Open Our Minds to the Scriptures
By David Anderson, president of the High Priest Quorum
Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. -Luke 24:45-48 NRSV
I recall it as one of my earliest classroom challenges. Being only six, I was asked by my teacher, “Do you cross the street on a red light or on a green light?” To her astonishment-as well as that of my classmates-I immediately quipped, “On a red light, of course.” It was then that the discussion ensued.
When pedestrians are at an intersection, at what light do they cross? I said, “On red.” My classmates and teacher argued, “On green.” Back and forth we went.
To understand my position, you need to know that I grew up in a “one-stoplight town.” The light hung directly over the center of the intersection supported by cables hanging from the corners of surrounding buildings.
When I was at that intersection, I looked at the light directly in front of me. It was always red when everyone crossed the street. On the other hand, my classmates and teacher were looking at the adjacent light which was green.
Before that conversation in the little country school, I did not know that others had a different perspective on when to cross the road. In fact, I learned that at most intersections outside my little hometown, there were lights on the corners. When pedestrians cross the street, the lights are green.
From that incident, I learned a different perspective. My mind was opened to other possibilities. So it is with our understanding of scriptures. We need to open our minds to new understandings.
Prayer Phrase
Spirit, now live in me.
Spiritual Practice
Breathe deeply and enter a few minutes of silence. Be attentive to where you sense new life emerging in you. Search your memories of the previous day. When did you notice the sacredness of life in surprising places or forms in the world around you?
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.
