Sabbath Devotional :: Easter Devotional
As I listened to Conference, one of the talks that resonated with me the most was Elder Juan Uceda’s. (The Lord Jesus Christ Teaches Us to Minister) In his talk, he referenced the parables in Luke 15 of the lost sheep, silver, and the prodigal son.
He said: It appears that the Lord is teaching one unique lesson with three stories—stories that present different numbers: 100 sheep, 10 coins, and 2 sons. The key number in each of these stories, however, is the number one. And a lesson we might take from that number is that you might be an undershepherd for [many people], but you always, always minister to them, care for them, and love them one by one, individually.
The reminder to minister, care, and love for people one by one, to be cliché, warmed my soul. Whoever crosses our path, we are to minister and love them for who they are and see them as they are and for who they are. That is the true work of building Zion or the Beloved Community.
His repeated use of the word “undershepherd” (which he used five times) also resonated with me. As we celebrate the Easter season and think about what we can give to the Savior or how we can show our love and appreciation for him, I think that’s what he would ask of us. Be my undershepherd—those are words I can almost hear him whispering to each of us.
Many people feel lonely or beset with trials and tempests. Many long for a loving heart and a helping hand. They need us and what we have to offer.
He quoted President Nelson in his talk: “The Good Shepherd lovingly cares for all sheep of His fold, and we are His true undershepherds. Our privilege is to bear His love and to add our own love to friends and neighbors—feeding, tending, and nurturing them—as the Savior would have us do.”
We can be the undershepherds and bring comfort and community to all those who feel lost, disheartened, dismayed, or downtrodden.
In short, as I think about how I best can commemorate Easter, I feel it’s in doing what he did, loving, caring, and being present for and with everybody individually, no matter who they are. And doing so one by one.
Being an undershepherd and loving the one in each of our own small ways is how we will build the Beloved Community.
May you find peace, joy, calm, hope, and rejuvenation this Easter.
Danica Baird is Senior Director Proactive Root at Mormon Women for Ethical Government
