Dear family & friends,
Growing up in the Church, I have always been taught that our Sabbath day meetings are meant to be peaceful, uplifting, reflective and a time of personal serenity. However, with kids kicking and screaming, ward members speaking over the pulpit with monotone voices, and the fear of Brother High Priest mentioning Kolob or the curse of Cain to one of our investigators, very seldom do I find myself spiritually recharged and more “fully unspotted from the world” (D&C 59:9). “True to the Faith” states that our meetings should be a “source of strength” (p. 148). So what am I missing?
In the 27th chapter of Matthew we read of two Jewish prisoners. The first, Barabbas, had been guilty of sedition and murder, clear and severe offenses to the Jewish law. Under that same law Barabbas’ fate was set; he was to be put to death. The second prisoner, Jesus, had been accused with high treason, but after examination by both Herod Antipas and Pontius Pilate, had been found innocent of such a charge.
During the Feast of the Passover, in which we find ourselves in this chapter, it was custom for the governor (at this time Pontius Pilate) to release one prisoner according to his wish. After comparing the two candidates the answer was simple; Jesus Christ was undoubtedly innocent and therefore would be released. (27:20) “But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus” (27:20). “Pilate saith unto them, what shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” (27:22), “They all said unto him, Let him be crucified”(27:23). “And the governor said, why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, let him be crucified.” (27:26) “Then released he Barabbas unto them, and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified”. Against all justice and logic, the guilty prisoner was set free and the innocent Son of God was sent to die.
Amidst the squirmy toddlers and uncomfortable fold up chairs, this account is replayed every week of our lives in our sacrament meetings. Each one of us through the week, break the commandments of God. Each Sunday we stand before the Sacrament altar, ready to sacrifice ourselves because we know that we are guilty and must therefore receive the punishment, which is spiritual death. But as we begin to climb on the altar, the innocent Son of God grabs us, and then, with his merciful and ever-loving countenance, tells us that he will take our place this week. He will suffer the punishment for us. He then climbs upon the altar himself, and his body is broken, and as we partake of his flesh and blood we promise to try and take his place this week too. We, guilty prisoners of sin, are then, like Barabbas, set free.
When we truly understand and look forward to the sacredness and importance of the Sacrament, no matter what, we can guarantee ourselves a spiritually renewing experience at church. I know that His Atonement was and is perfect as much as it is real, and my hope is that we can utilize it more in our lives by truly appreciating the Sacrament.
Love,
Elder Backus
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