In Ferrol Sam’s poignant book “Christmas Gift”, he
invites the reader to share a depression-era Christmas with his family in rural
Georgia. “Christmas Gift!” is the cry that is shouted by adults and children
alike on Christmas morning as a greeting and as an exclamation of the joy and
promise of Christmas.
Wrapped up in this joyous phrase lies layers of deeper
meaning to his family – the birth of the Christ-child, presents, the tree,
shopping, his aunt’s fruit cake, visitors, relatives, Santa, carols, etc. All of this will be experienced in time, but
for Christmas morning’s ecstasy, one must first simply shout “Christmas Gift”!
Over the last 10 weeks, we have presented the case
that it is the duty of all Catholics to evangelize their family, friends, and neighbors,
especially reaching out to former Catholics who no longer are practicing their
faith. What is it exactly that we are
offering them? What is our message?
As evangelists, our first message is the Kerygma. This is our first announcement that we deliver
to those who have drifted away. It is the Good News, which springs forth from
our lips as though it were Christmas morning.
Kerygma is a term that is largely unfamiliar to most Catholics. It is a
Greek word meaning “proclamation”. Kerygma refers to the initial and essential
proclamation of the gospel message. It
is designed to introduce a person to Christ and to appeal to conversion. As the apostles began the work of preaching
and proclaiming Christ, their message was rather basic and simple. It was distinct from “didache”, another Greek
term referring to teaching, instruction, or doctrine (what we now call
catechesis). This more expansive
teaching would come after baptism. But
the initial proclamation of Christ was simple, and to the point.
In 1979, Blessed John Paul II described how catechesis
builds upon the Kerygma: “Thus through
catechesis the Gospel Kerygma (the initial ardent proclamation by which a
person is one day overwhelmed and brought to the decision to entrust himself to
Jesus Christ by faith) is gradually deepened, developed in its implicit
consequences, explained in language that includes an appeal to reason, and
channeled towards Christian practice in the Church and the world”. (Catechesi
Tradendae)
Next week, we will present more on the Kerygma, and
present it in its basic form, one that can easily be easily committed to
memory.
What Does the Bible Say?
“But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how
can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear
without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent?”
— Romans 10: 14-15
“But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my
refuge, that I may tell of all your works.”
— Psalm 73:28
Evangelizing Challenge This Week
Catholic Apps
VerseWise Bible Revised Standard Edition
(RSV) – The entire Old and New
Testament is now available to you at your fingertips while sitting in the
doctor’s waiting room. One can easily scroll to the book, chapter, and verse
one desires in only seconds. Easy to highlight and / or bookmark favorite
passages. Footnotes are easily accessible. Search by word with an interactive
concordance. Perhaps the best Bible app available.
Word on Fire – This app mirrors the website (www.WorkOnFire.org) of acclaimed author, theologian, and speaker Father
Robert Barron. Fr. Barron is the creator and host of the groundbreaking, global
ten-part documentary series called “Catholicism”. One can follow Fr Barron’s
blog, watch one of his popular youtube videos, and read his homilies. Browse
through his videos for commentaries on recent movie releases.
Totally Catholic Trivia, Full Version – This app is just for fun. It follows television’s
“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” format, but all of the questions are related
to the faith. You will learn things about your faith without even trying.
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