Repaying God - New Evangelizers

Part of the ability to evangelize to others is to first know yourself. When we stand secure in our faith and have knowledge about our faith, reaching out to others is less intimidating.  As I come to know myself better, I am more aware of the gifts I have and how God calls me to share them with others.

In my recent spiritual reading, I read this: “How can I repay the LORD for all the great good done for me?” from Psalm 116:12 and have been wondering just what the next thing God wants from me is.

Like most people, I have more requests for help with various projects and events than time.  So I must discern what the priorities are in my life at this time, pray, and then move forward.  I try to look at new possibilities in light of how they fit with my desire to serve God, to evangelize, to support my family and friends.  Sometimes it seems at all these demands put me at odds with myself, since I am the first thing to go on the “to take care of” list.

At those times, I ask for help and search out others who want to share their gifts and talents.  We do not to evangelize everyone on our own; it’s a group effort for sure.  For me, letting go of control to allow others to help or take over can be a challenge, but the rewards are worth the effort.

So to answer the psalmist, I repay the LORD by giving of myself to others by sharing the gifts God has given me for the good of the kingdom.  What is your answer?

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.