EVANGELIZATION!

        Now there is a frightening word that scares and terrifies even the most stalwart Catholic soul! I don’t think it makes much difference whether you are clergy, religious, or just one of the disciples in the pews the word “evangelization” can strike into our hearts “DFW” [not the Dallas Airport – but Doubt, Fear, and Worry]. 

       While Jesus is the “Good Shepherd” he spent his earthly ministry looking for and recruiting “FISHERMEN!”  Big difference! Shepherds “protect” the flock – Fishermen put out into the deep to lower their nets (Luke 5:4) in search to “increase” the flock, “I will make you ‘fishers’ of men.” (Matthew 4:19).  In other words – Jesus isn’t looking for shepherds which is His job – He is looking for “Fishermen” which, for better or worse, is yours and my job!

So . . .

WHAT IS EVANGELIZATION?

        Evangelization it isn't “telling” - it’s “asking.”  Evangelization is finding a need and filling it; it is identifying a problem and solving it!  Evangelization is proclaiming the Gospel is such a way that people’s hearts “fall in love” with Jesus.  People leave, or never think to come into, the Christian community because they have never met Jesus!   We are called, as fishermen, to introduce Him to them!

Awareness ALWAYS precedes change!

       When there is a willingness to see the need or the problem in my life – and there is a willingness to except it, then there will be the willingness to reorient my life.

HOW CAN I BECOME AN EFFECTIVE EVANGELIZER?

A few questions . . .

Do I see myself as able to make a success of my life through the determined use of my talents, skills, and resources?

Do I focus my attention on what I can do in this world?

Do I see myself as a creature that has, along with many wonderful God given gifts, also having flaws and limitations?

What does the “message” of the Gospel mean to me today, here and now?

SOME ENCOURAGING WORDS

FROM MOTHER TERESA . .

·         “God doesn't require us to succeed; he only requires that we try.”

·        “Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.”

·        “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”

·        “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”

And three final questions . . .

What do I believe?

Why do I believe it?

What difference does my belief make in my life?