The devil likes Christians to goof off as much as possible. He wants us to spend our earthly lives on human desires (1 Pt 4:2). He pushes us to work for perishable food rather than for food that lasts unto life eternal (Jn 6:27). If we ever do quit being selfish, confused, and manipulated by the devil, he then tries to trivialize our work for the Lord in secular society and in the Church. He accuses us day and night (Rv 12:10), and claims that we have "toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent" our strength (Is 49:4). He tempts us to be discouraged and lazy, to waste our God-given time, and to retire early.

However, the Lord greatly values our faith, love, and works. In fact, He has created us "in Christ Jesus to lead the life of good deeds which" He has "prepared for us in advance" (Eph 2:10). God "will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him by your service, past and present, to His holy people. Our desire is that each of you show the same zeal till the end" (Heb 6:10-11). "Let us not grow weary of doing good; if we do not relax our efforts, in due time we shall reap our harvest. While we have the opportunity, let us do good" (Gal 6:9-10).

On Judgment Day, Jesus wants to say to each of us: "Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Mt 25:21, our transl) The Holy Spirit will add: "Yes, they shall find rest from their labors, for their good works accompany them" (Rv 14:13).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, July 15, 2000

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 17, 2000