Quote of the month

"Remember, we are not just working for victory, we are working from victory.

Victory is our starting point, because Christ is risen.

The outcome of the battle for life has aready been decided. It only remains for us to be sure to do our part to proclaim, celebrate, and serve that victory and bring its transforming power to every segment of our society."

-- Fr Frank Pavone, Priests for Life

What a great quote, and how true! And this applies not only to the battle over abortion and euthanasia, but to all aspects of our Christian life and witness.

The coming reign of Christ is assured; it is non-negotiable; it is inevitable.

Christians minister from weakness, as it pertains to themselves and their own righteousness, or, rather, the lack thereof, and the inclinations of our fallen, unregenerate human nature, which are, how shall we put it, not good.

But, we minister from strength, as it pertains to the Christ whom we believe in, before whom we have bowed, and before whom we shall one day stand.

We proclaim not a defeat, but the greatest victory this world has ever or will ever witness -- the defeat of the enemies of God at the Cross -- death, the devil, spiritual rebellion, deception -- all forever defeated at the Cross.

The resurrection makes sure, it clinches, what Christ accomplished at the Cross.

The resurrection is God's Great Big Stamp of Approval on all Christ said and did; it is his vindication, and, because we are His, ours as well.

And it is our assurance that what God has begun, He will bring to completion and fruition. It is not Christians who should be shaken -- it is atheists and unbelieveers of all stripes who are on the ropes and heading down for the count.

Let's never forget it -- we minister out of strength -- not ours -- but His -- His future reign is as certain as His past triumphs in life, death, and resurrection.

All praise, honour, and glory be to the One who stooped so low to raise us up so high, and to give us a gospel that is simply too good not to be true!

Well, I've "preached myself happy"!

Let me add a pentecostal, "thank you, Jesus!".

And that's the way the Ball bounces.