President Monson's 85th birthday celebrated with gala event

Can we say OVER-DONE, IMMODEST, and INAPPROPRIATE? A lavish party for the Prophet of the Church is akin to the United States hosting a birthday party for 1000's in Washington D.C. to celebrate the President's birthday. Aren't we supposed to be a HUMBLE PEOPLE??? I don't think God or Jesus would approve of this extravagance. Doug Knoerr Kaukauna, WI.

As I read the comment above, I am truly surprised and disappointed in the writer. First off, we read in our General Conference, listen to talks, listen to our bishop that we are to sustain our church leaders in the callings God has bestowed upon them. Secondly, who are WE to judge how and when things happen? Our prophet is a wise, spiritual man that has been called to the monumental task of leading our church, as the prophets before him. A celebration of his life is a time to reflect on the wonderful accomplishments the the Lord has blessed him with. So, I will sustain my prophet and help celebrate his life. I hope others will do the same.

We have members without clean water, starving to death, homeless, dropping out of school due to high costs, and/or struggling paycheck to paycheck around the world but we have money to throw a LDS A-List party? Ugh, what an unreasonable expense. I sustain my Church leaders, including the prophet, but I do not support irresponsible spending by Church organization employees. As mentioned by teddybarewi, this is "overdone, immodest, and inappropriate" and not reflective of the humble people we are admonished to be. I'm suddenly reminded by the Queen's Jubilee-- another inexcusably lavish event thrown by well-meaning, misguided people. The fact that there are TICKETS available for this event should throw up a red flag. We criticize the Pope's expensive attire as being immodest and unbecoming of a Lord's servant (put aside your belief regarding whether he is a servant or not, this is an exercise in objectivity) yet we throw birthday GALAS? Imagine standing in line for random selection tickets to meet Jesus at an exclusive party such as this-- how incredibly immoral it is to "celebritize" servants of the Lord, whom are called to a life of service, humility, and modesty. Is it not enough that we unashamedly stop General Authorities for autographs and photo ops, as though they were Hollywood Movie Stars, whilst they are out with their families and friends? Ask yourself this question considering that as disciples of Christ, taking upon His sacred name, covenanting to emulate His teachings... would Jesus throw an expensive party and issue tickets? Undoubtedly not, as our Living Savior and Teacher is the ultimate example of wisdom, humility, modesty, kindness, compassion, sensitivity, and goodness. This is a great disappointment of worldly behavior and I am stunned that such financial waste is allowable within the Lord's Church organization. For shame.