Evangelization
Evangelization
All Christians are called to the ministry of evangelization. . .
“In virtue of their baptism, all the members of the People of God have become missionary disciples. . . Being a disciple means being constantly ready to bring the love of Jesus to others, and this can happen unexpectedly and in any place; on the street, in a city square, during work, on a journey.” Pope Francis, the Joy of the Gospel, #120 and #127
“I dream of a missionary option, that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church's customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today's world. . . Pope Francis, Joy of the Gospel, #27
An evangelizing community gets involved by word and deed in people's daily lives; it bridges distances, it is willing to abase itself if necessary and it embraces human life, touching the suffering flesh of Christ in others. Evangelizer thus take on the 'smell of the shepp' and the sheep are wiling to hear their voice. “ Joy of the Gospel, #24
Evangelization is a Proclamation of Christ.
“And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14) Evangelization proclaims the Good News of Salvation:
“Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen, and free you.” This is known as the “kerygma,” a Greek word used in the New Testament to refer to “preaching” and in this context refers to the basic proclamation of the saving life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the fundamental relationship between Christ and the Christian.
We proclaim every Sunday that the one Lord Jesus Christ is the only Begotten Son of God. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God. (Nicene Creed)
Evangelization welcomes us as a Kingdom People:
The kingdom of God is not a concept, a doctrine, or a program subject to free interpretation, but it is before all else a relationship with the person Jesus of Nazareth, the image of the invisible God. Also found in the Creed is the truth that “Jesus came down from heaven and became man for our Salvation being born of the Virgin Mary.” (Nicene Creed)
So it comes to pass that we are Pilgrims:
With the Holy Spirit as our companion, we, like the Magi of old, continue to journey as a Pilgrim People on the way to the Kingdom, seeking to encounter Jesus and inviting others to join us in the worship of Christ and service to God’s people.