Sisters and Brothers—
I hope you are all doing well and enjoying “spring break.” I think it may be one of the most welcome breaks from school any of us have enjoyed in some time. My gratitude goes out to all of the professional teachers and educators, in our ward and out, who work so hard to give our children the education that will open doors for decades to come. I know this situation is as hard on you as on any student.
Also, I hope each of you took full advantage of the opportunity to experience general conference last week. It was refreshing for the soul!
Some thoughts from general conference that bring me comfort:
- “As President Boyd K. Packer once taught: ‘The thought that rescued Alma … is this: Restoring what you cannot restore, healing the wound you cannot heal, fixing that which you broke and you cannot fix is the very purpose of the atonement of Christ.’ The joyous truth on which Alma’s mind “caught hold” was not just that he himself could be made clean but also that those whom he had harmed could be healed and made whole.” (“Ensuring a Righteous Judgement” by Elder James R. Rasband of the Seventy)
- “In celebrating the ongoing Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we also prepare for Easter. In both, we rejoice in the return of Jesus Christ. He lives—not only then, but now; not just for some, but for all. He came and comes to heal the brokenhearted, deliver the captives, recover sight to the blind, and set at liberty those who are bruised. That’s each of us. His redeeming promises apply, no matter our past, our present, or concerns for our future.” (“Hosanna and Hallelujah—The Living Jesus Christ: The Heart of Restoration and Easter” by Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)
- “The Lord’s invitation to let our light so shine is not just about randomly waving a beam of light and making the world generally brighter. It is about focusing our light so others may see the way to Christ.” (“That They May See” by Bonnie H. Cordon, Young women general president)
There are more, of course, but these are some that I’ve been thinking about this week.
Speaking of this week …
As we all prepare for the upcoming celebration of Easter, I would encourage you to take advantage of the resources supplied on the Gospel Library app. In fact, there is a notice at the top that offers families designated music, videos and study plans that will enable us to “Hear Him” a little more clearly in our lives.
Also, please carefully consider heading the call of the prophet to join in a world-wide fast on Good Friday, April 10. We’ve been asked to fast and pray that:
- The present pandemic may be controlled
- Caregivers protected
- Economy strengthened
- Life normalized
As for our own Sabbath worship, I am authorizing the sacrament to be administered in homes again for this Sunday, April 12. Due to ongoing government and health department recommendations, we will only be permitted to administer the sacrament to members of our family in our homes. Ministering brothers and other ward members are not authorized to take the sacrament to other members’ homes.
I love all of you. I know I write that every week, but I really do. I frequently go through the entire ward list and pray for you by name. Please reach out for any help you may need. Have a happy week and celebrate the Savior.
He is Risen!
– Bishop Bennett