"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have"{I Peter 3:15}

We all know about the enormous problems in the world today. Pope John Paul II is telling us that if there were ever a time when the world was ready to listen and respond to the message of Jesus, the present moment in history is that time.

The gospel is proclamation, revealed truth. People have got to hear it with their ears, but they also need to see it with their eyes. Doctors need medicine before they can heal. Cooks need ingredients before they can prepare a meal. Farmers need seeds before they can reap a harvest. The world needs Jesus before we can find an answer to our problems and needs.

Because of my busy schedule I watch very little television. However, a few days ago I was channel surfing and came across a documentary entitled "Pornography in America." It highlighted a man who decided to start a business whose sole purpose was to spread "filth" on television, in movies and on the Internet.

In one (1) year he was able to fine 5,000 people who contributed $100.00 each to help him start his business. He is now a millionaire. Who knows how many lives he has destroyed along the way.

As Christians, we must be willing to stand together and say "Enough is Enough." We must be prepared to define the truth and expose the lies of modern society. With the devil roaring around in search of someone to devour, many Christians are still using shyness as an excuse for not revealing and sharing their faith, even to their own children, his most likely prey. I believe that apathy in the face of relievable human suffering is radical evil.

Jesus put it another way: "Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth." {Rev. 3:16}

I could wallpaper my office with all the recent documents, encyclicals and study papers on Evangelization. However, it will take bold leadership by all of us to make the words a reality.

We have only so much time. Tens of thousands die daily without ever hearing about Jesus. With so many in the world still waiting to be evangelized, we have to run hard and run to win.

The call upon the Church is to equip one another, love one another, and work together to live our faith in the world.

Glenn Harmon © 2002