Jesus commanded us to put His light on the lampstand and proclaim the gospel to the whole world (Lk 8:16). He also said His word would get out to people even if we failed to proclaim it. "There is nothing hidden that will not be exposed, nothing concealed that will not be known and brought to light" (Lk 8:17)

.Jesus can do the job without us. He calls us not so much because He needs us but because we need Him. Evangelization is more than our obligation; it's our privilege. What greater honor is there than to serve God Himself! With the psalmist, we should pray: "I had rather one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked" (Ps 84:11).

When we serve and pray, work and suffer for the Lord, we have done Him no favor. He has favored us by letting us be part of His kingdom. "When you have done all you have been commanded to do, say, 'We are useless servants. We have done no more than our duty' " (Lk 17:10). Thank the Lord for the privilege of living and dying for Him.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, March 8, 2000

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 9, 2000