The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic 4/4 – Evangelization

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” –Mt 28:19-20 (RSVCE)

We are called to always be in the state of evangelization to those who don’t know Christ and to those who know Christ but have lost His scent. Evangelization is spreading the Good News through one’s testimony of being affected and transformed by the Gospel—the life of Jesus. We don’t need to be theologians and articulate with our words, nor flowery with our exhortations. We only need to be a witness to the transforming power of God’s love through Jesus. The world has enough teachers. We need more witnesses. It’s through the witnessing of one’s life that others catch the fragrance of Christ and they become drawn to Him through you.

However, and of course we can never discount the fact that we will eventually be called to evangelize with our words so let us be intimate with the Word of God through prayer, Scripture, and the Sacraments. He will enable us to speak. We have nothing to worry so long as we speak from our hearts, convicted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Holiness goes hand in hand with evangelization because when we are before God in Heaven He will check to see who we brought with us. We are a community of saints. So let us be like the saints in history who have inspired multitudes to be like Jesus through the way they lived their lives. In terms of our future and vocation, we only need to ask this one question: “how is the Lord calling me to make disciples of all nations?” This will lead us to our calling. This is the job and the great commission the Lord has called every one of His disciples!

Praise be God!

Our Lady of Guadalupe, star of the New Evangelization, pray for us!

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!” –Romans 10:15

 

Salt and Light

“Salt seasons and improves the flavour of food. Following Jesus, you have to change and improve the ‘taste’ of human history.’
—Pope John Paul II

Sometimes I’m afraid that if I don’t think I’ll make a big difference, then it won’t matter if I even try to make a difference. I am reminded by PJPII that I am the salt to the earth. It doesn’t matter if I’m not making a big difference, as long as I am making a difference, that’s what matters. That’s what salt does, and we are each a tiny grain making a difference in the world. Praise God.

“Even a tiny flame lifts the heavy lid of night. How much more light will you make, all together, if you bond as one in the communion of the Church! If you love Jesus, love the Church!”
—Pope John Paul II

With the immense rise of the culture of death in our society, the world might seem like a very dark place. However, we are the light of the world. Even the smallest flame can illuminate the heaviest darkness. Darkness immediately ceases when there is light. What I love about the Church and community life is the communion of many tiny flames that form an inferno. We truly bring light to the world because we bring Jesus to the world. Praise God.

Heavenly Father, help us to recognize that, by Your Holy Spirit, truly we are salt and light to the world. May we be and bring You wherever we go and set ablaze the darkness of the world with the fire of Your love. Amen!