Peace
April 29, 1999
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Peace is certainly desirable, but a couple of members reminded us with readings from the Bible and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy how much turmoil is sometimes involved in achieving this illusive state. For instance in Deuteronomy the Lord God outlines treatment for a conquered city that rivals current cruelties in Kosovo. And some of the readings from Mrs. Eddy alert us that "...the muddy river bed must be stirred in order to purify the stream," (Science and Health, p. 540:9) and that "Peace has no foothold on the false basis that evil should be concealed," (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 209:23).
In this latter regard, the member who secured his lease as reported last week amended his testimony to include the work he had to do to clear off anti-Semitic stereotyping around his dealings with his landlord — he remembered this part of the work as he gave the testimony at a local branch during the week. He remarked there that he thanked God for problems as long as sinful beliefs lurk below the surface blocking healing.
The sweep of history reveals the inevitability of wars and commotions as long as mankind believes in many minds or egos. The work in Christian Science is to access and demonstrate the one Mind, God, as the source and condition of being — thus bringing out peace individually and collectively.
In this work it is clear that anger and rage must be confronted and the drive to self-preservation put on a firmer base than mere mortal weaponry. One member wanted to explore and work on an even deeper, and hardly ever mentioned level which he calls "the urge to blood sacrifice". He feels this unacknowledged drive in the human psyche accounts for the bloody excesses shown in such massacres as the Nazi, Cambodian and Hutu-Tutsi experiences as well as those in Kosovo and even Colorado. In primitive societies, this drive is sacramentalized and thereby tamed to some extent. The physical killing of the one sacrificed and the opening of his body to allow the spirit to re-unite with the gods was the main reason for this practice. Remnants of it are found throughout the Old Testament (see the Abraham-Isaac story in Genesis 22) but as well in Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection and ascension which refers to Passover — another example of this energy. Christian Science needs to be brought to bear on the drive's unacknowledged modern expressions. The starting point would have to be that it does not arise from anger or rage but is a sacramental act! Therefore this statement from Psalms seems apt: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise," (51: 17). And in Science we are called upon to open our hearts to the realization of Divinity's all-ruling presence, which in turn sacramentalizes all living. Our member wants any comments and reflections on this work as he feels it is quite a new area of exploration and potential healing.
Idealization of the past, particularly the "Fabulous Fifties" came up for comment. As we thought it over, it presented the perfect example of "peace, peace when there is no peace," (Jeremiah 8: 11). With all the problems and lack of peace today, who would want to return to the era of possible instantaneous nuclear annihilation, McCarthyism, racism, sexism and homophobia? We have quite enough on our plate today of evil demanding translation into its divine reality.
One member pointed out the link between individual serenity and demonstration, including world peace. Another read the passage from Miscellaneous Writings, p. 133: 26-2, which includes the following statements: "In the midst of depressing care and labor I turn constantly to divine Love for guidance, and find rest," and, "Love makes all burdens light, it giveth a peace that passeth understanding, and with 'signs following.' "
The following demonstrations were reported:
- At our meeting April 15th, a member asked the Group to work with him on the problem of a neighbor's barking dog. He had tried everything over a two-year period — including a court order — without positive results. Last Saturday morning the barking started; our friend threw up his hands in exasperation and suddenly found himself able to take a stand in absolute Science — he "took it to the top!", as he described it to us. Principle alone was operative; there was no past filled with pain and anguish, no future to dread. He rejoiced in the presence of God alone being him, the dog and his owner. The barking stopped. Later he noticed the dog sleeping in his front yard — he was off his short leash, the gate was open and apparently his owner trusted him to behave. Our member was flooded with gratitude and saw the dog's sense of self-esteem as having been greatly enhanced. The serenity has continued.
- An internet friend reported an incident with his dog. They were out for a walk and the dog was let off the leash. Soon he was out of sight. Our friend prayed to know that the dog was cared for and directed by God. Pretty soon up he ran. Our friend gave him a stern No, but felt he could not be too cross with him since he had been praying to see God in control of the situation. The dog did go back on the leash.
- A member was shocked to hear that her communal center will soon close and participants will be transferred to another center. She fears losing friends and supportive professionals in the shuffle. She has been countering her fears with an editorial in the Nov. 6, 1999 edition of the Christian Science Sentinel. It's entitled "Raising Our Expectations". She not only can be fearless, but know that her needs will be met and even exceeded. Why limit developments?
- Two members worked together during the week on grief over the passing of greatly beloved friends. One reported a profound release and breakthrough of reality. As he talked about the situation with another trusted friend, he was able to let in the fact that the departed one loved him very much and to sense this love as the highest human understanding of divine Love in the circumstances.
- Another member amplified her handling of a mouse intrusion reported a few weeks back. She saw that two divine ideas could not interfere with each other. We felt that this law was applicable to struggles over space such as those going on in Kosovo, the Holy Land or even in regard to minority rights in this country.
- Another member pulled something in his side as he was doing housework. He could hardly breathe and got quite frightened. There was nothing to do but go to absolute Truth — God was his only action and substance. He knew this with all his heart. The pain ceased immediately. He was free but then took note of some hovering memories of conflictive events earlier in the day and some dire astrological predictions. He wisely cleared these off with Science.
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Through the wholesome chastisements of Love, we are helped onward in the march towards righteousness, peace, and purity, which are the landmarks of Science. Beholding the infinite tasks of truth, we pause,—wait on God. Then we push onward, until boundless thought walks enraptured, and conception unconfined is winged to reach the divine glory.
Who that has felt the loss of human peace has not gained stronger desires for spiritual joy? The aspiration after heavenly good comes even before we discover what belongs to wisdom and Love. The loss of earthly hopes and pleasures brightens the ascending path of many a heart. The pains of sense quickly inform us that the pleasures of sense are mortal and that joy is spiritual.
In Isaiah we read: "I make peace, and create evil. I the Lord do all these things;" but the prophet referred to divine law as stirring up the belief in evil to its utmost, when bringing it to the surface and reducing it to its common denominator, nothingness. The muddy river-bed must be stirred in order to purify the stream. In moral chemicalization, when the symptoms of evil, illusion, are aggravated, we may think in our ignorance that the Lord hath wrought an evil; but we ought to know that God's law uncovers so-called sin and its effects, only that Truth may annihilate all sense of evil and all power to sin.
God has built a higher platform of human rights, and He has built it on diviner claims. These claims are not made through code or creed, but in demonstration of "on earth peace, good-will toward men." Human codes, scholastic theology, material medicine and hygiene, fetter faith and spiritual understanding. Divine Science rends asunder these fetters, and man's birthright of sole allegiance to his Maker asserts itself.
Spiritual living and blessedness are the only evidences, by which we can recognize true existence and feel the unspeakable peace which comes from an all-absorbing spiritual love.
In the midst of depressing care and labor I turn constantly to divine Love for guidance, and find rest. It affords me great joy to be able to attest to the truth of Jesus' words. Love makes all burdens light, it giveth a peace that passeth understanding, and with "signs following." As to the peace, it is unutterable; as to "signs," behold the sick who are healed, the sorrowful who are made hopeful, and the sinful and ignorant who have become "wise unto salvation"!
To suffer for having "other gods before me," is divinely wise. Evil passions die in their own flames, but are punished before extinguished. Peace has no foothold on the false basis that evil should be concealed and that life and happiness should still attend it.