The Holy Grail

PREFACE: The journal that I used in the Missionary Training Center was actually written in previously -- only a few pages at the beginning. I suppose I just didn't want to waste it, though I'm not sure why I felt I needed a different journal for the MTC than the rest of my mission. It all made sense at the time, which is why I did it.

So, the first two entries here are from December of 1996, about six months before I entered the MTC, and a couple of months before I even received the personal revelation that a full-time mission was, indeed, in my future. I include them here (one at a time, so the next will be another post).

The Holy Grail -- as told by Hartman Rector, Jr. at the Provo Temple Christmas Dinner, December 2, 1996

A young man in the middle ages was knighted and he set out on a journey to find the Holy Grail. He was handsome and strong and armored and ready to accomplish his goal.

As he left the city, mounted upon a mighty steed, he came across a beggar in the outskirts of town, who was afflicted with leprosy. He flipped a gold coin to the beggar and went on his way.

The coin was of no value to the leper, for no one would touch an infected item, not even a gold coin.

The knight journeyed long and far and met with many trials. He continued on his search, through many years of a variety of experiences. Finally he decided to return home, not fulfilling his goal but too tired and worn to go on. His frail body, in rags, his horse long ago lost or stolen, his mind exhausted, he walked back to his city and found that same beggar in the outskirts.

This time, he did not have a gold coin to send his way, but merely a few last crusts of bread and a bowl that he dipped in the nearby stream, filled with water, and offered to the beggar. The leper accepted and as he drank, the cup transformed into the Holy Grail, and the beggar changed into the Savior, Jesus Christ.