What was the last great movie you saw, book you read, or concert you attended? What did you do after you finished? More than likely, you told your friends and family how great it was and recommended that film, book, or band whenever the chance arose. When you enter a new relationship, you naturally tell people about this important person in your life.
But here's a question worth pondering: Do you tell others about the most important relationship in your life—your relationship with God?
Faith as a Private Matter?
We live in an era where faith is often considered a private matter, lumped together with politics as something we simply don't discuss in polite company. We might only talk about our faith with those closest to us, or perhaps in the anonymous realm of internet comment sections. But if our relationship with God truly is the most important relationship in our lives, shouldn't we want to share it with the world? Shouldn't we want everyone to experience this life-changing relationship with the creator of the universe?
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus gives his disciples a clear mission: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Mt 28:19-20). This Great Commission wasn't meant only for the first-century disciples—it's meant for all of us who follow Christ today. It's meant for you.
Our Supreme Calling
Fr. Thomas Forrest, CSsR, reminds us that while "we perform a vast number of good deeds, one is supreme: proclaiming Jesus Christ as the only Savior of the world."1 Sharing the Gospel is how we best show our deep love of God and our neighbor. It's the fulfillment of the two greatest commandments Jesus gave us—to love God and love our neighbor (Mt 22:36-40).
This is the essence of living the Christian life. When we share our faith, we draw ourselves closer to Christ's perfection and bring others into relationship with God so they, too, can journey toward sanctification. As Fr. Forrest beautifully puts it, "the task of an evangelist is the delightful one of evacuating hell and populating heaven." As baptized members of the Body of Christ, we are all evangelists with both the opportunity and responsibility to share this Good News and “evacuate hell”.2
"But I'm Not That Type of Person..."
Perhaps you're thinking, "That sounds great, but I'm not that type of person. I can't talk about faith with my co-workers—I wouldn't know where to start. I don't know enough to bring someone to Christ." Maybe you feel your story isn't compelling enough, or you think evangelization isn't something Catholics do.
These are understandable concerns, but you might be surprised at how much you already know and how compelling your story truly is. The Catholic Church has a rich history of evangelization stretching back to the Apostles themselves.
Your Story Matters
In most cases, you don't need a theology degree to share your faith. Your personal story is attractive and compelling precisely because it's real—people hear about your experience with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and how that relationship has transformed your life. The beauty and impact of your testimony lies in its personal, unique nature. Pope Paul VI, in his apostolic exhortation on evangelization, states that, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.”3
Throughout Church history, the saints provide countless examples of Gospel sharing. From Saint Peter preaching and baptizing thousands in Acts, to Saint Francis responding to God's call to rebuild His Church, to Blessed Carlo Acutis creating an online database of Eucharistic miracles to deepen others' devotion to Christ's Real Presence—the saints show us many different ways to live out our call to evangelization.
Making It Personal
Evangelization doesn't have to mean standing on street corners with megaphones. It's much more intimate than that. True evangelization flows naturally from your relationships with others in your life.
This week, consider someone in your life whom you'd like to encourage to explore faith in God. Pray for them. When the opportunity arises naturally in conversation, share with them about the most important relationship you have—your relationship with God—and how it has changed your life.
Remember, you're not called to have all the answers or to be perfect. You're simply called to share the love and good news that has transformed your own life. In doing so, you participate in Christ's mission to bring all people into relationship with our loving God.
James Pike
Director of Parish Life
