Summoned to Pilgrimage
Velma Ruch, Herald Publishing House, 1994, reprint 2018, pp. 7-8.
As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise. -Galatians 3:27-29
From Summoned to Pilgrimage: The Temple as Focus of a Pilgrim People
The [church] is facing the greatest challenge in its history. It is no less than whether we shall rise to the opportunity of a spiritual awakening that is global in its dimensions and intended for the blessing and salvation of all, or whether we shall be satisfied with the blessings that have already been ours and content ourselves with business as usual.
The summons to renewal and recommitment came through the call to build a Temple. Though such a building has been the dream of our people from the very beginning, there were always reasons why its fulfillment was delayed. Timing was of the essence. We had some serious growing to do before we could even consider being the people to whom God would entrust so great a task. We had to be reminded that the essential meaning of the Restoration is our call to be healing and redeeming agents “inspired by the life and witness of the Redeemer of the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 156:5e). We had to understand that we were a “world church,” not just an “American church.” We needed to be able to minister without stereotypes and defined roles of male and female. We needed to see human beings in their wholeness, each accepting others in their worthfulness. We had to grow into a new respect for those different from ourselves and give them the freedom to develop into the people God had designed them to be. We needed to develop greater competence in service and be able to be leaders in the movement toward justice and peace.
Fortunately, the Lord did not wait for us to become totally proficient.
Spiritual Practice
Week One
Sacred Anticipation
Journal/Reflect
What does World Conference mean to you? How has World Conference been an experience of blessing and transformation in your own life? Where do you sense the Spirit’s movement and invitation as we anticipate this upcoming World Conference experience, in whatever ways you plan to participate (whether remotely or in person)?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
