Evangelize the Unaware

Year of Mercy

Evangelize the Unaware

We often hear the phrase “let’s not talk about religion or politics” when we are in social settings. Many of us probably even have examples where conversations can get heated on both topics because some people are passionate about them. I recently had a work situation were a co-worker was taking an opportunity to vent about his Catholic upbringing, along with his examples of Catholic guilt.  I wasn’t confrontational, but did take the time to talk about the huge role my active faith and church plays in my life and my family’s lives and wanted the small group to listen to a positive example of the Catholic faith. To my surprise, the group was not only supportive of my comments but one person later asked me one-on-one for other examples of how my faith was helping me. I think this was because he, too, was struggling with his faith life and was yearning to be in a better place. A place that reaffirmed their relationship with Jesus Christ.

The bible has many examples where we are told that it is not just desired but our responsibility to evangelize to all.

Matthew 29:19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 13:47 “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Many of us don’t feel comfortable preaching to others about our faith. Many don’t feel that they are holy enough or lead a good enough spiritual life to share with others. The reality is that if we live our life in the example of Jesus, treating everyone as you would want to be treated and always having others interests before our own, our example will show through. We must also remember that this is not enough. It is our duty and responsibility to talk about our faith to the non-believers. This doesn’t mean that we need to rent a portable microphone and speaker and rant and yell on a street corner about our faith, but rather have the courage to talk about the great difference the Lord has made in our lives each and every day!!!

Jeff Litterst
Pastoral Council Member