How can we evangelize?

Each of us is called to invite others to turn toward God. Each of us can invite others to think more deeply about the meaning of their lives. Each of us can invite another to share our search for a deeper knowledge of the love of God. Each of us can invite another to pray. Each family can invite others to experience a hospitality in their home that clearly flows from Christian love. Each of us can invite another to share a community experience or come to our parish Eucharistic celebration. Reflect on John 1:35-50.
Accepting The Word:
We cannot give what we have not first received.
"How can they call to God for help if they have not believed? And how can they believe if they have not heard the message? And how can they hear if the message is not proclaimed? And how can the message be proclaimed if the messengers are not sent out? Faith, then, comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through preaching Christ." (Romans 10:14-17)
Each of us is called to a personal relationship with a God who loves us. Each of us needs to listen to God’s Word as it is written in the Scriptures. Each of us, by the power of the Holy Spirit, must make a decision to surrender to God’s love and to commit ourselves to follow Christ. Each of us needs the support of a faith community to experience God’s love and empower us to go out to others. Reflect on Mark 4:1-9, 13-20.
Living It Out:
Our lives speak more clearly than our words.
"Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to God’s Word; instead, put it into practice…For whoever looks closely into the perfect law that sets people free, who keeps on paying attention to it and does not simply listen and then forget it, but puts it into practice, that person will be blessed by God is what is done." (James 1:22-25)
Each of us is called to share the love we have received with others. Each of us can show care for each person we meet at work, on the street, and in times of leisure. Each of us who is a member of a family can express our love for each other within the family. As a family, we can show love toward others. Each faith community must let people know that they are disciples of Christ by the love they have for one another. Each of us is called to help others as effectively as we can, especially the poor and the marginalized. Reflect on Matthew 5:13-16.
"Those who have received the Good News and who have been gathered by it into a community of salvation can and must communicate it and spread it…" (No. 13) (Evangelization in the Modern World, Pope Paul VI)
"It is unthinkable that a person should accept the word and give himself to the kingdom without becoming a person who bears witness to it and proclaims it in his turn." (No. 24) (Evangelization in the Modern World, Pope Paul VI)

Peace and love,
Sue

"Be still and know that I am God"(Psalm 46:10)