Less than one-third of the people on earth have been baptized into the Church and have become children of God. If you are in that number, consider yourself very blest.

Less than one-fifth of the world has received Holy Communion — even once. A smaller percentage of these people have the opportunity of going to Mass weekly. Less than one-percent of the world go to Mass and Holy Communion daily. If you have received Communion, if you can go to Mass without traveling for hours or days, how "blest are your eyes because they see and blest are your ears because they hear" (Mt 13:16).

If you have ever read part of the Bible, held the Bible in your hands, or even own a Bible, you are a minority in the world. Hundreds of millions would love to trade places with you. Jesus declares: "I assure you, many a prophet and many a saint longed to see what you see but did not see it, to hear what you hear but did not hear it" (Mt 13:17).

I could go on, but I'll leave it to you to count your blessings further. It is safe to say that you are probably among the most blessed people in history. "When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted" (Lk 12:48).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, December 29, 2002

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 31, 2002