Famiglia e Amici,
Throughout the many years of recorded sports history, some of the great heralded stories are those of returns to action. These returns are always hyped well beyond their actual significance, but often a return signifies a turning point for the athlete, whether in a positive or negative manner. Michael Jordan after a baseball sabbatical, returned to tear up the league another 3 years straight, renewed in purpose and ability. Tom Brady after a league-enforced suspension, played with a chip on his shoulder, and vengefully claimed the Lombardi Trophy. Derrick Rose, after a series of knee surgeries, had perhaps one of the most hyped returns, that quickly fizzled with the appearance of further knee trouble. LeBron James took his talents to South Beach, and in doing so, singlehandedly destroyed the city of Cleveland, OH. His return brought hope, finally realized the summer of 2016, as he overcame a 3-1 deficit to bring a championship to his childhood home.
Anziano Toronto did much of the same this week, as he rose Tuesday morning to fight the bug that had laid waste to him Sunday and Monday. Declaring during daily planning, "Well, it'd probably be a good idea if we stayed off our feet most of the day, and found a few lessons to teach..." Anziano Toronto figured a nice, easy recovery day. Anziani Rodriguez and Toronto proceeded to walk all the way across Catania and back, in the process sprinting after 2 separate buses, and finding for a number of hours. Having analyzed the distances traveled that day, it's safe to say I've never done more walking on my mission! While it was not what I had in mind, it was what the Lord had in mind, and it was my job to put one foot in front of the other, sometimes rather quickly, and trust that I would have the strength I needed! What a test of faith, but at the same time a confirmation of the power of work. President Ezra Taft Benson once declared:
“I have often said one of the greatest secrets of missionary work is work! If a missionary works, he will get the Spirit; if he gets the Spirit, he will teach by the Spirit; and if he teaches by the Spirit, he will touch the hearts of the people and he will be happy. There will be no homesickness, no worrying about families, for all time and talents and interests are centered on the work of the ministry. Work, work, work—there is no satisfactory substitute, especially in missionary work.”
The truth of this statement was undoubtedly proven in our efforts Tuesday and Wednesday. We have never had a busier pair of days, and I've never felt more satisfied at the end of a day than when I collapsed, exhausted into bed Wednesday night! Each day, I continue in my efforts to apply this quote, and the truth contained therein.
All of this being said, there are three returns more hyped, and more significant than any other in the history of mankind. The first has already happened, nearly two thousand years ago, while the second only two hundred years past, the last we await anxiously.
Celebrated just a few weeks ago, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ was the greatest return to date... Having overcome physical and spiritual death, Jesus Christ returned to send his gospel into all the world, in the hands of his empowered and commissioned apostles. The world for the most part, rejected his gospel, and slew his messengers, erasing Godly power, in the form of his holy priesthood, from the earth for nearly two thousand years.
Thus arose the need for the second return, that of eternal truths, lost in mistranslation and intentional corruption, and Godly power, again, that of the Priesthood. These truths, and this power returned to the earth through the hands of his holy messengers, Moroni, John the Baptist, Peter, James, John, and many more, upon the head of Joseph Smith, and those who the Lord saw fit. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored in its' fulness, allowing us the opportunity to make covenants, or promises with our Heavenly Father once again.
All of this is done in preparation for the third and final return. Jesus Christ will return, as he declared when among his disciples in Jerusalem and the Americas, to reign in glory forever. Banished will be the influence of the adversary, and eternal will be the salvation of those who chose in this life and the next to follow the example of Jesus Christ. How great and incomprehensible is our responsibility then, to strive to follow him, in every thing! How grateful I am for the gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and all he suffered for each of us individually. As a representative of Jesus Christ, I testify, as many others have, that he lives. He rose from the dead, restored his gospel once again upon the earth, and will return once again to reign forever. How grateful I am for the chance in this life to prepare to meet God, that we might be able to stand, confident in his presence!
Vi Voglio un Sacco di Bene!
Anziano Toronto Il Giovane
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