IN THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE BIBLE LESSON February 11, 2008 Issue

A weekly column in which writers discuss Bible passages that appear in the Christian Science Bible Lessons.

THE JOY OF CARING FOR OTHERS

GLORY HOLZWORTH

WE'D FINALLY MADE IT! After ten hours in heavy traffic, we arrived in the late evening at the home of some good friends. Their porch light was on, and they welcomed us warmly with a hearty meal and a comfortable bed. Every detail for our happiness during that stay had been carefully thought out. We felt so very loved—and grateful.

This week's Christian Science Bible Lesson on the subject "Soul" made me think of that gracious hospitality. The Lesson—filled with emphasis on spiritual joy—includes stories of people caring for others' happiness. But what I loved most was how this Lesson opened up an exploration of hospitality for me from a deeply spiritual view.

God's loving provision, similar to that of a joyful host, appears right up front in the Responsive Reading and in the first section of the Lesson, where we are invited to know the "way of holiness," in a land that is beautiful, like a desert blossoming "as the rose." Here God, for whom Soul is a helpful synonym, reigns supreme. His dwelling place is comfortable and pleasing—where animals find refuge as well. It's peaceful here. The people are righteous, joyful, and glad, their residence secure. They have God's promise: "I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul" (Jer. 32:41). And there is further assurance in this opening citation from Science and Health: "Soul, or Spirit, is God, unchangeable and eternal; and man coexists with and reflects Soul, God, for man is God's image" (p. 120).