That First Easter Mourning

The one letter difference between the words “mourning” and “morning” holds eternal significance to all who ponder on the redeeming events of that first Easter season.

We fail to comprehend that “mourning.” We who base our faith in Christ cannot fully understand the mourning of those who believed they had lost their lord and master. Those whose faith was strengthened by the presence of Christ himself, they who forsook all they had to follow him whom they who knew to be the son of god, were left in the gall of bitterness as they saw what they presumed to be the end of their lord and savior. “And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.” (Luke23:27) This statement encompasses the “mourning” of the saints and the misery in which they thought to be left.

The “mourning” surrounding that Easter season was foretold by the condemned himself “the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,”. (Matthew 20:18) The master knew that the mourning was inevitable, but he equally predicted the coming of the "morning"

 Jesus Christ had laid down his perfect life. His sacrifice led to the mourning of the saints, but also led the way into the redeeming light of the third morning. Just as many wept for the cause of mourning, so many wept at the events of this new morning. For the son of man had risen again! Jesus Christ, whose death had caused so many to mourn, rose from the death and brought a new light to the world. All who died would now live again.

And so the Morning overcame the mourning, and provided us with a path this Easter season that can lead to happiness, meaning and peace! The path that leads back to our savior Jesus Christ, and our lovingly Father in Heaven.

Prophetic Priorities

Often times the people of this earth let the bleak view of the future prevent the illustrious of joy of the present from becoming the prominent driving force in their lives. 

Yet when the question is posed "What do you expect from this life?" the only true answer can be happiness. In the different capacities of our lives we strive to lighten our lives with those things that bring us the most joy. Family, friends, helping others; all these are true and constant gifts of joy in our lives. 

Somehow in this world we find that man has lost his view. Instead of constantly seeking for lasting joy he has become content with the next moments fleeting pleasures. His goal of lasting happiness has been blocked by the vain ambitions of lost and fallen men. Man is easily led astray by worldly power, wealth, and fame. 

So how can we be sure of what God wants? How do we know which course to take? In 3Nephi 1:13 (Book of Mormon) we read that "...I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets."

We know that God has a plan for us. His guiding voice since the beginning of time has been heard through prophets whom he has chosen to speak for him. We know that he is "...the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8). His will is not hidden, and his love is forever present in our lives. It has been from the beginning and will continue eternally to be so. 

I am here to testify to the world that God has not and will not ever let his children wander alone in fear. God has once again called a prophet to the earth. Just as Adam, Noah, Moses, and even Christ did, he speaks the word of God. I witness to you that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. That his words are the words of God, and I testify and promise to you that if you earnestly are seeking the will of God, then following the Prophetic Priorities of our dispensation will bring the most lasting happiness in this life and the life to come. This, my solemn testimony I leave with you in humble prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.