What a remarkable thing it is
that such power and authority is given to boys who are
technically not yet--at least not the younger
ones--even in their teens. There's nothing like it anywhere
else in the world--this urgent invitation to every boy to come
forward and, through youthful faithfulness, hold the keys
of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance,
and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. It overwhelms me just to say
that again to you here today. (SINGING) In humility,
our Savior, grant thy Spirit here, we pray, as we
bless the bread and water in thy name this holy day. Let me not forget,
O Savior . . . I know this Church is true. I know that these stories
I read in seminary and in the Book of Mormon
are true, and they happened. I know Thomas S. Monson
is a true prophet. I know that Jesus
Christ lives, and I have no doubt in my mind about it. I know that I am a child of God. Tonight, as I look at you young
men and realize who you are and what you may
become, I declare you have great
expectations, not as the result of an
unknown benefactor, but as the result of a known
benefactor, even our Heavenly Father; and great things
are expected of you. Like a clarion call comes
the word of the Lord to you, to me, and
to priesthood holders everywhere: "Wherefore now,
let every man learn his duty, and to act in the
office in which he is appointed in all diligence." May we each have
the courage to do so I pray in the name
of Jesus Christ, amen.