Through moments of my life there have been times where I have felt like those that sat at the foot of the cross grieving because of what, for me, was spiritual separation from my Savior. I have felt the undeniable weight of what felt like a tomb stone being rolled and sealed separating me from His mercy and grace. Sometimes I have traveled the road to Emmaus where the Lord has been close to me but my eyes were “holden” and I did not know him. Surely there were times for me like the apostles that mourned and even doubted the resurrection or opportunity for a return to that sacred relationship and power of the atonement and my redeemer.

This weekend I have been able to attend the baptisms of three people whom I love so much. Two were 8 year old baptisms, they were each so excited and glowing , they had prepared themselves and were ready at their opportunity to walk a covenant path with Christ and receive the blessings of baptism and companionship of the Holy Ghost.

The third with the same glowing enthusiasm sat prepared and with what I can only describe as a somber yearning. His path had been a little different, he was now reentering the waters of baptism. After what seemed like eternity I am sure, I watched as tears silently fell down his cheeks as he considered the blessings of being covenanted with our Lord, lifted by Him, loved by Him. No doubt wrapped in the outstretched arms of one that Loves without reserve. This wonderful brother that for so long had felt shackled by sin and spiritual suffering, had felt the washing mercy that is for you and I.

I know the Savior lives. Each of us, likely at multiple points in our journey will come to the same joyous realization like Mary that tomb was empty, that He lives. He had broken the bands of death and allowed us access to eternity and all the blessings of Heaven. Where ever we find ourselves Christ has made a way for us.

If you have ever felt removed from the mercy and grace of our Savior, or in a place where you can’t hear his voice? Brothers and Sister “No one has built a roadblock and stationed someone there to turn you around and send you away. In fact, it is the exact opposite. God is in relentlesspursuit of you. He wants all of His children to choose to return to Him, and He employs every possible measure to bring you back.” Elder Kearon.

When Christ appeared to the apostles later after His resurrection He invited them to come and feel the prints of the nails and hands. Brothers and sisters The Savior extends the same mercy and love to all and invites you to know Him as well. I invite you to repent, to come unto Him and like this wonderful brother who was coming back to the covenant path, seek change and solace through the atonement and like Paul states become “new creature” in Christ. I know He lives, I know He is seeking you, and I know that there is power in walking with Him on a covenant path

In Christs name amen.

The Bishopric