Sunday, April 20

By Linda Booth, Council of Twelve Apostles

Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

—John 20:17–18

It takes faith to listen for and hear Christ’s voice calling your name, inviting you to join him in mission to a broken world—to declare to the suffering, “I have seen the Lord.”

My husband, Doug, and I were driving to Memphis, Tennessee, to share with a congregation. I received a text message on my cell phone. “Good news…8 new small groups with 51 different participants—total number from Monday through Wednesday—237. This is Tay from Chattanooga, and I am hoping these reports are blessing you.”

I smiled. For years I didn’t know Tay’s name. He and his two brothers, commonly referred to as “the nephews,” lived with their grandmother. The Chattanooga Community of Christ has helped raise the three boys.

“Thanks for the good news,” I texted back.

“I am starting high school now and been a co-pastor of three small groups…”

“How are you feeling about starting high school?”

“High school will be good. Jared coached me in basketball. Basketball keeps me focused and away from gangs. Our pastors keep us out of trouble. So many kids have nobody helping them, and we have a whole church helping us stay safe and have a future. Kyree, Petey, and me would be dead and in gangs if we didn’t have you and the church. I wonder how it feels to know you are saving kids’ lives.”

I replied, “It feels good! Good because I know that is what Jesus is all about—saving lives.” When you hear the voice of the Living Christ call your name, you respond, joining him in a mission to save lives.

Prayer for Peace

Loving God, thank you for the Living Christ who shows us what matters most—saving lives. Bless us that we may be a blessing to others in this way. Help us be aware who is vulnerable and needs us to share Christ’s love and peace.

Spiritual Practice: Invite People to Christ

Read and reflect on Doctrine and Covenants 162:3b and 163:2b. Pray to be aware of people who might be receptive, and therefore blessed, by your sharing of the message of the Living Christ. Imagine being in relationship with them and inviting them to Christ. In preparation, discover your personal testimony of Christ. “Be persistent in your witness and diligent in your mission to the world.” Repeat this mantra throughout the day: “Christ’s mission, our mission, my mission.”

Peace Covenant

Today, God, I will share how Christ lives in my life.