Editorial November 15, 1975 Issue

Giving of Ourselves

Peter J. Henniker-Heaton

One of Jesus' best known lessons is what is commonly known as the parable of the prodigal son. It might well be called the parable of the constant father. The father, seeing the returning prodigal afar off, runs to meet him. The father does not wait at the gate or send a servant out; in wholehearted welcome he runs out himself.

When Christ Jesus commissioned his twelve closest disciples to preach and heal, he included in his charge: "Freely ye have received, freely give."^{Matt. 10:8;} In their giving they were to hold nothing back; they were to give without measure. And Jesus himself set the example. Repeatedly the Gospels depict his deep compassion—for individuals, for the confused multitudes, for the people of Jerusalem.

When some great good has come into our lives, we usually wish to share it with others. This is particularly true of those who have been touched and healed by the Christ Science; we wish to share it. To this end we may willingly give time, skills, money. But whether this sharing is on a one-to-one basis or through some collective activity, there is something else we need to give as well; we need to give of ourselves. One of Mrs. Eddy's students, describing the generous hospitality extended by the Leader of Christian Science to visitors in her home, writes, "Above all, she gave of herself freely."^{We Knew Mary Baker Eddy, First Series (Boston: The Christian Science Publishing Society, 1943), p. 30 ;} This giving of oneself is an essential part of giving freely.