Article September 15, 1945 Issue

Nothing to Forgive

RALPH CASTLE

It is generally conceded that the greatest instance of betrayal recorded in history is Judas's betrayal of the Master. Details of the incident as related in each of the four Gospels vary but little. One writer records that Jesus addressed Judas by name, and another states that he greeted him with the term "Friend." Jesus, however, did not ignore the evil, as witness his words as recorded in Matthew (26:24), "Woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed!" But he did not express any resentment toward the one who was immediately responsible for his public humiliation, his bodily suffering, and his crucifixion.

The Master allowed nothing personal to come between himself and Judas. He knew that the betrayal was actually directed against the Christ, Truth, which he represented. And this great spiritual fact was soon to be recorded when from the cross he cried, "Father, forgive them." Jesus called upon the Father to forgive those who wished to put him to death, and in his resurrection he proved the utter powerlessness of evil to kill the Christ-idea. His attitude toward Judas illustrated his Christliness.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, did not escape persecution. One has only to read the authorized biographies of her life to realize how vicious were the attacks leveled at her, not alone from those who were unacquainted with her, but from many of her professed friends. The materially-minded turned in wrath against the spiritual truth she revealed, and reviled her when she persisted in presenting to the world a religion founded on the true understanding of God. Yet, in trials of her faith, when calumny was heaped upon her, she prayed to God to direct and control her thoughts and actions, and she expressed love and tolerance toward those who had wronged her. Like the Way-shower, she realized that the hatred of the world is powerless, and that Love alone is real and powerful.

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
Tempered Wind
September 15, 1945
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit