RCIA AND EVANGELIZATION
In Matthews Gospel we “hear” the words of Jesus….”Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them….and “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you….” (Mt. 28:19-20) Jesus did not ask His disciples to share His teachings with the world, He commanded them to go out and make new disciples.
Often times when seekers begin an inquiry into the Catholic Church, it is the result of hearing a remark from someone sharing his or her own faith journey, or an answered question, or even the observance of a devout member of the Church faithful during a liturgical celebration. There are many ways to evangelize, a devout demeanor is one of them. We might ask ourselves, if a seeker were to observe one of us during the celebration of the Eucharist, would he or she witness a spectator or a participant? Would one be seen watching the Mass, or fully involved, being fed by the Word and the Body and Blood of Christ? Would the seeker be moved to desire to also be fully involved?
We were given this amazing gift of faith through the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church at some point in our lives – possibly through the desire of our parents, or an overheard conversation, or the insightful answers to questions, or most importantly, the prompting of the Holy Spirit. We who are the descendants of many generation of disciples are also commanded to share this gift with “all nations,” to make new disciples who will in turn make new disciples.
Submitted by Marguerite Mullins