Commemoration: David (Dewi) of Wales
Almighty God, who called your servant David to be a faithful and wise steward of your mysteries for the people of Wales: Mercifully grant that, following his purity of life and zeal for the gospel of Christ, we may with him receive the crown of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever.
What was the first priority of the apostles? Mark writes that Jesus "appointed twelve . . . so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and to have authority to cast out demons." It is easy to say that the apostles preached the gospel and performed many signs and wonders. But it is significant to note that Jesus first appointed them "so that they might be with him." In the book of Acts, Peter and John were brought before the Council after healing a lame beggar at Solomon's portico. The members of the Council were "astonished" with the apostles' boldness in light of the fact "that they were uneducated, common men." But one characteristic of Peter and John stands out. "And they recognized that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4.13).
The most subtle temptation every Christian faces is the temptation to do something for Jesus before being with Jesus. We would do well to ask ourselves, during this Lenten season of self-examination, just how much the work we do in the name of Jesus reflects the time we spend in the company of Jesus.
Abide in Thee
Abide in Thee, in that deep love of Thine,
My Jesus, Lord, Thou Lamb of God divine;
Down, closely down, as living branch with tree,
I would abide, my Lord, my Christ, in Thee.
Abide in Thee, my Savior, God, I know
How love of Thine, so vast, in me may flow:
My empty vessel running o’er with joy,
Now overflows to Thee without alloy.
Abide in Thee, nor doubt, nor self, nor sin,
Can e’er prevail with Thy blest life within;
Joined to Thyself, communing deep, my soul
Knows naught besides its motions to control.
Abide in Thee, ’tis thus alone I know
The secrets of Thy mind e’en while below;
All joy and peace, and knowledge of Thy Word,
All power and fruit, and service for the Lord.
- Joseph D. Smith
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