Evangelization - Just What Is It Anyway?

A few years back I had an opportunity to take some classes that spent much focus on the responsibility and duties of we as Catholics as disciples of Christ. One of the little, powerful books that we used for reference in this class was, "Go and Make Disciples" a plan written by the Committee on Evangelization of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB). At the core of "Go and Make Disciples" are three goals for evangelization:

Goal I: To bring about in all Catholics such an enthusiasm for their faith that, in living their faith in Jesus, they freely share it with others.

Goal II: To invite all people in the United States, whatever their social or cultural background, to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ so they may come to join us in the fullness of the Catholic faith.

Goal III: To foster gospel values in our society, promoting the dignity of the human person, the importance of the family, and the common good of our society, so that our nation may continue to be transformed by the saving power of Jesus Christ.

Most of this is based on scripture and is really the duty and responsibility of all Christians. It boils down to the fact that Evangelization is not a program – it’s a responsibility. It's all about love. It's all about social action, it's all about worship and service. it's about healing, reconciliation and forgiveness.

I don't think that's to much to ask, do you?

Have a blessed week

Pope Benedict and Pentecost USA

When Peter preached for the first time on Pentecost, the people were eager to find salvation. He gave a bold sermon that day about the Holy Spirit, about repenting and receiving the Holy Spirit. I've read and heard much about the Holy Spirit since Easter, at Mass, in the readings, the Liturgy of the Hours, and reading about Pope Benedict's visit to the United States. In his latest book "Jesus of Nazareth" Pope Benedict indicated that it was "My personal search for the face of God" He certainly carried that theme here on his visit by looking at the country as being blessed, yet realistically understanding that our culture is corrupt and sinful in it's own materialistic way. Our pope is such a wonderful writer, speaker and theologian that I was sadly disappointed that more articles did not focus on his real message for the world versus exactly what I expected and heard from the press about the paedophile priests who so badly damaged our Church. However, he handled that well and did get the message across that repentence, reconcilation, and forgivness is part of what we are all about in today's world.

I once had an opportunity a few years back to visit Rome and had a Wednesday audiance with Pope John Paul, who was also in my opinion, a gift from the Holy Spirit. His message he carried was always full of love, forgiveness, and a passion for Jesus, just like our new Holy Father.

I guess as lay people who are out there everyday on the firing lines of evil, we can be very fortunate to have the leadership throughout the Christian community like our Pope Benedict XVI, our bishops, priests, deacons, Billy Graham, Robert Schuller, Joel Olsteen and many, many others who preach the word of God through books, in our churches, and on TV. I pray for their messages to reach all corners of the earth.
as far as our part in this, the botton line is always the same. "What would Jesus do?