Help build a holy church

During Holy Week, Pope Francis washed the feet of women, earning praise from some for breaking with culture in the name of faith and condemnation from others for abandoning faith in the name of culture. Whatever others may think, surely Pope Francis was true to his sense of God’s call. We, too, are called to respond to the Christly demand that we support church with our individual gifts and insights. 

This week’s Christian Science Bible Lesson, titled “Ancient and Modern Necromancy, alias Mesmerism and Hypnotism, Denounced,” helps us to pray, watch, and work effectively in the pursuit of the health of all humankind. Such moral courage often requires challenging beloved, and what may appear to be sacred, cultural norms within one’s own community. But have courage—you can wear the armor of God, as the writer of the Epistle to the Ephesians declares (see 6:11 , Responsive Reading)!

The story at the center of the Lesson is of Nehemiah returning from exile in Babylon to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, almost 100 years after the Israelites had been allowed to return (see Nehemiah 2, 4, 6, Sections 2–4). The Israelites had been slow to return, and many had strayed far from their faith after generations of intermarriage and cultural adaptation. Nehemiah was tasked with standing in the breach—putting himself at risk to protect and defend others and the traditions—which meant both rebuilding the wall and reteaching the law. Many resisted Nehemiah’s efforts, including other Israelites. But he persisted, and through prayer was led to thwart attempts to stop the building and to inspire those who were weakened by fear.

Mary Baker Eddy understood the nature of Nehemiah’s task. She encouraged us to “Expose and denounce the claims of evil and disease in all their forms, but realize no reality in them” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 447 , cit. 17). She also recognized that such action was not easy, writing: “Attempts to conciliate society and so gain dominion over mankind, arise from worldly weakness. He who leaves all for Christ forsakes popularity and gains Christianity” (p. 238 , cit. 19). Science and Health emphasizes how important it is to be a law to yourself, to know yourself and God so well that you cannot be tempted to back down before evil, or be lulled into mistaking error for good (see, for example, p. 234 , cit. 12; p. 102 , cit. 16).

In the first section, the author of Deuteronomy condemns practices such as child sacrifice and witchcraft (see 18:10-12 , cit. 3). These were acceptable cultural practices at the time that are totally contrary to our faith. They were done in the name of faith, but were really a reflection of cultural customs. Sometimes it is easier to see what needs condemning in others’ cultures and religions than it is to see the breaches in our own. But in order to stand up for church, we need to look at our own practices. Are our actions truly actions of faith, or are they reflections of culture that undermine and weaken church? Do we judge as unfaithful and not include those who don’t behave a certain way? Do we worship our church buildings? These represent breaches in the wall that allow mortal mind to get in and attempt to destroy church. 

The author of Job wrote, “Unto God would I commit my cause” (5:8 , cit. 5). God, not human institutions or culture. Science and Health explains, “No reservation is made for any lesser loyalty” (p. 183 , cit. 20). Let your standard bearer be the Christ. Help build a holy city—church in its most fundamental sense—where the people of God can live with the certainty of God’s ever-presence (see Ezekiel 48:35 , cit. 15).