Article January 22, 1938 Issue

Maintaining the Light

MABEL REED HYZER

Jesus constantly endeavored to establish in human consciousness an understanding of the kingdom of heaven, which Mary Baker Eddy defines, in part, in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 590), as "the reign of harmony in divine Science." The parable of the ten virgins, as it is related in the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew, begins by showing what the kingdom of heaven is like, and proceeds to unfold the process by which its realization may be gained.

In this parable, as in others, the use of familiar objects or customs points to the true and deeper meaning. The virgins, going forth to meet the bridegroom, typify pure thought seeking "spiritual understanding," which is part of Mrs. Eddy's definition of "bridegroom," found in Science and Health (p. 582). And Jesus' words, "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God," may be taken to describe the condition of consciousness typified by the virgins in this parable.

The parable relates the virgins' experience in providing oil for their lamps. Seeking spiritual understanding is a human experience, and to have light is the seeker's imperative necessity. Mrs. Eddy, on page 592 of Science and Health, gives five synonyms for the word "oil": "Consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration." The activity denoted by these words follows logically in the order in which they appear in the definition.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

The Giving of Testimony