With her usual wisdom, Mary Baker Eddy admonishes her followers that the new birth “. . .begins with moments, and goes on with years. . .” (Miscellaneous Writings 15:13). As many of you know, High Ridge House is committed to a renewal – a rebirth. Spiritual renewal brings changes seen and unseen. Through the unsolicited generosity of donors and volunteers, some rooms have been redecorated, room heating/cooling systems have been replaced, and beautiful furniture has been received. It is a wonderful start. While our hopes for a broader renovation are important, we are grateful for these visible signs that the new birth goes on.
The concept of the new birth is central to Jesus’ ministry and to the practice of Christian Science. It holds special significance to High Ridge House at a moment when we look for renewal of the spirit of our mission and purpose, as well as our building. The gospel of John gives the account of Jesus’ meeting with Nicodemus, where the Master explains the necessity for this rebirth:
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again,
he cannot see the kingdom of God. . .
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit,
he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, 5).
In her essay “The People’s Idea of God” Mary Baker Eddy speaks to the impact of this new birth on the lives of those who embrace it:
“O Christian Scientist, thou of the church of the new-born; awake to a higher and holier love for God and man; put on the whole armor of Truth; rejoice in hope; be patient in tribulation, — that ye may go to the bed of anguish, and look upon this dream of life in matter, girt with a higher sense of omnipotence; and behold once again the power of divine Life and Love to heal and reinstate man in God’s own image and likeness, having ‘one Lord, one faith, one baptism’ ” (Peo. 14:11).
We reach out to you, our supporters, our volunteers, our friends, to join us in this awakening process, — this birth of water and Spirit, of purification and inspiration — that our community, our field and the world may feel the influence of this spiritualization. We welcome your participation in this effort. Each of you is a vital part of our success in fulfilling the healing mission of Christian Science nursing. We are so grateful for you, our partners in this spiritual journey.
Marivic B. Mabanag
Executive Director