Look for the open door
A Christian Science perspective.
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” These words of Helen Keller are a good message for the beginning of the new year. Keller, whose many accomplishments, despite her blindness, are renowned, knew how to go forward even when there appeared to be no doors at all – open or closed.
Such individuals can inspire us in these times of uncertainty, particularly in the face of the world’s troubled finances, fear of terrorism, and instability. Keller’s words also apply in more personal matters, such as the need for a job, the passing of a loved one, challenges with one’s health – or some other adverse condition.
These situations may cast the shadow of a closed door on the present and on expectations for the future. Jesus’ accomplishments and his disciples’ response to them help to erase that shadow.
Following Jesus’ crucifixion, the frightened disciples may have felt they were facing a closed door. Before the events of that first Good Friday, their future with the Master may have looked bright. Then, suddenly, it all seemed to be gone. That was because they were focusing on the closed door.
Meanwhile, Jesus was focused on permanently breaking out of that closed door – the tomb of mortality. His resurrection, his understanding of God opened the door to a higher understanding of life, one in which each day can be a new start.
Christian Science provides this deeper understanding of life through its presentation of the divine laws that supported Jesus’ teaching and healing. In the textbook of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy points toward the spiritual steps that enable each of us to gain the blessings of Jesus’ ministry: “Spiritual development germinates not from seed sown in the soil of material hopes, but when these decay, Love propagates anew the higher joys of Spirit, which have no taint of earth. Each successive stage of experience unfolds new views of divine goodness and love” (“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” p. 66).
No matter what tomb of sadness, sickness, or sin an individual may be in, every day the message of Jesus’ resurrection holds true for all who are willing to open their hearts even a little to this hope.
As the book of Revelation declares, “Behold, I make all things new” (21:5). These are the words of Christ, the spiritual idea of God that empowered Jesus’ ministry. Moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day, Christ is revealing God’s love for each of us, no matter where we are or who we are. All humanity can turn from the closed door to the open one, and find Christ’s blessing there to greet and fulfill everyone.
From an editorial in the Christian Science Sentinel.