The Weight of Days: Daniel’s Count, Temple Timing, and Personal Sanctification

Brothers and sisters, the confluence of events surrounding the Salt Lake Temple’s impending reopening demands our attention. Valentine’s Day—a day steeped in both secular sentiment and profound ecclesiastical significance—has once again revealed its weight in the annals of the Restoration. The Prophet’s announcement, coinciding with the anniversary of the Temple's groundbreaking and the organization of the Quorum of the Twelve, is not merely a pleasant coincidence; it is a sign, a call to deeper reflection.

As Jen and Chris so eloquently pointed out in the video, the timing is remarkable. The echoes of Daniel’s prophecies, the symbolic significance of the number eight, and the mirroring of milestones with other sacred structures—Notre Dame, for example—all point to a larger, divine orchestration. We are reminded of the cleansing of the sanctuary, a recurring motif throughout scripture, and the imperative for personal and collective sanctification. D&C 95:1 instructs us to “cleanse yourselves first” before offering sacrifice, a principle that resonates powerfully with the Temple renovation itself.

The eight-year span of the Temple’s renovation, linking 2019 to 2027, speaks of new beginnings and rebirth—the very essence of the Millennium. This isn’t a superficial observation; it’s a challenge to examine the foundations of our own spiritual lives. Are we actively engaging in the work of renovation, dismantling the false narratives and destructive patterns that hinder our progress?

President Nelson has consistently urged us to view the Temple as more than just a beautiful building; it is a symbol, an invitation. An invitation to partake of the blessings of the Atonement, to strengthen our covenants, and to draw closer to our Heavenly Father. The Prophet Brigham Young’s prophecy that the Temple would stand through the Millennium is not a guarantee of temporal endurance alone, but a testament to its enduring spiritual power—a power that is amplified when we diligently strive to embody its principles.

Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the 40-day journey to Easter, further underscores the theme of repentance and renewal. The timing of the Spire Milestone event alongside similar events at Notre Dame is intriguing, though perhaps best viewed as a reminder of humanity’s perpetual yearning for the divine. It’s a reminder that even in the face of cultural shifts and worldly distractions, the desire for connection with the eternal is undeniable.

Consider Isaiah 52:15: “And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings shall see thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, by the Lord, even the Builder of Zion, the Comforter of the people.” The Salt Lake Temple, and indeed all temples, are beacons of righteousness, illuminating the path for a world shrouded in darkness. But the light shines brightest when reflected through the lives of those who seek to emulate the principles they represent.

Let us not be content with mere observation and appreciation of these remarkable events. Let us embrace the invitation to personal sanctification, to purify our hearts, and to build Zion within ourselves and in our communities. The weight of these days demands it.