Justice and Mercy

In today's world we see much of injustice. Daily in the news there are reports of others being wronged in every way imaginable. It has even gotten to the point where leaders are counseling us not to admit to anything on a legal level without proper representation because words are twisted, easy targets are sought after and punishments are too severe. Compassion and mercy are reserved for the victim alone without thought to the one who may have to pay the eternal price when, in reality, we all must pay an eternal price unless we repent.
We did our first learning about Isaiah today. Nephi quoted him often in his teachings because he was one of the few prophets who had permission to write about so many of the things he saw in visions. Mercifully, Isaiah wrote in such a way as to be difficult to the understanding of the wicked to preserve them from becoming accountable for laws they would not keep. And the mercy of the Lord prevails as we seek His help through the Spirit to understand those sacred writings.
Court convened at about 6:30 this morning. Every student had a copy of the script. The cast was selected and we began. Yes, Isaiah is not easily understood, even by those who are seasoned in the gospel, but as we discussed justice and mercy and how we are "graven on the palms of his hands" there was a quiet in the room befitting the scene.
The thing that impresses me the most about my Seminary class is their level of spiritual maturity. They reverence that which is sacred. Barbara Yentes asked me about the silliness that teenagers can get into. I told her that perhaps there might be more of that as the kids became used to me and I to them, but now I don't think so. They have a depth of understanding and gratitude. This kind of love for our Savior surpasses the levity of youth. It becomes part of our core and makes of us people of God.