Translation by Gabriel González. Introduction by Isaac Richards.
When we talk, we usually “speak into the air” (1 Corinthians 14:9). What we say disappears as quickly as our mouth closes. But occasionally in the past, and much more frequently today, spoken language is made semipermanent, either through note taking, written transcription, or audiovisual recording. When this happens, a speech can become a kind of time capsule, revealing an entire world—its norms, priorities, and its own unique place. This temporary permanence enables speech to travel across time and space as a voice from the grave or from the dust, precisely as the Book of Mormon describes.
This talk, by a stalwart Argentinian saint, is an example of the space- and time-binding power of communication. Notice how timeless and eternal parts of it still sound—“a world engulfed in crises that jeopardize peace”—but also notice which parts remind you that the past is a foreign country. Hugo Salvioli impressively synthesizes Homer’s Odyssey, the Old and New Testament, as well as details from South American political history into a message about how all humanity must learn to break bread in harmonious community together. Salvioli reminds us that “lasting security and stability can only come to the nations through righteous living.” That’s a sentence worth speaking in the past, the present, and the future. As a result, Salvioli performs today the very ideas he described in 1978; in a prophetic mode, as a classical orator, and as an important figure from Latter-day Saint history in his country, Salvioli can “make no better contribution” to the grand and global story of eloquent Mormon preaching.
Dear brother and sisters, dear friends, being here with our beloved Prophet I cannot help but remember the words found in Amos: “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).
As we study the life and works of prophets across time, we realize that the Lord never called on the timid or indecisive, but rather he called strong men, humble but determined men who showed great spiritual strength. Their words were always challenging and precise: “arise and shine forth,” “go and preach the Gospel.” Such commands were always uttered with encouraging promises: “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear” or “rejoice and be exceeding glad.”
To lead His kingdom in our times, the Lord has chosen President Spencer W. Kimball, who reveals His will, both through preaching and the example of his life, not only to the members of the Church but also to all humankind. For this reason, we often joyfully sing, “We thank thee, O God, for a prophet, to guide us in these latter days.”
This year (1978) is very special for us as Argentines, because we celebrate two hundred years since the birth of General José de San Martín, who is esteemed not only as the liberator of our country but also of our sister nations of Chile and Peru. His virtues and lack of concern for the glory of men shows his love of God, as well as his belief that the divine potential of people can only be fulfilled in an environment of liberty and justice. He once stated, “You shall be what you ought to be, but if not, you shall be nothing at all.” We believe that the political liberation of our people cleared and prepared the way for the 1925 dedication in Buenos Aires of these South American lands for the preaching of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In a world engulfed in crises that jeopardize peace—peace as in the lack of warfare and also as in spiritual peace—we do well to remember the warnings issued by President Kimball. In a message to the world after the end of World War II, in October 1945, he said, “Peace is obtainable, but what is the price of peace? The efforts of peace conferences, and the prayers of suffering humanity, may bring an armistice of uncertain length, but peace with totality and permanence can come only when men repent and turn to the Lord.”
In short, the path or the foundation of peace is righteousness. Upon reading Homer’s beautiful poems, I’ve always been impressed by the way in which Odysseus was recognized by his faithful wife Penelope and his people. He returned home, after a twenty-year absence, to discover that an engraved iron bow had been prepared and that each potential suitor was asked to string it if they were to be declared heir to the throne. Yet none of the suitors had the strength to bend it. Only Odysseus was able to perform the task, with but minimal effort. Despite being disguised as a beggar, his ability to bend the bow caused him to be immediately recognized. He won the contest, and with that same bow, he put to death Penelope’s insolent suitors.
Let us now move to the Gospel’s heart-warming tales. After Christ’s crucifixion, two of His disciples walked with a heavy heart toward the village of Emmaus, near Jerusalem, when Jesus, as a resurrected being, appeared onto them on the road. They were certain He was dead and failed to recognize him. When they reached their destination, they invited him for dinner.
And it came to pass,” read the scripture, “as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him (Luke 24:30–31).
While Odysseus was revealed because he could bend a bow, Jesus was revealed because of how he broke bread. Bread is universally accepted as a nurturing substance, one that sustains life. Christ himself, when He taught us how to pray, asked the Father to always give us daily bread. Stringing a bow is an act of strength, a thing of strife and war; breaking bread is an act of generosity, one that nurtures, one that is shared; it is a bestowal of life and goodness carried out through wheat’s golden grain.
Nowadays, when so many people and nations would prepare for war rather than in peace, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints raises its voice to the nations of the world declaring that it is obtainable, and urgently necessary, that we all learn to break bread.
Brothers and sisters, as members of the Church, let us take on the commitment of witnessing to the world that lasting security and stability can only come to the nations through righteous living. Thus, we can make no better contribution than an adequate and fair attitude, as well as firm convictions that will counter evil and indecency.
I wish to leave with you my testimony that truth will prevail. This is not only the expression of my desire but also my firm spiritual conviction. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Hugo N. Salvioli was born in 1929, in La Plata, Argentina. He was baptized in the River Plata on December 10, 1939. He was a CES director for 22 years. Among his many callings, he has served as a regional representative, mission president (Bahía Blanca Argentina), temple president (Buenos Aires), and MTC president (Guatemala City).
Art by Andres Segovia (1929-1996).
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