There are four Christian words that even the most secularized, inactive Catholics may understand (at least in part): God, Jesus, Bible, and Church. Whatever the spiritual background, talking about JESUS, in particular, can be part of a shared conversation about the spiritual life. The following “Evangelization Workout” can be done by individuals, families, small groups, or large groups who want to explore faith together.
Individual Activity (5 min.) 
Consider some of these Scriptural titles used to describe Jesus. These ancient names can be used as prayers, in and of themselves. Several have been used for centuries as part of the “O-Antiphons” before Christmas.
Alpha and Omega Anointed One Jesus
Beloved One Author of Salvation Bridegroom
Bread of Life Cornerstone Chosen One Morning Star Our Salvation
Christ Lord Emmanuel Faithful One My Lord and My God
Glorious Lord Friend Holy One of God Good Shepherd
Healer I AM High Priest Holy Servant Just One
King of Israel Master King of Kings Image of the Invisible God
Holy One of Israel Living Water Messiah Horn of Salvation My King
Lamb of God Lion of Judah Lord of Glory Judge of the Living
Light of the World Living Bread Key of David Man of Sorrows
Rabbi Our Passover Redeemer Prince of Peace
Resurrection New Adam Suffering Servant Savior Son of Mary
Shepherd Son of David Son of Man Son of the Most High Teacher
Son of God Word of God, Made Flesh The Vine Way, Truth and Life
Circle 3 titles that you find most meaningful as you pray, study, or speak to others about Jesus Christ.
- Pause for a few moments. Close your eyes and step back in time. Imagine that Jesus is passing by you on the dusty road to Jerusalem. Call out to him using the title that suits you right now. Spend as much or as little time on that one name as you need. How might Jesus respond? What happens next?
- Try repeating one or two titles at quiet moments throughout your day.
- Consider alternating the word “Jesus” with a few striking titles (ex. Jesus, Savior; Jesus, Lord)
Share this exercise with a family member, friend, or in a small parish group (3 or 4 people—10-20 min.)
(Encourage listening in a non-judgmental way, without offering advice. You might also ask, “How is your image of Jesus working for you?” If someone says, “I don’t believe in Jesus?” Then we might say, “Can you tell me more about the Jesus that you don’t believe in?” At some point in the conversation, share who Jesus is for us and how you came to believe this way.)
Share your responses to these questions:
- Which two or three of these Scriptural titles for Jesus encourage you the most?
- How do your favorite titles of Jesus color what it means for you to be a Catholic disciple of Christ?
- Which of these titles of Jesus are the most foreign or disturbing? How does this color your faith?
- Think of three people from your everyday life. What do think their favorite titles for Jesus might be?
- [For use is an explicitly religious group] Why is it important to understand people’s favorite titles for Jesus? How does this knowledge help us share faith or evangelize?