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And Offer Up Thine Oblations

"SIX DAYS SHALT THOU LABOR AND DO ALL THY WORK" was accepted at face value in Colonia Juarez. Accepted with this ancient commandment was the modern injunction "Go to the house of the Lord on this my Holy day and offer up thine oblations unto the Most High." In preparation for this the house of worship was made ready. The deacons, the boys from ages twelve to fourteen, swept the floors, dusted the benches, made ready the table on which oblations were to be offered-in short, put everything in readiness for the Sacrament meeting that convened every Sunday afternoon.

This was the most important gathering of the week for the people; the one to which general attendance was expected; the one for which the choir had prepared songs to promote the spirit of worship, and the one from which the spiritual build-up was gained to sustain through the week and at which teachings were given as guide for everyday living. It was the meeting in which was realized the promise that "where few meet together in my name, there will I be also." Located in a barren spot, struggling to build a self-supporting community, a task far too great to be accomplished by themselves alone, they gained the spiritual strength in this meeting to carry on. To miss it was to break a vital link. The opening prayer voiced a petition that solutions to problems be given them, and the closing prayer gave thanks for the measure of inspiration and guidance that had come. Partaking of the Sacrament renewed covenants. The bread and water solemnly passed to each was a symbol of the body and blood of the crucified Redeemer and in partaking they were moved to remember the sufferings He endured for the salvation of all. Partaking of it worthily was a promise to remember His sacrifice for them, to take upon them His name, to always remember Him and keep His commandments, and in reward they should always have His spirit to be with them. Full realization of the significance of this ordinance and the blessing it held for them was a moving force in their lives to remain worthy, to promote love and unity among themselves, eradicating ill will, hard feelings and backbiting among them, and a ritual so important that none willingly missed it. Believing that blessings could be expected only through obedience, that keeping their covenants was the only way to be sure of the reward, this ordinance was solemnly prepared for and was often carried to those who were ill or detained at home. This ritual alone became a compelling reason for attendance at the meeting which bore the name of the ritual-Sacrament meeting.

The social satisfaction of attendance and the means it furnished of keeping in touch with community progress were also important. At Sacrament meeting friend met friend in a way that the press of weekday duties made impossible. Familiar faces nodded and smiled as each rejoiced in the strength and encouragement coming from contacts with friends and neighbors. Although few remained away by choice, unexcused absences were checked and followed, for attendance at Sacrament meeting was a criteria of good standing in ward membership and a jealous eye was kept on the hundred per cent rating. Groups lingering about the doors after meeting continued the warmth and cheer often for another hour or two.