Editorial May 24, 1941 Issue

"Give ye them to eat"

Evelyn F. Heywood

On page 238 of "Miscellaneous Writings," Mary Baker Eddy makes this statement: "Who should care for everybody? It is enough, say they, to care for a few. Yet the good done, and the love that foresees more to do, stimulate philanthropy and are an ever-present reward."

This is the teaching of the parable of the good Samaritan as set forth by Jesus. This great philanthropist was commended because he went to help, not a friend, not even a fellow countryman, but an utter stranger. To him who lay wounded, robbed, and forsaken, he brought spiritual comfort. He brought him the lesson of true brotherhood, but he ministered also immediately and practically to his human need. In the words of the Master, he "came where he was."

In like manner Jesus told his disciples to minister to the multitude who had followed him into the wilderness. "Give ye them to eat," he said. He was not concerned that they might be encouraged to come another time rather for the loaves and fishes than for spiritual food. He set about immediately the supplying of that which should rest and sustain those who knew not how to provide for themselves. The purpose of the Christ is to meet the human need, to show compassion, to express mercy. The "love that foresees more to do" is that of limitless service on behalf of those who are in want; it is answering wherever possible the call for human help; it is coming, even as in the case of the good Samaritan, where people are, not where we may expect or desire them to be. It is never passing them by because of our more fortunate situation or greater metaphysical understanding, which we believe exempts us from service on their behalf.

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