March 2024 Relief Society Newsletter

My sister attended the Portland Temple this week and saw the image of Jesus’ Second Coming by Harry Anderson in the Celestial Room.  She said this time, for the first time, it seemed to be that the Savior was offering her a hug.  She imagined that of all the good hugs she has had in her life, of course Jesus’ would be the best.


We often look at the table prepared for the Sacrament.  We recognize the symbolism of the white cloth covering the symbols of the Savior’s body.  We reverently ponder how this funeral changed everything and fulfilled God’s Plan.


But I recently heard someone compare it to a dinner table.  This is Jesus’ table.  There is a piece and a cup for all who wish to receive it.  There is room for each one around this table.  This table of humility.  This table of sacrifice and obedience.  This table, most of all, of love.  


You belong here.  Even if you are waiting for the time that you can partake of it once again.  He wants you here.  He wants you at the table.  He wants you here every week.  He wants you to remember the sacrifice He made for you.  He wants you to remember that He has the power to deliver you from sin and death.  He can deliver you from addiction, pain, and even sadness.


We check in with Him each week.  We consider what it means to a disciple and where we are falling short.  We ponder how we can show our love for Him.  We remind ourselves of promises we made to Him and promises He made to us.  We renew.  We begin again and again.  


Each week the covenant refreshes.  It is a new covenant, made with the God of the Atonement who is ready to help us try again this coming week.  We affirm our willingness to take His name upon us, always remember Him, and keep his commandments.  That doesn’t mean we are perfect yet.  But we are willing and we are trying.  We can slowly change because we rely “wholly upon the merits of Him who is mighty to save.” (2 Nephi 31:19)


Claim your place at His table and feel His warm embrace.  You are the reason He did it.  You belong here.  Have a Blessed Easter Morning!

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