"The true light which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world." (John 1:9)

St. John the Evangelist in his Gospel clearly identifies Christ as "the Word of God" through Whom all creation came into being; for when God speaks, His Word comes forth from Him with power to do all that He wills. However, God's living and omnipotent Word not only created us; but when we fell into sin's darkness, He re-created us by sending us His light (truth) in Jesus to expose our sinfulness, and provide us means of living in God's truth and love. Through grace He gave us the ability to become His holy children.

Throughout twenty centuries "evil" has been perverting or denying Christ's message. St. John tells us in his first epistle that already numerous anti-Christs had appeared. These were people who could not recognize the "Holy One" because they lacked the anointing of the Holy Spirit Who leads man to all truth and teaches him to truly love. Apart from God, human thought remains twisted by sin. Today the forces of evil are working harder than ever to promote moral and societal chaos through the media, both informational and entertainment. Consequently, many believe that "freedom" gives the right to cohabitation, adultery, fornication, contraception, homosexuality and abortion. So convincing is the media and so selfish and ignorant of God's Word is the average Christian, that he is incapable of recognizing truth and therefore rejects it.

Sadly, anti-Christs have also infiltrated the Church, attacking the Papacy established by Christ to preserve the integrity of His teachings on faith and morals. Clergy throughout the world are acting independently rather than in concert with our Pope. We, the faithful, have obligations: to maintain a prayerful relationship with Christ; understanding and following Church teachings; and fearlessly fighting error.

Blessed Savior,
open our hearts to Your sanctifying love
and our minds to the beauty and order of Your truth,
that justice and peace may prevail over this world.
Amen

- Marie L. Bocko, ocds (mlbocko@borg.com)