In the last few weeks I’ve heard a good number of homilies and other talks that have been very applicable to how to be a good evangelizer. What’s interesting is that though the examples used and audiences being spoken to were completely different, in the end the advice is the same.
The advice is this: We must stay connected to Jesus if we want to be fulfilled in life and good evangelizers.
Looking first at Jesus as the Good Shepherd, we learn that if we leave Jesus, he wants us to come back and will seek and find us to bring us back. We need to be close to him to be safe. We need to be with him so he can care for us and give us what we need.
Again in John’s Gospel we hear, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Clearly Jesus is telling us we need to be with him, to stay connected to him so that our efforts will have a positive effect on others and our surroundings.
How do we stay connected to Jesus? We need to know him to stay connected to him.
And while I think you may know this, it bears repeating. We get to know him by reading scripture, praying (which includes talking and listening), spending time with him in Adoration, participating in Mass and the sacraments. Staying connected to Jesus helps us stay grounded and focused. I know that when I skip to many of the things on the above list I am just not myself. Actually, I am myself, but not my best self. I am a much better person when I am connected to Christ.
If we want to evangelize, staying connected to the best evangelizer will help us be our best.
What do you think is most important for you to be the best evangelizer?
Copyright © 2015, 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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