I recently met a woman who had returned to the U.S.A. after serving twenty years as a foreign missionary. She was utterly shocked by the changes in American culture during her absence. Topics never mentioned in decent conversation were now flaunted publicly from billboards, movies, and prime-time TV. Political candidates who would never have been considered worthy of nomination when she left were now routinely being elected. She was dumbfounded at the absence of the sense of sin and shame.

Daniel was a holy and righteous Jew, blamelessly observing the ordinances of the Lord (Dn 1:8; 6:11). Yet his Jewish people had been exiled "because of their treachery" toward God (Dn 9:7). Daniel humbly recognized his part, however small, in the sins of his nation, and was ashamed (Dn 9:7, 8) of the sins his nation and people had committed against the Lord.

Too many people are ashamed of nothing but Jesus (Mk 8:38) and His gospel (Rm 1:16). Jesus bluntly declares: "If anyone in this faithless and corrupt age is ashamed of Me and My doctrine, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes with the holy angels in His Father's glory" (Mk 8:38).

Repent! Be ashamed of sin and wickedness. Repent of being ashamed of Jesus. Like Daniel, pray for forgiveness for yourself, your nation, and your people.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Giles H. Pater, August 18 8, 2004

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 23, 2004