The Year of Faith, The New Evangelization

From time to time I have been posting something that relates to the Year of Faith and the New Evangelization. By our Baptism and Confirmation we are all called to spread the Gospel. This is a most urgent need as we are living in a culture that is contrary to our beliefs in so many ways. As Francis says, and if I may paraphrase – we are to preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary to use words.

Family, friends, neighbors and our co-workers should know we are practicing Catholics. We should not be afraid to mention our faith or church teachings to others, we can mention it in normal social conversations, we can teach others our beliefs in conversations about issues. We do not need to brow-beat others, but by example urge them to consider their relationship with God. If we show how much our faith means to us, they just might get it.

We cannot evangelize/attract others if we do not show them our enthusiasm, our joy in our faith. We will not attract anyone if we are dour or overly pious. We need to show them we are real people who are searching and messing things up just as they. We can’t just preach to the choir. At times we need to get our hands dirty and break bread, as Jesus did, with tax collectors and prostitutes; read the un-churched, the pro-abortionists, the hedonists, materialists, individualists, etc.

The new evangelization does not take us on missionary journeys to the far reaches of the world, but occurs in our workplaces, social gatherings, backyards, and even in our own homes; and perhaps as important, within ourselves. For we need to evaluate and ask ourselves, “Am I living the gospel life?” Are we shy in bringing up our faith in our own families? We need to educate ourselves not only with scripture reading, but we need to know and relearn our catechism and church teachings. If not, we will not be able to add to conversations especially in the areas of morals and values.

More is accomplished over a dinner table, or a group discussion than that of any number of dignitaries and experts meeting for weeks to issue documents and statements of position.

If we truly care about our brothers, sisters, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers – and we are taught our enemies as well – then we must be willing to share our faith and help bring them to everlasting life.

Below is an excerpt from article by Cardinal Wuerl on the Year of Faith and the New Evangelization I ran across in Our Sunday Visitor. I hope it has some meaning for you.

Experiencing Christ through the sacraments

The Church and its sacraments are a continual reminder to us of God, God’s love and God’s place in our lives

By Cardinal Donald Wuerl - OSV Newsweekly, 1/27/2013

Each year, couples from all over the archdiocese gather at a Mass in which we recognize their anniversaries, ranging from 25th to 50th and beyond. On rare occasions we have celebrated 70th wedding anniversaries. 

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Read the rest of the article here.