Prayer is the most powerful force in the world.  Many of us are confused and discouraged by attitudes
and happenings that seem beyond our control.  As we strive to have more and more possessions we see
family values breaking down.  In many of us, faith is tepid. We hear so many saying, "I'm Christian, but ...

       I don't think it's necessary for me to go to Church every Sunday."

       I don't think it's necessary to go to Church on Holy Days."

       If my kids go to Mass at Catholic school, that's enough for our family."

       If my kids go to religion class that's enough, we shouldn't have to go to Mass too."

       Artificial contraception is OK."

       Abortion is a right."

       As a politician I can set my personal beliefs aside and support abortion.

       I can leave my faith behind me as I cast my vote."

       I don't think I should have to go to Confession"

       I don't commit any sins."

       I need to be a little dishonest in order to keep up with others."

       A few white lies are alright."

When we become lukewarm in our faith, we can easily become "supermarket" Christians, taking the
things we like from our faith and leaving the more difficult demands of faith behind.  We can allow all kinds
of evil to thrive.  It can become overwhelming.

Prayer is the most powerful force in the world.  What would happen if thousands of us prayed at the same
time?  Many of us have seen the "Passion of the Christ" this Lent.  We can't help but be moved by Jesus who
died on the cross for our forgiveness and salvation.  We can be inspired by Jesus who even forgave those
who put him to death.  He was a true man.  His faith was anything but "lukewarm."

We are called to be like Jesus.  So, what can we do?  We can PRAY.  What would happen if thousands of us
would pray for and end to abortion?  For an end to terrorism?  For an end to lukewarm faith?

Let's do it!  I'm asking you to make a pledge.  It has two parts.  The first is to pray the Rosary on Good Friday ...
for an end to abortion, an end to terrorism, an end to domestic and any kind of violence, an end to lukewarm faith. 
The second is to begin the Divine Mercy Novena, nine days of special prayers for God's mercy upon those who
need it the most.

When Jesus gave Saint Faustina the intentions to pray for he said about the lukewarm and indifferent,

"These souls cause Me more suffering than any others; it was from such souls that My soul felt
the most revulsion in the Garden of Olives. It was on their account that I said: 'My Father, if it is
possible, let this cup pass Me by.' The last hope of salvation for them is to flee to My Mercy."

In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus told her:

"On each day of the novena you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will
immerse them in this ocean of My mercy ... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength
of My passion, for the graces for these souls."