A boy was possessed by a mute and deaf spirit, but all the religious leaders could do was discuss it. The apostles had abandoned Christ, Jesus had been crucified, Judas had committed suicide, but the two disciples on the road to Emmaus made small-talk about major happenings (Lk 24:14-15).

"The kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power" (1 Cor 4:20). The "preaching of the gospel" should not be "a mere matter of words for you but one of power" in the Holy Spirit (1 Thes 1:5). Paul commanded Timothy: "Keep reminding people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about mere words. This does no good and can be the ruin of those who listen" (2 Tm 2:14). "Avoid worldly, idle talk, for those who indulge in it become more and more godless, and the influence of their talk will spread like the plague" (2 Tm 2:16-17).

It's time to stop talking and start walking. We've run on at the mouth too long. The world doesn't need to hear anymore lip-service from the Church. It's time to put our money and lives where our mouths are. It's time to put up or shut up. Let's stop merely discussing the world's problems. Let's win this world for Jesus Christ.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 16, 2005

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.