I am very grateful for how through my time in Plainfield the Parable of the Prodigal Son has taken on so much more meaning, just as many other Bible stories have.
This week, I was thinking how, in each case, the two brothers did what they felt was right. One “wasted his substance with riotous living” (Luke 15:13) and the other “neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment” (Luke 15:29) while serving his father. The prodigal, upon coming back, was ready to serve with humility, meekness, and gratitude. The brother who never left may have spent his time serving, but his time living the way he felt was right did not give him a sense of mercy, forgiveness, or compassion.
This has made me look within to examine my thoughts about people who have taken different paths than me — and who think differently than I do — to make sure I am capable and willing to look on them with a sense of mercy, forgiveness, and compassion. Christian Science, these lessons, and practitioner support have shown me that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and children of God. I also have learned that animal magnetism is seemingly throwing all kinds of obstacles in our path, and I have no right to be apathetic to what anyone is going through, especially since I have done my share of stumbling and falling in my own life and am grateful for every kind word and helping hand I have received.
One of my favorite Bible verses is “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” — Christ Jesus (John 12:32) What Christian Science and this church has done for me is lift the Christ above personality, above the “dust to dust” of old theology, and above petty human thinking and material differences, and through lifting the Christ up in that right way it has drawn me up higher. This higher vantage is not so I look down on others, but so I am ready to pull others up with joy, compassion, and love in my heart. I am so grateful for this, and I am grateful also to know that this right action is drawing ALL away from the earth and up to the Christ, and back to our Father-Mother God.
Thank you for this lesson, and for all that is taught here! What a mission we have!