“compassionate love – our goal in healing”
/So many inspiring testimonies in this book, which I have not read since it was first published back in the 60’s! After rereading the whole book, I find that my choices (per the assignment) are not what they might have been many years ago, when I would have focused on the particular situations healed. Now what strikes me is the measure of Science that shines through the healing, and I guess this difference is a reflection on my own growth in Science. Of the many items I tagged, I mention three below:
Dr. Haviland, a medical physician who turned to Science, says on p. 32: “I found that the mode of living had more to do with gaining an understanding of the subject [CS] than reading and arguing, and one day the whole matter seemed to unfold itself to my consciousness, and since that moment I have had no shadow of a doubt concerning the absolute truth of the principles.” What I see in his “conversion” is that it’s the power of God itself, which accomplishes everything for us, not some human working-things-out independently to arrive at an answer satisfactory to oneself. This is totally the gift of God, and it is true enlightenment from above. We cannot find the answer anywhere else.
Captain William Arnold Wallinger, p.88, was instantaneously healed of a broken ankle when he experienced overpowering compassion for others who were living in abject deprivation.“The floodlight of Love entered my consciousness, seeking to the very joints and marrow. In that very moment I was instantly healed of all pain…. It showed me that if only we will reflect enough unselfed love, however adverse the material condition…our healing is absolutely certain.” I know that deeply compassionate love is what underlays Jesus’ instantaneous healings, and that, as Christian Scientists, compassionate love is our goal in healing, too. And that it will seem a mystery to us until we reach it. Also, that desiring it and earnestly seeking it will help to bring us to it.
The fascinating account of Adrienne Vinciguerra’s WWII experiences will probably be a favorite for many of us. I remember first reading it decades ago, and being impressed by her walking right out of the concentration camp and no one stopping her; also the many people whom she apparently raised from the dead after some air raids. This time around, I was struck by her decision to not leave Austria when the opportunity presented itself: “I was so used to turning to God before anything I ever did that I stopped in the hallway and said spontaneously: “What shall I do?” And the answer came as fast as the question had been asked: “Whom are you running away from? There are no enemies.”
How close she had grown to God through all her trials! It would seem that the more difficult our circumstances, the more we learn to turn to Him with complete trust. What wonderful freedom there is in such trusting God with total assurance born of experience!
The pilgrims and strangers in this book have helped us to make our own way spiritward, just as we, too will help others with our own healings and learning shared. Sharing is a great way to express gratitude because it is concrete action, which has results.