Until the light of Christian Science is brought to bear upon thought, matter and material objects are considered substance by most of us. In three places, however, in the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, matter or flesh is referred to as a veil. What helpful illumination the understanding of this truth throws upon our experience!

Through the persistent and continuous denial of matter as substance, as presence, or as even a condition, the writer was lifted out of a severe physical disorder. With each presentment of pain and distress, thought was held to the truth that it was not matter that was crying out but only the veil of false belief claiming to cover or conceal the true status of man, which is abounding freedom and well-being.

In the measure that we work to pierce the veil of matter with spiritual understanding shall we become increasingly free from matter's claims of pain, lack, obstruction, heaviness, presence, and power.

The spiritual enlightenment, the illumination of consciousness, which is needed to accomplish this, is available for all in Christian Science. Throughout our Leader's writings we are told, with great variety of statement and proof, that matter is but mortal mind objectified. When matter is seen and acknowledged as such, then correction of wrong thinking will destroy whatever error is claiming to be present.

"The last act of the tragedy on Calvary rent the veil of matter, and unveiled Love's great legacy to mortals: Love forgiving its enemies," states Mary Baker Eddy in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 124). Paul, too, saw that the crucifixion of Jesus had torn apart the veil which before had deterred the Master's followers from full acceptance of his teachings. In his message to the Hebrews the apostle's words, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh," indicate that he has seen that matter is but a veil or mistiness of concept—not something to stand in awe of or for one single moment to consider as substance or something real. As long as mortal mind can hide behind the veil of matter it will deceive mortals and direct them in the wrong path, focusing attention upon matter instead of the real culprit, mortal mind. Mrs. Eddy, in her elucidation of "veil" in the Glossary of the textbook, gives as part of the definition, "a cover; concealment." That is what matter does: it conceals mortal mind, the root of every trouble, no matter what the situation needing improvement or aid.

When matter appears to be ailing, one of the first mortal feelings incited is fear. Now John left for us the precious precept. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear." and with our Master's rich legacy to mortals, we have the method within our grasp here and now with which to rend the veil of matter or the flesh.

It is not possible to hold within thought at the same time both distress and love. When material consciousness argues for precedence, let us reach out and up for love and more love, and thus rend the veil of matter and find right at that point redemption and healing. It is so much more natural to love than to fear or doubt or hate. Loving is as effortless as the shining of the sun. To love is to live. Fearing, doubting, and hating, because they attempt to do what is really impossible, are always effortful, heavy, laborious, and saddening.

When thought is loving there is a lightness, ease, and buoyancy in activity. Contrariwise, when the opposite of love—fear, caution, hate, anxiety—motivates activity, heaviness and tightness accompany action. Christian Science reveals that Love has no opposite, that it is the sum of all reality. Thus through the manifestation and reflection of Love and its essential qualities, we individually can rend the veil of materiality and win perfection.

The way and the goal are beautifully set before us on pages 40 and 41 of Science and Health: "The nature of Christianity is peaceful and blessed, but in order to enter into the kingdom, the anchor of hope must be cast beyond the veil of matter into the Shekinah into which Jesus has passed before us; and this advance beyond matter must come through the joys and triumphs of the righteous as well as through their sorrows and afflictions. Like our Master, we must depart from material sense into the spiritual sense of being."