RBWords

     Today, Sunday,  the Farewell Discourse art exhibit is closed, so we have an opportunity to ponder something in a different vein: the "new evangelization."  The exhibition will re-open tomorrow!  :)

 

     One of the primary features of the "new evangelization" is that it is aimed at Catholics who for whatever reason have ceased to practice the faith.  It is also aimed at getting Catholics to understand the importance of sharing the faith - of taking seriously the baptismal call to proclaim the gospel.  This is a direct challenge to the culture of individualism that characterizes our "Western" way of thinking and acting!  We Catholics, at least in the U.S.A., have a tendency to personalize and privatize our faith.  We may avoid discussions of faith because we fear that folks can get too uncomfortable or too excited about the topic.  The passage from 1 Peter, quoted above urges us to share our faith with others.  The New Evangelization, especially as expressed in Pope Francis' encyclical, THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL, urges all baptized Catholics to adopt a missionary attitude!

 

     The task is no longer reserved to ordained clergy or members of religious orders.  It is a common task.  I have a vivid memory of college dormitory discussions of religious topics.  These discussions could get loud and hot.  My first college roommate was a devout Southern Baptist with definite concerns about Catholics!  The only intellectual arguments I had were those given to me in a high school class in apologetics (arguing in defense of the faith).  I think I only began to "share" my faith when I began contemplating the possibility of entering a religious order.  At the time, I had a heavy academic load and was experiencing difficulty in my classes.  I started praying a lot and going to daily Mass early in the morning.  I would be returning to the dormitory just about the time my friends would be heading out to class.  They first thought I was staying out all night and just returning!  They were startled to learn that I was going to Mass every day!  That witness was more "evangelical" than any argument I could have made!

 

     Faithful practice is a powerful preaching, but we owe it to ourselves and others to be informed about our faith so that we can respond to the many questions that even our fellow Catholics have, especially the questions that might have led them to abandon the practice of the faith.  Any kind of "smugness" is dangerous.  What is helpful is quiet confidence and straightforward expression in word and deed.  This "puts skin on" the gospel and makes us true evangelizers!  AMEN