There is often the thinking by many people, that those in ministry have it all together. Let me correct that misconception, at least as it pertains to me. Quite frequently. I am a hurting, wounded and broken person in need of the love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness and healing of Jesus.

If as an evangelizer I insist on waiting until my life and the total Catholic community is in perfect spiritual condition, with all questions and doubts resolved and with all Christians living in harmony, I will never do anything. I must remember that Jesus did not establish His church for saints, but for sinners, people who strive for goodness yet know that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

We must all accept this humbling reality, work with whatever there is to work with, do our best and leave the outcome in God's hands.

As family, we can help one another by encouragement. I used to be a long distance runner. I remember as I neared the end of a long race, my legs ached, my throat burned and my whole body would cry out for me to stop. This is when my teammates were most valuable.

Their encouragement helped me push through the pain to the finish line. In the same way, we as Christians are to encourage one another. A kind word offered at the right moment can be the difference between finishing our ministry or collapsing along the way.

As you approach each day, striving to live the great commission of Jesus, engage the task with the firm conviction that you have something of value to share with others, that you come to enrich the lives of others, that you are indeed God's messenger and a Resurrected person. Believe that you are a unique masterpiece of God. In all the world there is nobody like you. Nobody has your smile. No one has your eyes, nose, hair or voice. No one laughs or cries like you. You are the only one in all creation who has your set of abilities. Those unique combination of gifts, talents, and abilities are like an original symphony. You are rare and in all rarity there is great value. Begin to see that God made you for a very special purpose. God has a job for you to do that no one else can do.

As evangelizers, our efforts do not simply depend on wealth, intelligence or ability. They are acts freely given and freely received. We have no excuse to neglect those who have deep needs. Jesus wants our personal "hands on" involvement in caring for others.

God says to us each day: My child, I've often heard your question. This is my answer. You are concerned about the hungry in the world, millions who are starving and you ask, "What can I do?" I say feed one!

You grieve for all the unborn children murdered everyday and you ask, "What can I do?" I say save one!

You are haunted by the homeless and the poor who wander the city streets and you ask, "What can I do?" I say shelter one!

You feel compassion for those who suffer pain, sorrow and despair and you ask, "What can I do?" I say comfort one!

Your heart goes out to the lonely, the abused and the imprisoned and you ask, "What can I do?" I say love one!

Remember this my child, 2000 years ago the world was filled with those in need just as it is today, and when the helpless and the hopeless cried out to me for mercy, I sent a Savior.

Glenn Harmon © 2002