Each week we gather as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In reverence and solidarity we partake of God’s emblems through the sacrament to wash and sanctify our souls unto Him.
Years ago, as a student of the Jerusalem Center, my college aged peers blessed and passed the sacrament.
The breathtaking view of the old city washed across the entire back of the chapel with clear glass windows opening up our eyes to the ancient scenes of the Bible playing out in modern time. We stood upon the hill just higher than the Garden of Gethsemane, and a little bit to the north. Heading down through the Kidron Valley, and up to the old city, you can see the outer walls of what used to be the city limits, now is just a simple marker of a time long ago.
Below today’s cobble streets and modern strife resides another city, one of ancient day. Excavation efforts unearth the rubble, and ruins of the city that Jesus Christ lived in. At the end of his earthly ministry hoards of followers pressed for his presence, begging for mercy and miracles. Riding into the city upon the back of a lowly, but so symbolically royal donkey, the poverty stricken and government oppressed Jews reverenced their Lord, in hopes for a modern day miracle. He was after all, “the Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace, and the government would be upon his shoulders,” but not before flesh stripping claws ripped through his back by the hands of the Romans. Once the crowds realized that Jesus Christ’s mission was not to alleviate their immediate strife, they betrayed their faith and submitted to anger. “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”
A few of my friends and I were invited to share dinner with a local Jewish family who were welcoming in the Sabbath day with a feast.
The hot desert air kept the patio warm, as we welcomed in the Lord’s day with a plethora of entrees and side dishes: they just kept coming; fish, chicken, beef, vegetables, salads and more! The full moon shone down on our invitation to belong. We sang hymns, laughed and heard stories. They too could be counted among the faithful, the original fold of Israel.
Please remember the body of the Son of God, poverty stricken, dirty after wandering in the wilderness for 40 days with the companionship of Lucifer at his side. Please remember the hem of the Lord’s robe, with faith enough to be healed from her twelve year infirmity, the woman with her issue of blood needed just to touch his hem. Please remember the fingers of the Lord who beckoned Lazarus to come forth from the grave. Mary sought the Lord to come for three days, and upon his arrival to Bethany proclaimed something like the following, “Why Lord, did you not come until now, there is nothing left to do, my brother is dead. If you would have come earlier, you could have saved him.” Please remember the bruised and broken body of the Ultimate Creator, subjecting himself to the ruling of men, only to be disrobed, spit upon, beaten and nailed to a tree. But most of all, please remember His love that encompassed every impasse on the bridge to eternal life.
“that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them…..“
Brother Peterson was one of the missionaries who served at the BYU Jerusalem Center, the name of Jesus Christ was deeply written upon his heart.
He was a doctor. Each Friday he walked into the old city, and purchased a loaf of freshly made bread that was to be used for the sacrament. His voyage was deeply personal. The sacrifice to make the weekly trek was a conscious decision. He could have taxied, he could have employed the kitchen staff to make it, but he didn’t. The soft white bread was delicious, and fresh. The steps through the holy city, for him, represented the steps in the ancient city, so long ago walked by our Savior, who is the bread of life, of which his blood violently split on our behalf. Several miles down, and back up again on the cobblestone paths was his sacrifice to remember.
We are members of the Eastridge 6th ward, in the Draper Eastridge Stake.
About 4,000 members are in our stake. We enjoy a peaceful and serene life here in Utah. Yes, there are challenges politically, economically and spiritually. But in all reality, our life is truly blessed. Lone Peak mountain plays backdrop to our home. Larger than life, this mountain stands up to the clouds, and washes the scenery with lush green mountain forests. Our church building has a white spire which encourages looking heavenward. Sister Christensen lives in our ward today. She is a beautiful lady, who has lived through of conflict and challenges. Her heart bears the scars of betrayal, and yet her beauty and testimony radiates through her music that she plays at the organ each Sunday. The Savior has not brought sight back to her eyes, for she can already see. The Almighty God has not brought back to life those lost to her, some of those she loves are gone for time and others live on in happiness. Jesus Christ has not removed her physical infirmities, she lives in grace and ages as expected with challenges. In her darkest days of loneliness the great creator of the universe wrapped his arms around her and bathed her in the hope of everlasting light. Her challenges are not gone, but she is strengthened, she is filled with hope, and a firm knowledge that the one who chose death, provided her with the ultimate chance for life. She chooses to take upon His name, each week as she makes the bread for our sacrament meeting. Freshly ground whole wheat flour and seeds accentuate the promises given by the bread of life, even Jesus Christ, whose life was shed for me, for us, for her, for him.
