This is the last installment of the ten traits of Evangelical Catholic from George Weigel’s book, Evangelical Catholicism. Previous posts here, here, here, and here.
Trait nine reminds us that it is necessary to know and understand biblical language and images. The language of scripture has theological meaning and using this language in our everyday lives to speak the Gospel to others.
It is also necessary to speak the language of reason so when we enter the public square to defend what we believe and know to be true, we can do so with reasonable explanations. Weigel uses the term “bilingual” to explain what is needed, the language of the bible and the language of reason. This certainly rings true for me.
The last trait is that Evangelical Catholicism is eagerly waiting for the coming of Jesus in glory and until then will continue to proclaim the Gospel for the world’s salvation. It is “mission-driven.” It recognizes that the Church’s need for purification and reform comes from “within the church’s deepest inner dynamics: its longing to be joined to its spousal Head, Christ the Lord and its passion to share his love with those to whom it has been commissioned to bring the Gospel – that is, everyone.” All the baptized are called to be formed and educated for mission.
The ten traits serve as guideposts or markers of what Catholics are doing to bring about “deep reform in the Church.” These are characteristics that can help lead the Church in this millennium.
I encourage you to read this book and learn more about Evangelical Catholicism and striving to be an evangelical Catholic. We need people on fire for the faith.
Copyright © 2014, Deanna Bartalini
Deanna Bartalini
Deanna G. Bartalini, is a Catholic writer, speaker, and educator. She serves on the retreat team at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center. Deanna loves teaching about Catholicism and how it fits into our daily lives. She writes at DeannaBartalini.com, serves as the editor of the NewEvangelizers.com blog, and is a contributor there as well as at AmazingCatechists.com. Deanna contributed to A Catholic Mom's Prayer Companion published by Ave Maris Press. She is the author of “Invite the Holy Spirit into Your Life: Growing in Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control” published by Our Sunday Visitor. Deanna is available to lead retreats and speak at catechist and ministry events.
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