There is no chaining the word of God (2 Tm 2:9), but the messengers of God's word can be chained. We are often chained through sin, selfishness, or fear. However, we can be chained in more subtle ways. For example, the devil tried to chain the apostles by making them think they needed to cut back temporarily on prayer and the ministry of the word to deal with a disagreement in the early Church (Acts 6:2ff). He tempted them by encouraging them to do a good and needed work. Moreover, the devil didn't tell them to completely quit their ministry of the word but only to cut back just for a little while. However, once we deviate even slightly from our God-given call (even if we do it by performing good deeds), we are no longer doing God's will. When we give an inch even for a moment, our inch turns into miles which can last forever.

Therefore:

• Do God's deeds, not good deeds.
• Do nothing but His will.
• Don't interrupt or postpone God's work. Do it now.
• Don't let up at all in proclaiming His word in season and out of season (2 Tm 4:2).
• Be a witness for the risen Christ full-time and forever.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, October 9, 1998

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 17, 1998