In the Christian Science Bible Lesson May 27, 2013 Issue

Help build a holy church

For the Lesson titled "Ancient and Modern Necromancy, alias Mesmerism and Hypnotism, Denounced" from May 27 - June 2, 2013

Maya Dietz

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.