Reflecting the Light of Love

The human sense of light is variable, but the revelation of Christian Science shows spiritual light to be the manifestation of God's ever-prescnce, wholly spiritual and invariable. This light knows no absence of itself nor of its brightness, radiance, color, and warmth.

Wherever the sun's rays appear, there is instant light. As light declares the sun's presence and is inseparable from it, so spiritual man, the expression of Love, God, is eternally inseparable from his divine source and is ever bearing witness to that source. Derivative is never separate from origin.

Individual man is like a ray of light, reflecting the nature of Love, the wholeness of being. Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health (p. 539 ), "God could never impart an element of evil, and man possesses nothing which he has not derived from God."

In Christian Science we learn that the light of Love's ever-presence can dispel the darkness of despondency and destitution and all the fears that would envelop mankind. Exposed as nothingness, ignorant evil loses all semblance of reality; for God knows it not, and what He does not know does not exist.

In Miscellany, Mrs. Eddy writes (p. 301 ), "Christian Science is a reflected glory; it shines with borrowed rays—from Light emitting light." Our reflection of the light of Love must be cherished with consecration and humility so that our way may become ever brighter and the joy of finding good in the good we do to others may be increased.

An enduring lesson may be gained from the parable of the ten virgins, given in the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew. The five wise virgins, their lamps filled with oil, were prepared to go forth and meet the bridegroom; they were ready for a higher spiritually exalting experience. The other five had, through lassitude and neglect, failed to provide oil for their lamps and therefore were not ready for the call. The account states that "while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut."

As students of Christian Science, let us keep our consciousness filled with the oil of consecration through communion with God so that we shall be prepared for the midnight call. Then we can go forward with undimmed inspiration, bringing comfort, healing, and succor to those in need. In Daniel we read (12:3 ), "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."

One night a student of Christian Science was called to journey to an unfamiliar part of the city. No taxis were available at the end of the transit line, and in order to reach his destination he had to walk several blocks. This neighborhood had a bad reputation and was considered dangerous after dark.

Lifting his thought in contemplation of ever-present Love, the student rejoiced in knowing that wherever he was, Love was there also and that as God's beloved child he was enveloped in the light of His presence, regardless of fearsome suggestions to the contrary. The walk along the dimly lighted streets was accomplished in safety; the sense of God's nearness was like a glow lighting the way.

On starting the return journey, the student became aware that two rough-looking men, whom he had noticed loitering in front of the house, were following him. He rejected the urge to hurry and confidently knew that these men were in reality God's children and that the dear Father loved them too. He knew that the suggestion of danger would disappear in the light of his understanding of Love's presence and of the brotherhood of man in the likeness of God. And so it proved. The men came up and said they would see him safely to the place where he could obtain transportation.

On the way a pleasant conversation ensued. All too quickly, it seemed, they reached their goal, and the men bade him goodnight and turned back. All the way home the student rejoiced in this comforting verse from the Bible (Ps. 27:1 ): "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

In this experience the illusion of danger faded before the faith-lighted spiritual understanding that man is secure in God's ever-present love. And who can tell what enlightenment may have come to those two helpful men? Who or what can withstand the light of omnipresent divine Love?

We find in Christian Science that as our understanding of and confidence in God's allness are maintained, we are safe and free. Error of any sort can find no entrance into a consciousness filled with Love. So the kingdom of heaven will continue to unfold within us until the appearing of that inevitable, perfect day when good shall be fully understood as supreme and the shadow of earthliness fades away.

Until that revelation dawns, Christian Scientists will labor in the field of human consciousness, reflecting Love and rejoicing in the knowledge that those with whom they come in contact will be benefited even as they themselves are blessed. Christ Jesus said (Matt. 5:16 ), "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."