Satan's first attempt to keep the great news of Jesus' resurrection from a world enslaved by death was to bribe the guards at Jesus' tomb. Money from large international organizations is being used "to this very day" (Mt 28:15) in prodigious amounts to finance the culture of death and temporarily obscure the message of the resurrection.

Although this approach has had limited and even long-term success (see Mt 28:15), it is primarily a proven failure. Mary Magdalene and another Mary had no resources by the world's standards; yet they began a movement through which the message of the resurrection has been proclaimed to all nations (Mt 28:1ff). Peter was a simple Galilean fisherman in the midst of thousands of pilgrims in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost. Who would listen to him? Yet three thousand people accepted Peter's witness for his risen Lord and were baptized (Acts 2:14, 41).

If you have faith in the risen Christ but no money, prestige, or worldly power, you have all you need to witness for the risen Christ. Because of your faith, you will reach many thousands of people with the good news of Jesus' resurrection, and you are unstoppable. Even if Jesus' opponents kill you, your resurrection-witness will not be stopped but will be given the ultimate credibility and power. All you need is faith in order to be Jesus' witness.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Giles H. Pater, November 15, 2001

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 16, 2001