Ten days after the Ascension, 120 followers of Jesus were gathered in Jerusalem. In obedience to the command of the Lord Jesus, they were waiting and praying for the promise of the Spirit. They may have been very eager for the expected gift, but they were also very fearful. They were meeting behind closed doors.
We have a mission as the Church founded by Jesus Christ. We are sent to stand before our society as a strong witness to truth and justice and as a constant and clear voice for the dignity of the human person and the sanctity of all life. The opposition is strong.
Storefront churches, stone cathedrals, synagogues, temples and mosques break the secular landscape of the United States. Their presence stands as a witness to the voices of believers raised to God in prayer.
With the retirement of Supreme Court Justice David Souter, our new President will have his chance at appointing his first Supreme Court judge. Other appointments will surely follow. The President has made clear his own understanding of the qualifications needed for the post.