Article June 19, 1937 Issue

"After ye were illuminated"

DOROTHY MARY HUTCHINGS

In the tenth chapter of the epistle to the Hebrews the writer recalls to his hearers "the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions." He reminds them of the reproaches and losses which they had undergone for the sake of the Gospel, and finishes on a note of certainty that their endurance will be rewarded.

In a consideration of this passage it is particularly helpful to note that the illumination comes first. The light which their understanding of the Christ had brought to those early workers was so intense, and so irradiated their whole consciousness, that they "endured a great fight of afflictions; ... were made a gazingstock ... and took joyfully the spoiling" of their goods, because they had seen something of spiritual reality which far transcended their material sense of substance.

These verses are of great value to us today. Conditions in the world are such that many seem to be struggling with adverse circumstances, and may perhaps be asking themselves why such things should have befallen them. Let us remember those helpful words "after ye were illuminated." The spiritual light which comes when we begin to understand the teachings of Christian Science illumines and shines through the consciousness of the student. Do we not need to tend this glorious light, to guard it watchfully? Perhaps unconsciously we had grown satisfied with the better material conditions which resulted from our first understanding of Christian Science; we may even have accepted the world's standard of prosperity. But worldly riches sometimes vanish overnight, and as we scan the material horizon we can find there no certitude of peace or contentment. These are obtained through a deeper sense of spiritual values, which brings out the permanent and enduring nature of good, and our own individual relationship to it.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Being a "good sport"
June 19, 1937
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit