MARCH 2018
JESUS: The World’s First Marketing Agent
thick, juicy steak, grilled to perfection,
A tender,
melt-in-your mouth flavor,
served piping hot with a huge, fluffy, steaming baked
potato, covered with savory sour cream, sharp
cheddar cheese, and real bacon
bits....ahhh! Steakhouse customers
who have such a memorable dining
experience are sure to tell others
about their meal, and chances are,
the steakhouse will have more
customers.
Just as a satisfied customer
feels compelled to share his or her
dining experience, we, too, as
Catholics should also share our faith
experiences by evangelizing. When
we wear faith-related t-shirts or
display faith-related bumper stickers
on our cars, we are evangelizing.
When we say grace before meals in
the presence of others, we are evangelizing. When we
share VOL's monthly newsletter with others, we are
evangelizing.
Jesus told His disciples to be “fishers of men,”
and to “go and make disciples of all nations.” In
Jesus' time, however, there were no t-shirts, bumper
stickers, or newsletters. So how did Jesus and His
disciples share their faith? They used a method that
still proves to be the most effective way of gaining
followers: word-of-mouth!
Most Catholics would probably not feel
comfortable walking around the supermarket talking
to strangers about God. Our society has developed
unwritten guidelines that issues such as faith are
personal and should not be discussed publicly. Even
the use of faith-related phrases and scripture quotes in
casual conversations are frowned upon at times.
Evangelizing opportunities are plentiful,
though, if we keep our eyes open; and they shouldn't
make us uncomfortable or awkward. Ever spend time
in a waiting room? Be open to having a conversation
with other patients, and if the opportunity arises,
consider talking about your faith and your church.
Standing in line while waiting for, well, anything, can
be an open door to evangelize.
Family gatherings and parties are
also wonderful occasions to share
the Catholic faith. Sometimes God
opens a door from a casual
conversation to an evangelization
moment. Don’t be afraid to walk
through that door. It may be just
what the other person needs!
We need not be bible
scholars to evangelize, just having a
love for Christ is sufficient. People
have a keen sense of knowing when
someone is sincere and faith-filled.
Listening to someone speak from
the heart about how a homily at a
Mass fed his or her soul is just as meaningful as
hearing the same person give details on how a meal at
a local restaurant fed his or her body.
New Orleans Saints fans proudly display the
team's logo on dozens of paraphernalia such as
jerseys, caps, framed pictures, home décor, and lots
more. It tells the world, “Look! I'm a fan! I support
the team!” It also opens a door for discussion about
the team or the sport. The same holds true for our
Catholic faith. Wearing clothing or jewelry, or
displaying home furnishings that illustrate our faith
tells the world, “Look! I'm a Catholic! I support my
faith!” Again, an open door!
Catholics are blessed to have the opportunity
to receive and Body and Blood of Christ through the
Eucharist. A small, fragile piece of unleavened bread
stamped with a cross is changed into the Body of
Christ at the hands of a priest, then served in a golden
ciborium to Catholics who have prepared their hearts
to receive Him, knowing that their souls have been
fed and their venial sins forgiven. Doesn't really
compare to a steak dinner, now does it?
Is your closet filled with sports jerseys? Does
your car’s bumper stickers show your support of a
school? Is your refrigerator covered with magnets
from companies you patronize? Those are great ways
to show your support of a team, school, or company,
but how do you show your support of your Catholic
faith?
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