I love the Easter Season with the renewal of the earth--spring rains and flowers coming out everywhere. And as the earth seems to come back to life, it's also when our thoughts turn to the resurrection and a hope in a glorious reunion with loved ones in the spirit world.
I want to quote some excerpts from an excellent talk Mike Andrus gave in church on Easter Sunday. I didn't ask his permission, but Mike, it's okay because this is only going to immediate family! It was too good not to share.
"Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I testify that He lives. Christ himself bore witness of his resurrection to his doubting disciples. 'Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as you see me have.' (Luke 24:39)
"In our Heavenly Father's plan, we know that He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to overcome physical death through the resurrection, and to overcome spiritual death (or the effects of sin) through the Atonement. As we consider these blessings, I would like to focus my remarks on Jesus Christ's role as the Physician and Healer.
"Brothers and sisters, none of us is whole. Each of us needs Jesus Christ, the Great Physician. All of us here today need to be made whole. Are there any among us who are spiritually sick? Are there any who are lame who cannot move forward on our own strength? Who cannot overcome the obstacles in our path without the help of the Savior and of those around us? Are there any who are blind, who have stopped seeing the hand of the Lord in our lives, who cannot see His purpose for us, or cannot see our divine potential? Are there any who are maimed, or scarred by sin or by poor choices? Are there any who have been maimed or wounded by the choices and abuse of others? Are there any who are unclean, or who are spiritually withered, no longer able to feel His love and His compassion? Are there any who are spiritually deaf, unable or unwilling to hear His word: Are there any among us who are afflicted in any manner?
"Christ's admonition to us is simple, "Bring them hither, and I will heal them." (3 Ne. 17:7)
"How does Christ heal us?
"The prophet Alma prophesied: '...and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.' (Alma 7:12)
"Christ is the Son of God. Because He suffered and experienced all things, he has a perfect understanding of our pain. He has a perfect love for us. Through His atonement, through his grace, he has taken upon himself our infirmities, our pain, our sins, our sadness. If we will allow him to, he will heal us, strengthen us, and make us whole.
"Much of the healing that I have experienced in my life has been a result of repentance. I have made many mistakes, and felt much sorrow, remorse, and pain as a result of those mistakes. I have felt the Spirit withdraw from me. I've struggled to know whether I have been forgiven. I've struggled at times to have the courage and humility I needed to talk to Priesthood leaders, to confess and to forsake. But I have also felt the joy of healing. I have felt the burden of sin lifted from me. I have felt the Spirit return and with it peace. What a blessing that is.
"Elder Patrick Keaton stated, '...we find healing and relief only when we bring ourselves to the feet of the Great Physician, our Savior, Jesus Christ. We must lay down our weapons of rebellion (and we each know what they are.) ... We must cease fighting against God and instead give our whole hearts to Him, holding nothing back. Then he can heal us.' (Oct. 2010)
"At times the healing we need is not a direct result of our own actions or choices, but a result of our circumstances. When my sister was battling cancer, I remember my dad telling me about how his prayers changed over the course of her illness. They began with many earnest prayers asking Heavenly Father to heal her, to restore her health. As time went on, it became clear that Heavenly Father would not heal her physically. My dad's prayers changed. He began to ask for understanding, strength, and peace. The healing that came to my sister and to our family was spiritual and emotional healing. It was strength to carry a heavy burden. It was perspective, to see with Heavenly Father's eyes. It was joy, peace and hope that we would see her again. And it was gratitude and appreciation for the time we had with her and the things she taught us.
"Brothers and Sisters, our Heavenly Father loves us. His son, our Savior Jesus Christ loves us. I feel that love. He wants to heal us. He has compassion for us. If you feel a desire to be healed, we invite you to 'come unto Christ.'
"Our Savior said, 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.' (Matt. 11:28-30)
"We invite all to come unto Christ, the Great Physician, to experience his healing grace, to experience his love, and his peace."
Thank you, Mike, for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us. That invitation the Savior gives us to take His yoke means to me that He is willing to share our load, to help us pull. He is indeed loving. It will all turn out!
