Saturday, December 27, 2008

"If Not Now, When?"---Hillel

Few, perhaps, expected an annus mirabilis in 2008, but how many anticipated what has become an annus horribilis, if there is such a term? No doubt many feel like insignificant bits of flotsam or jetsam desperately trying to stay afloat on an ocean of troubles. Yet, if one has Christian Science and clings to it faithfully he cannot fail to overcome the errors that beset him. The motto of Paris will then describe his dedicated efforts: fluctuat nec mergitur--it is tossed by the waves but does not sink.

New Year's resolutions and fruit cakes are often the targets of cynics, humorists, and realists.
The best laid schemes o' mice and men
Gang aft a-gley;
An' lea'e us nought but grief and pain,
For promis'd joy.
(Robert Burns, from "To a Mouse")
Mrs. Eddy and Christ Jesus have already laid before us all the resolutions we need. Without too much head-scratching, four from the Church Manual could be suggested.
o Article VIII, Sect 1: "A Rule for Motives and Acts"
o Article VIII, Sect 4: "Daily Prayer"
o Article VIII, Sect 6: "Alertess to Duty"
o Article XXX, Sect 7, "Healing Better than Teaching"

It is not enough to do better, think more about, or tackle one by one as time permits, which of course it never will. Eternity wouldn't be sufficient for that approach to progress. There is a good current ad slogan--for athletic shoes maybe--that might be followed: "Just do it". Endless talk (the mincing of ideas into a useless goo) won't do it, for it is far too easy to find oneself in the ludicrous contortion of having his lips outrun his legs. The too-thorough, solitary mastication of truths, moving them methodically from stomach to stomach, but never getting around to producing any milk, is also a futile enterprise.

A thoughtful look at the definition of year in the Christian Science textbook can help one individualize his goals for the coming hours, days, weeks, and years. Newness of thought is an ongoing need, but now is a good time to solidify and begin acting on good intentions, those noble velleities one proudly displays like curios on a mental shelf. To act, to do, enables one to rise above fragile human hopes to the realization of his desires in spite of the depraved tableau material conditions frequently present.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very good! Extremely well written and filled with good thoughts to start the New Year with. No, they should be put into action today!

Many thanks to an inspired blogger,

Anonymous said...

Love it, love it! You do give your readers so much to think about. Two thoughts stood out: in the first # where you say CS can overcome these conditions, and the last # which leaves one on a high note.
Many thanks to you!

Anonymous said...

You've done it again; sent me to the dictionary to look up a word I've never seen. I'm getting an education with my inspiration!
Appreciation and the happiest 2009 to you!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for an excellent entry. Those pointers you list from the By-laws of our Church so helpful. May I add something Mary Baker Eddy says in "Prose Works" (My l2)? "Faith in divine Love supplies the ever-present help, and now, and gives the power to 'act in the living present.'"
In fact, I would recommend to your readers the entire article title "Now and then". The whole article, to me, ties right in with your blog.

Anonymous said...

It's me again (anonymous). Looked up "velleities" on-line and learned something: a mere wish without effort to obtain it. Brings out your point precisely!

Anonymous said...

May God bless you in the New Year, dear blogger. Keep those wonderful entries coming!

Anonymous said...

Gratitude for all the wonderfully deep entries you've made over the months, and I urge you to continue into the new year. If I knew where to reach you, would go into much greater detail with what I feel. How our Cause needs people like you who see clearly the corruption in the Church, and who have the dedication to God and love for our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy to proclaim the Truth that will purify it.
God bless you!

Anonymous said...

Dear Blogger,
Thanks so much for helping Christian Scientists become deeper thinkers, more respectful of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, and of her wonderful writings.
Happiest New Year ever!

Anonymous said...

Love the premise of your latest. As it always is with you, very well expressed.
Thanks and have a lovely 2009!

Anonymous said...

Someone just recommended an earlier blog on "Earth to Mary Trammell..." which I just read. Hilarious! And enjoyed your latest. You have a new reader for sure.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year to you dear, faithful blogger and may God keep prospering this activity!

Anonymous said...

Hope you keep giving us food for thought. Would be interested to know what you think of what the January Journal has done, that people are dismayed at?
All the best to you!

Anonymous said...

May I offer my appreciation for many enlightening blog posts the past few months? I am looking forward to many more from your inspired website!

Anonymous said...

Want to wish you a most productive New Year, which I am sure it will be for one so dedicated to presenting Mary Baker Eddy's God-inspired discovery.
God bless you,

Anonymous said...

Thank God for a blog on Christian Science that is not CS lite! Really get a lot out of what you are sharing.
God keep you blogging, my friend!

Anonymous said...

Even though it has been several years since this blog was updated, I will add one more to the list of daily duties given to us in the Manual:

"Gratitude and love should abide in every heart each day through all the years." (Church Manual, 60:15)

The power of gratitude is so healing.

Thanks for all the posts, Christian. Happy days, wherever you are and whatever you are doing.