To a small degree, 13-year-old Jonathan Munoz can recognize the weight Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery must have felt when the pair became the world's only priesthood holders.
In 1829 — 175 years ago — the young Prophet and his scribe sought answers to their questions about the vital ordinance of baptism. While kneeling in prayer at the edge of the Susquehanna River in northeastern Pennsylvania, Joseph and Oliver were visited by John the Baptist. Acting under the direction of Peter, James and John, John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic Priesthood upon the two men.
The authority to baptize and act in God's name had been restored. Joseph and Oliver became, for a time, the sole holders of the priesthood. Later, the Melchizedek Priesthood was also restored.
Jonathan Munoz is a promising tennis player and enjoys watching Formula 1 car races. He's also the sole priesthood holder at Southwest Middle School in Lakeland, Fla.
"You always try your best — you know you're being watched," Jonathan said, speaking of his unique ecclesiastical status among his schoolmates. A deacon in the Lakeland Ward, Lakeland Florida Stake, Jonathan does appreciate the companionship of fellow young men in his ward. And he looks forward to gathering with tens of thousands of priesthood holders worldwide to view a Church broadcast commemorating the 175th anniversary of the restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood.
The event will be broadcast May 16 from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, beginning at 6 p.m., MDT.
The Church News will provide coverage in the May 22 issue.
Elder Dale E. Miller of the Seventy and executive director of the Church's Priesthood Department, said the broadcast will provide priesthood holders such as Jonathan a chance to ponder "the almost overwhelming thought that the authority of God is once again on the earth."
The restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood, said Elder Miller, allowed worthy men to receive divine revelation while unifying through quorums that teach correct doctrines and bless lives. That same restoration was the necessary precursor to the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood and the organization of Christ's latter-day Church.
Even the youngest deacon can enlist the upcoming commemoration program as inspiration to find ways to bless others, said Charles W. Dahlquist II, Young Men general president. Besides fulfilling designated Aaronic Priesthood Young Men duties, young priesthood holders can bless others by treating their fellow students and neighbors well.
Elder Miller marvels at the inclusiveness of the priesthood, saying all worthy males, 12 and over, have the right to be ordained to a priesthood office. Priesthood holders of all ages, he added, are reminded of the special responsibility they share through the restoration by reading Doctrine and Covenants 107: 99: "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence."
At this time of commemoration, young priesthood holders should also remember the principles taught in the Aaronic Priesthood Duty to God program, Elder Miller said. The goals highlighted in that program can prepare a young man to exercise his priesthood authority "in all diligence," while simultaneously developing the social and spiritual skills that will serve them well in future missions and families.
The priesthood and Duty to God program "helps me work hard and not give up," Jonathan Munoz said. "We're being prepared to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood."
Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, those first latter-day recipients of the Aaronic Priesthood 175 years ago, would likely be pleased to see the current state of the lesser priesthood and the thousands who hold it.
"(Aaronic Priesthood) activity rates," Elder Miller said, "are higher than ever before worldwide."
E-mail: jswensen@desnews.com