Easter commemorates a singular event in the history of mankind — the resurrection of our Savior, Christ Jesus. His triumph over death, three days after his crucifixion, is the foundation of Christian hope and faith.

Mary Baker Eddy saw the Master’s glorious restoration to life as the culminating proof of the spiritual truths that he taught. It illustrated the need to move beyond doctrine to demonstration — a requirement for salvation that can only be achieved by forsaking matter for Spirit. In the Glossary of Science and Health (page 593), she defines “Resurrection” as follows:

“Spiritualization of thought; a new and higher idea of immortality, or spiritual existence; material belief yielding to spiritual understanding.”

Mrs. Eddy’s own experience in discovering Christian Science illustrates her definition. In 1866 she was restored to health three days after a near-fatal fall on the ice. As was her norm, in times of trial, she asked for her Bible. She opened it to Matthew 9:2 — the account of Jesus healing the man sick of the palsy. She describes the influx of spiritual understanding that resulted in her sudden restoration thus:

“When apparently near the confines of mortal existence, standing already within the shadow of the death-valley, I learned these truths in divine Science: that all real being is in God, the divine Mind, and that Life, Truth, and Love are all-powerful and ever-present; that the opposite of Truth, — called error, sin, sickness, disease, death, — is the false testimony of false material sense, of mind in matter; that this false sense evolves, in belief, a subjective state of mortal mind which this same so-called mind names matter, thereby shutting out the true sense of Spirit” (Science and Health 108:19).

She saw in this experience a divine law in action and she was impelled to discover how this law worked. She studied the Scriptures and gained a deeper understanding of life as spiritual and eternal and governed by divine laws of health and harmony and immortality. With Christ Jesus as her model, she demonstrated the truth of her revelation by healing the sick and raising the dying to life and health, thus proving that the Master’s healing work is possible for his followers today.

Mrs. Eddy knew her discovery was God-impelled for the redemption and healing of mankind. She wrote, “It is the purpose of divine Love to resurrect the understanding, and the kingdom of God, the reign of harmony already within us” (Mis. 154:16-18).

In our Christian Science nursing ministry at High Ridge House, we cherish Love’s purpose, and strive to awaken thought to a fuller understanding of God, Spirit, and man as his image and likeness. Each step of progress, each new insight, each healing, points to resurrection — material belief yielding to spiritual understanding, lifting thought to perceive ever more clearly “the reign of harmony already within us.”

We can each ask ourselves, “What resurrection have we experienced in our lives and are we experiencing today?” In the words of Hymn 171: “Let us sing of Easter gladness, That rejoices every day…” Share with us at dialogue@highridgehouse.org.

With love and joyful anticipation,

Marilyn L. Bradshaw, Vice President
On behalf of the Board of Trustees

The National Fund for Christian Science Nursing (NFCSN)

A new nationwide benevolence fund is now available to assist in paying for Christian Science nursing care at your home or at any Christian Science nursing facility. This fund is administered by The Principle Foundation—‌a nonprofit that has been offering financial support to students of Christian Science for over fifty years.

High Ridge House (HRH) has been working closely with the NFCSN and we are so grateful for this new avenue of financial support for those radically relying on Christian Science. The NFCSN has received donations from The Mother Church, individuals, and foundations that have enabled them to launch the fund this year. We encourage everyone to support this national benevolence fund with your prayers and financial gifts.

If you need financial assistance for Christian Science nursing care, you can apply to the National Fund for Christian Science Nursing (NFCSN) at nfcsn.org/apply or call 1‑816‑759‑5450 (1‑800‑873‑2843). Visit www.nfcsn.org for more information.

SAVE THE DATE!

ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE
BBQ-PICNIC
Saturday, June 24, 2017
3:00pm – 6:00pm

Join us for this yearly event of great food, fellowship, fun and activities for kids!

There will also be a special tribute for our wonderful volunteers.

If you would like to come, please email rsvp@highridgehouse.org or call 718 796-4200 x203.