A Time to Speak by Jennifer Gladen

There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens...." Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

In the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, we read about how there is a time and a place for everything: "There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant." This goes on for eight verses. I find this suitable for every day – for we all have routines in our lives and certain times to do things. On a deeper level, as I continue to hear all the news and the attacks on our Pope and Church, I think now is a time "to speak" as it says in Ecc 3:7.

When Jesus established His church before He ascended into Heaven, He also gave us our first Pope. Now Peter’s successor is under great attack. As I watch him go through these tough times, I’m humbled by his faithful service to the Church. Right now he needs us – the faithful – to stand together. He needs our prayers. Prayers for perseverance and prayers for strength.

In addition, let us remember Pope John Paul II’s call to the New Evangelization. This is the time: our time to speak. There are lies spread about our Pope. So let’s spread the truth. There is hatred against the Pope and the Church. So let’s spread love. There is persecution against the Pope and the Church, so let’s spread prayer. With all the faithful gathered together in support of Peter’s successor and the Bride of Christ, we can defeat the darkness. Now is the time to speak.


Copyright 2010 Jennifer Gladen