Evangelization. It’s
an intimidating word to many. I don’t know about you, but when I think about
Evangelization I think about those people on the street corners that yell “THE
END OF THE WORLD IS HERE! REPENT OR BURN IN HELL!” Nobody likes hearing that,
and as far as I have seen, nobody really likes those people either. They
inspire panic and fear, and is that really what our God is all about? Yet we are
taught that Evangelization is an important part of being a follower of Christ. We
are called to go out into the world and spread the Good News! Ok… but what does
that MEAN?
The answer is simple and beautiful, and I was relieved to
discover it.
According to “evangelicalCatholic.org,” An evangelized
person is someone deeply touched by the “good news” (euangel- in Greek) known
in Christ Jesus. The goal of all evangelization is to help those living without
the good news to know the fullness of life Christ said he came to bring.
Share the Good news. Got it. What’s the Good News again?
The good news is the joy, fulfillment, challenge to grow,
the peace beyond understanding, the comfort, the counsel, the call to help
needing people and billions of blessings we experience because Christ is the
center of our lives. Christ is King, and we are liberated from the shackles of
our society when we confess it.
Evangelization then is love
in action! When we take the love of Christ in all its gentleness and
compassion to others we are Evangelizing them. So if we have a relationship
with Christ, we are called to be His instrument and reach out to those who need
him. If you can find a way to stand on the street corners and convey the love
of Christ to passersby then do it! But before you break out the soap boxes and
card board signs, let’s talk about a simpler way to begin to do this. I want to
suggest three easy ways to start to think like an evangelist. Remember, an
evangelist is someone who has been touched by Christ’s amazing love and is
seeking to share it with others. It is not an overzealous, Bible thumping, guilt
inducing, street screecher. So relax. Let’s start small.
Look people in the eye and smile. Starting simply, this is something that I think
we are sorely in need of. Looking people in the eye says to them, I see you,
you are not invisible, I relate with you. It connects us on a human level and
opens us up for God to make use of us in the lives of strangers. It’s a small way to love your neighbor that
makes a big difference.
Practice Awareness
Don’t let people fall through the cracks if
you can help it. So many times opportunities for kindness pass us by because we
just don’t notice the need in front
of us! Shake off the fog caused by routine and familiarity and start to SEE the
people God has put in your life at this moment in time. The normally cheery
Bill is looking downcast today. Why? That child appears to be alone and
frightened, what can I do to help? Let’s look up from our screens now and again
and really notice those around us. Every one of them was placed there for a
reason, maybe the reason is you.
Ask yourself “What does love look like in this
moment?”
Our very own Fr. Ed told me to use this
in difficult moments while I was in confession one day and it has stuck with
me; What does love look like in this moment?
The
ladies are gossiping around the water cooler and try to get you to participate;
what does love look like in this moment? Your mother has called to remind you
for the hundredth time to call and make that doctors appointment; what does
love look like in this moment? You see that the newcomer is being largely ignored;
what does love look like? Acting on this question will touch the hearts of all
whom you interact with, and is possibly the simplest answer to the question of
Evangelization.
Practicing these three things will open your world to new
opportunities for love. Don’t get me wrong, I know what I’m asking is no walk
in the park. It takes time, energy and intention. It can be exhausting. But the
gifts you will give and receive are more than worth it. Let’s look at each other as Jesus looks at us,
and see each other as Jesus sees us,
and act as Jesus acted while He was
here on earth. After all, isn't that what we are called to do?~
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who
are members of my family, you did it to me.”
Matthew 25:40
Did this resonate with you? Have questions or comments? Use the comment box or email me at daniellejcurl@gmail.com
