Be a Disciple

 

Evangelization? “Be a Disciple”? What in heaven’s name do we mean?

Evangelization  — what is it about this word that so many Catholics are put off by it? One of the members of our own evangelization advisory committee reported that when their spouse heard they were to be part of our team, the spouse said something like “Why would you want to do something like that? That sounds terrible!” To many, evangelization conjures up images of a pair of young men in white shirts and skinny ties with bibles in hand knocking on the front door. To others, overly-dramatic televangelists asking for donations. What do we Catholics mean by “evangelization”?

Evangelist – from the Greek evangelion.  In Greek, this means good message . It could also be translated as gospel or good tidings. The word is the product of the combination of eu,  a prefix meaning good, and angelion, message. That last word should look familiar; it’s also the source of our word angel.   As evangelists, we are all called to bring the good news of the Incarnation, of the Cross, and the Resurrection to others. As evangelists we are not so different than the angels: we, too, are ambassadors of heaven, sent on a mission from God Himself.

Thus, evangelization is a sharing of our Catholic faith. It is giving witness, proclaiming the good news, extending the kingdom of God on earth through family life, friendship, work, study, etc. It is appreciating the tremendous gift we have and wanting to share it with our fellow human beings.

What Does the Bible Say?

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here I am; send me!’”

– Isaiah 6:8

For, "everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." But how are men to call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?  And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!"

— Romans 10:13-15

“Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent.”

— Acts 18:9

“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 behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”  

— Matthew 28: 19-20

 Evangelism Challenge This Week

Pray that God will strip away all impediments from sharing our faith with others.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will help us identify others who will be moved by our sharing the faith with them.

 

Practical Tip

Change one of the pre-sets on your car radio to a Catholic radio station (AM:910, “Guadalupe Radio Network” or Sirius XM 129, “The Catholic Channel”.) Listen for 5-10 min each day on your commute to or from work or on one of your daily errands.