Are we only called to evangelize in words if others invite us? What if we’re at a party and a bunch of folks, Catholics, are talking about, say, their young adult children moving in with their paramours? These parents are talking about how wonderful it is that their children can be free to “see if they’re compatible” by living together first before marriage. Would that be an occasion to try to share the truth of God’s plan for marriage?It is true that we are to evangelize. There are ways that are effective and ways that are not, that turn people away from the Christian Faith.
In other words, we are not called to be “pushy sales people.” By our actions, by the way we live our lives, we invite others to ask about the joy that we possess. Then we listen as the Holy Spirit gives us the words necessary to reach out in love to those in need.
Excellent question. Are they supposed to shut their mouth and evangelise by example??? I don’t think so.Are we only called to evangelize in words if others invite us? What if we’re at a party and a bunch of folks, Catholics, are talking about, say, their young adult children moving in with their paramours? These parents are talking about how wonderful it is that their children can be free to “see if they’re compatible” by living together first before marriage. Would that be an occasion to try to share the truth of God’s plan for marriage?
Again, it is a matter of following the prompting of the Holy Spirit. It may be a time to remain silent or it may be a time to say “I’m sorry but I don’t see things that way. That is not what the Church teaches (only use this second sentence if in fact you know they are Catholic.)” How well do you know the people at the party?Are we only called to evangelize in words if others invite us? What if we’re at a party and a bunch of folks, Catholics, are talking about, say, their young adult children moving in with their paramours? These parents are talking about how wonderful it is that their children can be free to “see if they’re compatible” by living together first before marriage. Would that be an occasion to try to share the truth of God’s plan for marriage?
I must admit that I have a difficult time discerning what’s the HS and what’s not. Sometimes I’ll remain silent and think later, “Now, why didn’t I speak up!” and other times I’ll say a brief prayer, speak up and fail miserably.Again, it is a matter of following the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Well, since I am a sinner with one huge plank in my own eye (and I suspect all who are here have one as well), does this mean no one ought to speak up? For, really, who thinks he’s free from that plank?Have you removed the plank in your own eye before removing the splinter in your brother’s?
More common situation. A friend tell me how long it’s been since she’s had intercourse. My response, “I see chastity as a gift.” Inevitable real life response, “I never looked at it that way before.” I already have a relationship with this person that allows her to confide in me. She respects my opinion and the door is opened for future deeper discussions.Are we only called to evangelize in words if others invite us? What if we’re at a party and a bunch of folks, Catholics, are talking about, say, their young adult children moving in with their paramours? These parents are talking about how wonderful it is that their children can be free to “see if they’re compatible” by living together first before marriage. Would that be an occasion to try to share the truth of God’s plan for marriage?
Yes, there is no doubt that yelling and name-calling has no place in evangelization!More common situation. A friend tell me how long it’s been since she’s had intercourse. My response, “I see chastity as a gift.” Inevitable real life response, “I never looked at it that way before.” I already have a relationship with this person that allows her to confide in me. She respects my opinion and the door is opened for future deeper discussions.
My brother lived across the street from an abortion clinic. One day a woman brought her daughter to his apartment. She needed a babysitter while she took her daughter across the street for an abortion. My sister-in-law’s simple and authoritative “I wish you wouldn’t” was more effective than all the signs and name calling he heard on a daily basis.
Who would you be more willing to listen to, the person who yells and calls you names or the person who prays silently and offers information? Yes, I have friends who hold these silent vigils. I stand in line during the annual chain for life held in my city. Our instructions are to pray silently, to not respond to any insults that might be thrown our way. These instructions come directly from the diocesan bishop who likewise demonstrates silently.
Yes, I have friends who keep silent vigil outside clinics.
What was the outcome? Did this mother re-think the abortion? Or did your SIL babysit the other child while they went to the clinic? (This mom was willing to let a total stranger babysit her child??)My brother lived across the street from an abortion clinic. One day a woman brought her daughter to his apartment. She needed a babysitter while she took her daughter across the street for an abortion. My sister-in-law’s simple and authoritative “I wish you wouldn’t” was more effective than all the signs and name calling he heard on a daily basis.
I’ve been there, especially with family members. It takes a lot of prayer to remain calm when your buttons are being pushed.Yes, there is no doubt that yelling and name-calling has no place in evangelization!
I’m just wondering if I should just resign myself to the fact that I am not equipped with the ability to evangelize in words. I have the knowledge. I have the desire. I have the opportunity. Just can’t seem to do it without getting mad. :sad_yes:
A life was saved.What was the outcome? Did this mother re-think the abortion? Or did your SIL babysit the other child while they went to the clinic? (This mom was willing to let a total stranger babysit her child??)
It is true that each of us has different gifts. Some have a gift for hospitality or service, the type of service that means washing a person’s feet, of working in a hospital ward or doing prison ministry. I learned during a difficult point in my life that I could express myself better in writing than verbally. While friends may stand silent vigil in front of abortion clinics, I write my congressman expressing my opinion on issues that are important. On occasion, my letters to the editor have been printed.Doesn’t Paul mention that the saints all have different gifts from the Holy Spirit?
Maybe face to face converstations are not the gift given to the OP, but others that may be even more exciting are? Clarity on this would help.
