Sacrament

In the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, there are various accounts of the Savior feeding multitudes of people with just a few loaves and fishes. Historically, I think I've focused on the miracle of this event, but I wanted to write about one symbolic aspect that occurred to me.

Yesterday in our ward Sacrament meeting, two Priests blessed and broke 16 pieces of bread into small pieces, which were passed by the Deacons to the congregation to partake of. Then they blessed 432 cups of water, which were offered to ward members. Every week, in services all over the world, this same ritual is repeated...offering members the chance to pause in their lives and reflect on their baptismal covenants, and re-commit themselves to following the Savior as best they can.

Like the miracle played out in the accounts of the few loaves and fishes, those 16 pieces of bread that are torn into pieces on our behalf, and those tiny cups of water poured in remembrance of His blood shed for us, enable us to experience a miracle in our own lives. As we partake of them, and draw closer to the Savior with our hearts, we invoke the power of His atonement on our behalf, our souls are purified and we are renewed. Those 16 pieces of bread and tiny cups of water feed the spirits of the nearly 400 saints in my ward on a weekly basis, enabling us to continue having His spirit with us and succeed in our efforts to be like Him.

I am grateful for the scriptures and the lessons they teach me. I'm grateful for the spiritual feast that the sacrament supplies us with every sabbath day. And I'm grateful for the sacrifice of my Savior for me.