Have you ever attended a funeral and wished you had shared your faith with the deceased when you'd had the opportunity? Now that your teenagers no longer listen to you, don't you wish that you would have told them about Jesus when they were younger and more open? Most people's lives are filled with missed opportunities. When days are as evil as ours, we often don't get a second or third chance.

However, the Lord doesn't want us burdened with regrets. He wants us to repent of missed opportunities and give no thought to what lies behind (see Phil 3:13). Then He wants us to "make the most of the present opportunities." "We must do the deeds" of God "while it is day. The night comes on when no one can work" (Jn 9:4). "Give ear, listen humbly, for the Lord speaks. Give glory to the Lord, your God, before it grows dark; before your feet stumble on darkening mountains; before the light you look for turns to darkness, changes into black clouds" (Jer 13:15-16). "Now is the acceptable time! "Now is the day of salvation!" (2 Cor 6:2) Share your faith now. Evangelize now. You may never have another opportunity.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 26, 2006

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