Article October 10, 1931 Issue

"No man gave unto him"

EDNA ROSS COWAN

FROM the human standpoint the parable of prodigal son holds unusual interest. How like it is to the experience of many of us before we know of Christian Science: dissatisfied with environment, longing to get away from the place where we are, to be free, feeling certain we should have a better time in some "far country"! Then, if we follow this impulse, there may be seeming enjoyment for a while, but it is followed by the inevitable famine — because feeding on the husks of materiality never satisfies — until we arise and return to the Father, and find the peace and joy which were and are always man's by divine birthright.

Viewed in the light shed upon it by Christian Science, what wealth of meaning is contained in this short parable! The father had been pouring out on his son all that could be desired; but to the son this seemed insufficient, and he asked for more. Thus, lack of gratitude led him into a "far country," where, according to the parable, he "wasted his substance with riotous living." It is easy to see how true substance, or spiritual understanding, would be lost sight of in material living. "When he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine" — a natural sequence, because in leaving his father's house and loving care the son surrendered his source of income.

Even when the son began to be in want he did not at once arise and return, but struggled along, attaching himself to a citizen of that "far country," still looking to matter for support, continuing his false association, and desiring to feed even on husks; but we read, "No man gave unto him." This statement is of tremendous import to the student of Christian Science. Here was one desiring to be fed with the materiality which never satisfies, and "no man gave unto him."

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