Let's talk about evangelism
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When was the last time you evangelized someone? As in, told someone about Jesus? About the wonders, awe, and miracles He’s worked in your life? Have you ever done that? Do you think it’s not for you?
I think the word “evangelization” has become associated with street preachers who shame and condemn humanity. Or we associate it with a one-time decision to follow Jesus with no relational follow up or accompaniment. I think that’s why we see a lot of Christians, but not a lot of disciples.
Evangelization should be a lifestyle. We evangelize all the time! Whether it be talking about the latest restaurant, movie, or life hack that’s “totally changed our lives,” we proclaim something all the time.
The word evangelization comes from the Greek word meaning “to bring good news,” and as Catholics, Christians, believers in Jesus, we have the GREATEST news. God created the world, you and I, out of pure love to share in His own blessed life. Because of sin, we were separated from the very reason for our existence. God sent His only Son, Jesus, to the world to bridge that gap and divide forever by His life, death, and resurrection. Now we can make the decision to follow Him and have life everlasting. That is the Good News.
I sometimes think that I don’t have what it takes to talk about Jesus. I don’t have a fancy master’s degree in theology, nor do I feel like I know all the history or teachings of the Catholic Church to argue anyone into a relationship with Jesus. However, I do have a deep, lasting love. I have experienced the unexplainable peace that comes with living a life with Jesus. I have experienced His mercy and compassion. I have been a witness to miracles because of Him. I have found my purpose in living this life for Him.
Psalm 131 is one of my favorite psalms because it says, “I do not busy myself with great matters, with things too sublime for me. Rather, I have stilled my soul, hushed it like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother’s lap, so is my soul within me” (Psalm 131:1-2). I know my gifts and talents and I know that God has created me uniquely, for a purpose, for such a time as this. Right now. For 2021. I don’t have to have some persuasive speech or very learned words.
Friends, you don’t have to have eloquent words, know all of the Catholic Church teaching, or even live a perfect life yourself. The greatest command given to us was to love. To love and then to go and make disciples. There are people specifically placed in your life right now that need to hear the saving words of Jesus, who need to know that he or she is created good; that God loves them so much. Be like the weaned child, who obediently sits on her Father’s lap, soaking in His presence so that she may leave and bring others to do the same.