"The time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but, following their own desires, will surround themselves with teachers who tickle their ears. They will stop listening to the truth and will wander off to fables" (2 Tm 4:3-4). Some of them will even gain positions of power in the Church and redirect the glory and money that rightfully belongs to God to themselves (Mk 12:38-40).

To such a people, "stubborn of brow and obstinate in heart" (Ez 3:7), God sends His disciples to proclaim and teach His "word, to stay with this task whether convenient or inconvenient — correcting, reproving, appealing — constantly teaching and never losing patience" (2 Tm 4:2). It seems like a no-win situation. The all-pervasive, anti-Christian ideology of the culture of death is so unyielding.

Yet God commands us: "Fear them not, nor be dismayed at their looks" (Ez 3:9). God will make His disciples who carry His word more formidable than they are (Jer 15:20; Ez 3:8). "It shall be they who turn to" Christ rather than Christians buckling before their pressure (Jer 15:19).

Therefore, "be steady and self-possessed; put up with hardship, perform your work as an evangelist, fulfill your ministry" (2 Tm 4:5). "Thus we may say with confidence: 'The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid; What can man do to me?' " (Heb 13:6)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert A. Stricker, December 13, 2003

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 18, 2003