Editorial May 5, 1934 Issue

Meeting Human Needs

W. Stuart Booth

The inspired pronouncement and promise voiced by Mrs. Eddy on page 494 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need," is seen on the walls of many Christian Science churches and is quoted often by those who are impelled by gratitude to testify that the declaration has been verified in their experiences. Naturally the subject of meeting human needs is one of paramount importance to all mortals. Therefore, Christian Science makes a practical appeal to all, because it points the way whereby Christ Jesus met the needs of men, and it also enables sincere seekers for Truth to follow his example by proving God's loving care.

During his brief ministry among men the Master's understanding of the omnipresence and omnipotence of divine Love served to meet every need which was presented to him. The sick were healed, the blind received their sight, the lepers were cleansed, the sorrowing were comforted, the hungry were fed, the sin-bound were reformed and thus released. These and many other wonderful works wrought by Christ Jesus proved that Love's law of harmony and perfection is ever operative in behalf of all men, and is available to all who honestly and humbly endeavor to obey it. Although the Master knew that the real need of men is for spiritual sense and spiritual understanding, he saw that the best way to lead men toward this goal was by showing them the practical value of this understanding.

We are told in the tenth chapter of Luke's Gospel that Jesus was received hospitably in the home of Martha and Mary of Bethany. While Martha was busily engaged in serving a meal, her sister "sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word." In commending Mary's mental attitude in contrast with Martha's anxious material activity, the Master said, "But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." The fact that Martha was the first to meet Christ Jesus, on the occasion when he was to call her brother Lazarus from the tomb, may well indicate that she had ceased being anxious about material things, and had sought and gained at least a glimpse of the one thing needful. To be sure, Martha served when the Master again came to their home after Lazarus' restoration, but there is nothing to indicate that she was "troubled about many things" material.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Items of Interest