I often feel the same way…but often I don’t have a choice and I must rely on the Holy Spirit and the Wisdom of God to lead me. I am in a Prison Ministry and evangelizing is a large part of it; we just don’t bring the Holy Eucharist and pray the Rosary. We often are called to talk. These times puts me out of my comfort zone to say the least, but I believe God calls us to get out of our comfort zones.Yes, there is no doubt that yelling and name-calling has no place in evangelization!
I’m just wondering if I should just resign myself to the fact that I am not equipped with the ability to evangelize in words. I have the knowledge. I have the desire. I have the opportunity. Just can’t seem to do it without getting mad. :sad_yes:
PRmerger,Yes, there is no doubt that yelling and name-calling has no place in evangelization!
I’m just wondering if I should just resign myself to the fact that I am not equipped with the ability to evangelize in words. I have the knowledge. I have the desire. I have the opportunity. Just can’t seem to do it without getting mad. :sad_yes:
No - then most of the world would not know Jesus Christ. The Word tells us to go to all nations… It doesn’t say go to only those that invite us.Are we only called to evangelize in words if others invite us? What if we’re at a party and a bunch of folks, Catholics, are talking about, say, their young adult children moving in with their paramours? These parents are talking about how wonderful it is that their children can be free to “see if they’re compatible” by living together first before marriage. Would that be an occasion to try to share the truth of God’s plan for marriage?
You are right. We start with our own life, growing in virtue and learning our own faith so that we are knowledgeable when approached.PRmerger,
Please forgive me if I’m off base but I’m going to be very bold here.
Many here have expressed one extreme of evangelization - the passive kind. Be a good example and others will be evangelized. I’m a big fan of St. Francis but even in his own life he preached. Many have taken his quote out of context. First we must Know Jesus Christ. This is what he meant - it does not end there. I liken it to wearing a Catholic t-shirt. Some think that is evangelizing - it is not it is however advertising.
What I think you, and myself included need is to grow in virtue. People are attracted to virtue. They are curious, it makes them ask questions. More importantly people who are virtuous can avoid the situation you describe and lead others to Jesus by not only imitating Jesus but being able to share His life and introduce people to His very person with their wisdom, charity, and fortitude.
What many of us lack is not the knowledge - that can be learned; it is not the lack of desire - for the love of Christ burns within our hearts - it is almost always a lack of virtue.
The solution - learn and practice virtue everyday. Get a good spiritual director to help keep you accountable. Check out how some of the most dynamic mission organization are currently evangelizing. Don’t limit yourself to Catholics. Protestants have been doing it better than us for years - take their practices and make them Catholic.
that’s my two cents.
Indeed.What I think you, and myself included need is to grow in virtue.
Evangelization is about the Divinity of Jesus. Because He was raised from death He is who He said He was.That struck the first Christians very profoundly. He claimed to be Devine. He acted and spoke in the very person of God. Well He might have just been a madman I guess. But now risen from the dead God Himself has ratified these claims. Jesus is who He said He was. Well if Jesus Christ is Devine I must proclaim Him. Our lives must be given over to Him. He’s not one figure among many. He’s it! He’s Devine.You are right. We start with our own life, growing in virtue and learning our own faith so that we are knowledgeable when approached.
I have the example of my own parents. Those they sponsored into the Church were non-Christians who first saw our “loving family.”
Our lives are a more effective evangelization tool than simply wearing an advertising T-Shirt.
Those to whom I speak may have no church background at all. Some are vehemently anti-religious. Others do have faith, although it is not Catholic. Engaging in conversation, without pushing, I have been able to dispel many misconceptions people have of what exactly it is that Catholics teach.
Not everybody is called to stand on a soapbox while quoting scripture. Our “preaching” may come in quiet everyday conversations, in the building of relationships that lead the other person to seek Christ in the Catholic Church.
Amen to you. I believe that the passive evangelization by example is valid but I believe some of us are called to preach the good news too. So many Catholics that I know and some who are on this thread are liberal minded in their spiritualityPRmerger,
Please forgive me if I’m off base but I’m going to be very bold here.
Many here have expressed one extreme of evangelization - the passive kind. Be a good example and others will be evangelized. I’m a big fan of St. Francis but even in his own life he preached. Many have taken his quote out of context. First we must Know Jesus Christ. This is what he meant - it does not end there. I liken it to wearing a Catholic t-shirt. Some think that is evangelizing - it is not it is however advertising.
What I think you, and myself included need is to grow in virtue. People are attracted to virtue. They are curious, it makes them ask questions. More importantly people who are virtuous can avoid the situation you describe and lead others to Jesus by not only imitating Jesus but being able to share His life and introduce people to His very person with their wisdom, charity, and fortitude.
What many of us lack is not the knowledge - that can be learned; it is not the lack of desire - for the love of Christ burns within our hearts - it is almost always a lack of virtue.
The solution - learn and practice virtue everyday. Get a good spiritual director to help keep you accountable. Check out how some of the most dynamic mission organization are currently evangelizing. Don’t limit yourself to Catholics. Protestants have been doing it better than us for years - take their practices and make them Catholic.
that’s my two cents.