"Cool" Fools

Statistically, each cigarette smoked shortens your life by five minutes - a form of "slow suicide," Every knowledgeable person knows that; that's why so many have recently kicked the habit. Yet teenage smoking is on the rise - especially among girls. The answer to the big question "why?" is not advertising but peer pressure.

Peer pressure is based on fear of rejection by "significiant others" - very common among love-starved kids. This longing for "human respect" - the regard for human approval, is not bad, but when it contravenes God's will, "we must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).

Because of human respect, halfhearted Christians hesitated to risk identification with the early Christian community (5:13). But Paul courageously surmounted human respect: "We dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition" (1 Thes 2:2).

Be always intrepid in the face of human opinion" "Whether they listen or fail to listen" (Ez 2:7), "do not be ashamed to testify about or Lord" (2 Tim 1:8). Whether by pro-life bumper stickers or saying grace publicly, be always openly Christian.

This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net