They Don't Expect Me to Go DO This 'New Evangelization' Thing?

The question, ‘What is the New Evangelization’? As compared to what? I guess the ‘Old Evangelization’. OK, what was the old evangelization? ( not a rhetorical question, you can answer in the comments. If you want to.)

The old evangelization, was if I am right, “Go and proclaim the Gospel to the world.” So what is that to us, now. Isn’t that the job of the Church? Ah, now just who is the Church? Well, it is the Priest, Deacons, Bishops, Cardinals, and the Pope, right? What has this got to do with us, the folks in the pews? They can’t really expect us, the folks in the pews, to go out and Evangelize the world.

Yep, thats just about it. We are the Church. We are the ones that need to get out there and Evangelize the world. But, you might say,’I got a job, a family, and responsibilities. I don’t have time to go around Evangelizing the world.’

Well, yes, we do. We don’t have to give up everything, and put on sackcloth and ashes, but we can do something. Think about it. ( I’ll stop for a few minutes, while you think.) Ok, ready?

Here is what came to my mind. What if, I wore my Crucifix, outside my shirt, or maybe had one at my work station? What if I put a Bumper Sticker on my car that might make someone think, or even ask you a question?

And what if that someone did ask a question? What would you say in response? Don’t know? Well, maybe if we did some studying on our Faith, and say you did start going to a Bible Study or a study group on the Catholic Faith, and say your buddy Bill, or whatever his name is asked ,”Hey, you want to go to Bowling Alley and roll a few frames and have some suds tonight.?” And what if you told him “Hey, I’d like to, but, I am going to my Catholic Faith Study Group. Hey, you want to come with me, it’s great, and we have coffee and snacks after”?

Now, One of several things will then happen. Your buddy Bill will eith say” No thanks, buddy,” nnd walk away thinking you are some kind of religious nut. Or He will be polite and say "no", but he sees your excitement and enthusiasm, and says,” Not this week, I’m committed with the Bowling team. But, maybe next week, give me a call.”

Either way you have Evangelized him. He is thinking about what you said, he saw the Crucifix hanging outside your shirt. He knows you are a Catholic. He may say something to someone else and they may call you and want to go. Who knows what it could lead to. All because you decided to wear your Crucifix outside your shirt, and do something to learn more about your Faith. WOW!!

And that is just how it works. We, the guys in the pews, decide to do one or two little things; Imagine where it could lead.