Holy Family Catholic Church

Dear Holy Family,

Last week we looked at what Pope Francis had to say about Catholic evangelization during his first year as pope.  While he invited us to bring the joy of our Lord to others, our look was short on specifics.  Here, then, is a practical approach our Holy Father included within his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”):

In this preaching, which is always respectful and gentle, the first step is personal dialogue, when the other person speaks and shares his or joys, hopes and concerns for loved ones, or so many other heartfelt needs. Only afterwards is it possible to bring up God’s word, perhaps by reading a Bible verse or relating a story, but always keeping in mind the fundamental message: the personal love of God who became man, who gave himself up for us, who is living and who offers us his salvation and his friendship. This message has to be shared humbly as a testimony on the part of one who is always willing to learn, in the awareness that the message is so rich and so deep that it always exceeds our grasp. At times the message can be presented directly, at times by way of personal witness or gesture, or in a way which the Holy Spirit may suggest in that particular situation. If it seems prudent and if the circumstances are right, this fraternal and missionary encounter could end with a brief prayer related to the concerns which the person may have expressed. In this way they will have an experience of being listed to and understood; they will know that their particular situation has been placed before God, and that God’s word really speaks to their lives. 

Have you ever had an encounter with others in which you felt God’s word was being spoken for you? I hope you’ll consider sharing by by adding a comment right here on our Points of Light blog. 

In the peace of Christ,  

Bob

PS – Have you signed up to participate in the Holy Moments Challenge at holymomentschallenge.com?  Coming in February!