[CATHOLIC CAUCUS] It’s Time to Obey Christ and His Command that We Evangelize

Archdiocese of Washington ^ | 9/1/2010 | Msgr Charles Pope

[Cronos]

A very good article -- as Catholics we tend to not talk about our beliefs enough. One can be religious and not pushy and actually LIVE our faith.

We now have a marvellous opportunity to re-invigorate the Faith by reading, preaching, talking to each other.

Thank you Mark for this lovely article

In the Churches I went to in England and in the US (NY) and in India (bombay) and Hong Kong, there was a strong emphasis on this with a lot of laity organised events and a strong parish feel. Here in Poland it's not so strong, but the clergy are close to the people (I think the parish-laity focus should be stronger though).

What do you think we can do to strengthen our Small Christian Communities in the faith?

[netmilsmom]

This article is lovely in spirit, but Christ was talking to the eleven.

It’s a great thought, but I was not called to evangelize. Especially the modern definition of it.
Personally, I take Matthew 7:16 “For every tree is known by its fruit.” and teach by example.

We do that in our parish and great improvements to the progressive parishes have come about. I can’t wait to see what the new Missal translation does there!

[Cronos]

true — but even by your example, you evangelize! :)

[RoadGumby]

Well, on this one we can agree! We are to speak out about Jesus and the free gift of Slavation He offers.

I pray that our voices rise.

[RoadGumby]

So, you think that that message for the 11 was not also intended for you? or me?

You have the message of Salvation for lost people and you keep it silent?

You think mere actions or lifestyle is fuit? Speaking the Gospel is fruit also.

JMHO

[netmilsmom]

Never thought about it that way. I guess we do!

[netmilsmom]

>>So, you think that that message for the 11 was not also intended for you? or me?<<

No, I don’t.
If Christ wanted it to be inclusive, He would have made it that way.

I show my Christianity by my actions. The Truth will shine through.

[RoadGumby]

That is an amazing satnce.

So, Jesus, telling His 11 disciples to ‘evangelize’, does not apply to us, because He was speaking directly to them.

Therefore:

Jesus talking to the adulterous woman “Go forth and sin no more” does not apply to us, we may do as we please.

Jesus Telling the Pharisees that they tithe, yet forsake caring for the poor, well He wasn’t speaking directly to me either. So, why do I help in clothing drives and such?

In fact, I can not find a single place where He speaks directly to me in black and white.

I would opine that ALL of Jesus words are for us to heed. All that He says is good to do is for us to do, and all that is bad or sinful is for us to reject.

[Salvation]

All Catholics are called to evangelize. Holy Spirit, strengthen us!

[investigateworld]

This “non-denom Prot” can only say “Amen”

[Salvation]

The words of Pope Paul VI inspire us- "In the long run, is there any other way of handing on the Gospel than by transmitting to another person one's personal experience of faith?"

 

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Prayer for Evangelization

Loving God,

You called us each by name
And gave your only Son to redeem us
In your faithfulness
You sent the Holy Spirit
To complete the mission of Jesus
Among us

Open our hearts to Jesus
Give us the courage to speak his name
To those who are close to us
And the generosity to share his love
With those who are far away

We pray that every person
Throughout the world
Be invited to know and love Jesus
As Savior and Redeemer
May they come to know his all-surpassing love
May that love transform every element of our society

We ask this through Christ, Our Lord
Amen!

[Salvation]

Evangelization consists of only two steps:

Contact
Invite

Start with family members
Then with relatives
Then with friends
Then with those you meet in the community.

Just share your experience of faith and belief in Jesus Christ.

Contact

Invite.

There — that was painless, right?

[Cronos]

RG — I believe we all can evangelize in our own way. I’ll give the example of 3 priests in my ex-parish. One was a great preacher and could really grip an audience. The second was shy, quiet, an ok preacher but great at audio-visuals and at teaching in a classroom —> he led the bible studies. The third was shyier, could not really preach to save his life, but his very example was a strong message of Christ to me —> he taught the altarboys, was active in helping around the parish and quietly doing things. He wasn’t able to be very empathetic, but his actions, his prayers and his presence were pretty evangelizing.

[netmilsmom]

Thank you!

[Salvation]

Those are excellent examples. We actually do evangelize through our actions.

But I think we can do more by adding some words to our actions and talking with more people. Sure, it’s a risk, but did Christ and the apostles take risks in confronting the Pharisees and Sadduccees?

We need to follow their example.

[netmilsmom]

>>I would opine that ALL of Jesus words are for us to heed. All that He says is good to do is for us to do, and all that is bad or sinful is for us to reject.<<

I gather you are not Catholic.

[netmilsmom]

>>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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt 28:19-20).<<

So is this a call for you to Baptize?
No.
He is talking to the Priests here.
I believe that Catholics are called to share their faith. We do it in words and deeds. If I pray outside an abortion clinic, some may call that evangelicalism, to me, it’s not.

I live my faith. I’m not going to beat anyone over the head with it.

[netmilsmom]

Sorry, I corrected after I hit the post button and the rest of my post didn’t come up. I went on as if it did then saw it.

I meant, by asking if you were Catholic, whether or not you believe in the Priesthood. I do.

Christ here was talking to His Priests. They Baptize, other Catholics do not.

[RoadGumby]

I am not Catholic. Silly question to ask if I believe in Priests (or Pastors).

And we are all to be ‘priests’ in Heaven. The Bible tells us that. Sad to think that you might bring someone to Christ with a frew words, yet you decline, because, that’s the Priests job.

Yes we all have gifts to use, but ALL can speak of the love of Jesus and the Salavation He offers us.