This is the second in a series of sermons called the Confessional where Archbishop will examine the true commitment and dedication to the Empire and it's needs over those of the individual.

The other day I was in Emrayur spending a few days of rest and meditation before returning to my duties. The 70-80 hour weeks I keep as an officer of PIE and an industrialist would take their toll on any man and I am no different. While the constant spirit of God and Faith bring me through the personal turmoils of life I do need my rest as everyone does. Still rest does not overule the call of duty when it presents itself.

In the middle of my rest period a couple of days ago the call went out of a terrorist pilot in Amarr Prime. Despite the need for sleep and renewal I did what any Amarrian would do and ignored personal needs for the greater good of the Empire. I quickly ordered my equally tired crew to board my Armageddon Battleship and we quickly moved to Amarr.

Enroute to the area my weapons officer reported the presence of a terrorist interceptor nearby. I pursued this craft into Amarr and engaged it in battle. What I thought was an easy victory clearly turned into something else as a heathen Megathron appeared and dispatched my Armageddon. The crew barely had time to enter the escape pods before explosions wracked the golden Battleship and it was destroyed in a flash of flame.

But this is not a story about the destruction of a ship rather it is a lesson to those who would view their own personal need for "break" or "self-renewal" over the needs of the Empire. I am no stranger to the Monestary nor am I a stranger to my vacation home on Chaven yet when the call of duty rings a true loyalist says "I am here" to answer it. I know the effort is always made on my part. Not always possible but always attempted at least!

What about you?

After a long drawn out battle do you disappear for a time to recharge your batteries? To restock your wallet and rebuild your destroyed ships? Or do you stay in the zone of danger while observing the needs of the Empire over your own? I know the brave pilots I fly with of the loyalist corporations live by this model but do you? Do you as a pilot believe in your cause to such a point you are willing to live it daily, even in "rest", and face the inevitable fury of possible defeat? Or do you run to hide and "relax" while the dogs of hate and evil bark at the door of your Empire?

Sometimes it may be necessary and that is understood. But is it necessary or convenient? Necessary is acceptable..... convenient is not!

How firm is your faith and commitment?

There is always a time to rest and contemplate the life we lead. There is always time needed for rest and renewal as we live lives of service and commitment.

That does not excuse our duty!

As a loyalist to the Empire it is our sacred duty to put God above anything relating to ourselves. Those who focus on themselves are selfish and uncaring of those around them. They seek only the moment and self-glorification at the expense of truth and brotherhood. This selfish lifestyle is not the way God would have us live!

The next time you say "I'm tired I need a break" and go to sleep do so knowing that at any minute the call to arms could sound. What will you do? Will you roll over in your bed and return to sleep or will you stand tall and fight to your dying breath against all that would work to defeat the Empire of God? What will you do?

Consider this my brothers and sisters as the wars come and go and there seems occasionally time for rest. It is ok to rest and recover. But be on guard and be ready to respond for God. He would expect no less.

Archbishop