Ever take a photo without paying attention to what is behind your subject? The picture might include distracting clutter, a house plant growing out of someone’s head, or odd colored walls. It can be the same when you don’t see what influences and surrounds your evangelizing efforts.
Perhaps you would like to engage someone in a spiritual conversation, or offer your extended family a few religious carols at a Christmas meal. Maybe your desire is to pray with someone in need, or to include a brief sharing about Jesus during a parish event. Here are some background beliefs that can give a sharper, uncluttered focus to evangelizing efforts.
- God is always present to every person and has become incarnate in Jesus Christ who is Emmanuel, God with us. We do not bring Jesus, but join him, where he is already present in another’s live.
- Every human heart is made with an inner space that only God can fill. Every person is like a sheep who has the potential to recognize the One who holds the key to inner happiness.
- Focus on God’s unfailing love, even when someone is in trouble or not a regular church-goer. Remember, if he or she has received the sacraments, we can be confident that the Holy Spirit continues to offer opportunities for encounters with Jesus.
- As humans, we need to see, hear and experience God’s love, especially through another believing person. So, do not deprive others of the flesh and blood encounters they need to grasp God’s presence.
- The Holy Spirit is the primary agent of evangelization and will intervene, especially as we engage in ongoing prayer for others. So, let the Spirit enkindle an awareness of the call to evangelize with spiritual compassion, and an honesty that reflects the true reality of who God is for us.