GO FORTH YOU ARE SENT

St. Ignatius of Loyola, By Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640)

"evangelism - (n.) one beggar telling another beggar where the bread is." - Matt Fradd

Read:
1 Peter 2:4-10
Psalm 40
Matthew 5:13-16

Study:
1) Handouts:
Evangelization; The Priesthood of the Faithful, People of God

2) CCC 849-856, 871-873, 897-913, 1267-1270, 1546, 2632, 2820, 2822 (YOUCAT 138 - 139)

3) Basic Evangelization Training Handout

Meditate:
What does it mean to be witness to the Gospel? How can every member of the Church work toward the salvation of the world? How is every Baptized Christian called to participate in the ministry of Christ?

Pray:
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’  But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10: 13-15)

Heavenly Father,
Pour forth your Holy Spirit to inspire me with these words from Holy Scripture. Stir in my soul the desire to renew my faith and deepen my relationship with your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ so that I might truly believe in and live the Good News. Open my heart to hear the Gospel and grant me the confidence to proclaim the Good News to others. Pour out your Spirit, so that I might be strengthened to go forth and witness to the Gospel in my everyday life through my words and actions.  

In moments of hesitation, remind me:
If not me, then who will proclaim the Gospel?
If not now, then when will the Gospel be proclaimed?
If not the truth of the Gospel, then what shall I proclaim?

God, our Father, I pray that through the Holy Spirit I might hear the call of the New Evangelization to deepen my faith, grow in confidence to proclaim the Gospel and boldly witness to the saving grace of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Imitate:
St. Francis Xavier

Apply:
Have I fulfilled my duty to share my faith in love with those I encounter? Do I live a life that reflects my beliefs and what I am called to share?

Extra:
Evangelii Nuntiandi (On Evangelization in the Modern World) by Bl. Pope Paul VI
Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) by Pope Francis
The Great Omission
Syracuse Diocese Office of Evangelization
USCCB: Evangelization
Catholic Encyclopedia: Laity
Why Evangelize Non-Catholic Christians?
How Evangelization Can Strengthen Your Faith
How to Evangelize Family Members
Evangelization in the Workplace
Tips on Evangelizing Spouses
Tips for Evangelization
Effective Evangelization

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My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.