Sanctify

I had a really great opportunity this weekend to attend a Christ-Centered Energy Healing Conference in Mesa. Started by an LDS group but extended to all Christian faiths, it works to bring energy work (muscle testing, foot zoning, emotional processing and releasing, and all those kinds of woo-woo voodoo techniques) into harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The power to heal, no matter how it is done, comes through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. So there were classes about cultivating your spiritual gifts, coming closer to understanding our divine purposes and destiny, learning to forgive and heal, etc, etc. One insight in particular I wanted to share. In one of the classes I attended, she asked us the definition of sanctify. The first definition I thought of is "to make holy", others said "to set apart", "purify", "cleanse", all of which are true. But then she explained that those first definitions are true and correct, but there is a third translation of the word from ancient Greek or Latin meaning to "approve, accept, and support". In context of the class we discussed loving and accepting ourselves etc, however a new thought came as I partook of the sacrament on Sunday. As the prayer includes the words "bless and sanctify this bread (or water) for the souls of all those who partake of it...", the thought came that no only does the Lord accept and approve of the bread and water (emblems of the atoning sacrifice), but as we take them into ourselves He is giving his love, support, approval and acceptance to us- He is saying in effect "I will take you as you are, whether that's broken or whole, firm in the faith or confused by doubts, and I will support and help you become better through the Atonement." It is both a humbling and an empowering understanding, perhaps one I've thought of in different terms but never quite like that.