As we near the end of the Easter season and prepare for a new Pentecost, the last word from the Acts of the Apostles is that we, like Paul, are to preach and teach about Jesus and His kingdom "with full assurance, and without any hindrance" (Acts 28:31). The last word from John's Gospel is that we, like Peter, are to follow Jesus and refuse to be distracted with other matters (Jn 21:22). In other words, let's bolt from the upper room of Pentecost and follow Jesus into the streets, homes, and neighborhoods, where we will acknowledge publicly and fearlessly Jesus as our Savior, Lord, Life, and God (see Mt 10:32).

At the end of our lives, many of the things which have concerned us throughout our lives will obviously not matter. However, our relationship with Jesus, our discipleship, and our evangelization will make all the difference in the world and beyond the world. The old saying is often true: "All's well that ends well." If we end this Easter season with a new Pentecost, all will end very well. If we end life on earth with the name of Jesus on our lips and on the lips of those with whom we have shared the gospel, all is well forever. Today, as we end the Pentecost novena, prepare for the greatest endings of all. Come, Holy Spirit!

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, December 29, 2002

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 31, 2002