Evangelizing

"Evangelize" is a scary word for Catholics. The image that comes to my mind is the person on the street corner shouting out verses, or the door-to-door Christian who comes to see if you've 'been saved'. Not my style. Not my comfort zone.

But there are other ways to reach others with the Word. The priest at my parish, Father Mike, gave a wonderful homily on this topic last Sunday. He said that we can do more evanglizing through our behaviors than our words. Makes sense, doesn't it? How often do we hear that "actions speak louder than words"?

Father Mike encouraged us all to strengthed our own faith by becoming more visual with the traditions of the Catholic faith, beginning with weekly (preferrably daily) attendance at Mass. Prayer before meals. Offering prayer for those in need. Sending notes to those who are suffering with scripture in addition to our own prayers. Praying the rosary. Reading the bible. Praying novenas. And doing all these things in public.

As Catholics, we are used to keeping our beautiful traditions within the walls of the church. But in doing so, we are depriving our Christian brethren from witnessing the actions of the faithful. In keeping our faith hidden, we have allowed the Catholic faith to become a mystery; and now countless misinterpretations are floating around, bending the minds of non-Catholics to think we are pagans.

So I encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to become evangelists. Take your rosaries outside and pray them under the shade of a tree. Bring your bible to work are read while you eat lunch. When someone asks you to pray for them, don't say, "I will." Take their hands and pray over them right then and there. Become more involved in church. Take a step towards the edge of your comfort zone, and then one more. Share the Word of God through your actions, your deeds, your faith, and your speech.

"...he said, 'I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.'" Luke 4:43

Jesus came to us to teach us the good news of the Lord. We do this because our example will inspire others. Because we've been asked to do this.

"He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.'" Mark 16:15