

Through the light which Christian Science throws on the Scriptures, we learn that when the Master said, "I am the true vine," he meant the whole vine, without a suggestion of separation. His teachings are very plain concerning the intimate union which exists between the vine and the branches —a union so close that each is incomplete without the other.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Readjustment in Business