Article May 1, 1943 Issue

Light on the Jericho Road

FRANCES M. GORRELL

Mark's Gospel gives a graphic account of the healing of a blind man, as Jesus "went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people." Blind Bartimaeus sat by the wayside, begging. He had evidently heard about Jesus and his healing work, for when Jesus was passing he cried out, not for money or food, but for mercy. Jesus asked him what he should do for him. The blind man replied, "Lord, that I might receive my sight," and the story ends with the record of an instantaneous healing, the man showing his gratitude by following Jesus in the way.

There are to be found on the Jericho road today the blind, the sick, the discouraged, the fearful, and the sorrowful, all looking for relief from some source; and, thanks to Christian Science, there is help for each and every one, for the Christ is ever asking, "What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?" Whether the need be for physical healing, a more harmonious home, or financial supply, the one great need is for a clearer vision of reality, a spiritual discernment of perfect God and perfect man, a more practical realization of true spiritual being. Fear and limitation need to be cast out of thought, as the blind man cast away his garment, so that nothing can hinder or obstruct the receiving of spiritual ideas. The arguments of mortal mind would try to dissuade one from seeking spiritual help, and there is a pressing need of realizing that no suggestion can interfere with the search for Truth, and thereby hinder one from receiving divine Love's gift, the glorious appearing of the Christ in human consciousness. The call of Truth, "Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee," is insistent, and health, joy, freedom abound for all who listen and obey.

Mary Baker Eddy has written in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 403), "Mortal mind is constantly producing on mortal body the results of false opinions; and it will continue to do so, until mortal error is deprived of its imaginary powers by Truth, which sweeps away the gossamer web of mortal illusion." Self-deception, sitting by the roadside of human beliefs, contemplating lack, disaster, and failure, all phases of mortal mind, is but "the gossamer web of mortal illusion." Material thought dims one's vision and tends to hide the facts of real being, but again Truth's command comes to rise into higher, holier thinking, and as one rises, the "web of mortal illusion" is broken, so that one steps forth free and unfettered, rejoicing to know that only the real is present, and that Truth alone reigns in might, glory, and majesty. False views, misunderstandings, discords—all dreams of mortal mind—are swept away by the mighty power of Truth.

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