Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Pope Francis on Evangelization

   My favorite quote of Pope Francis these days is in answer to the question, How do we evangelize?  His answer:

     We need to become “experts in communion,” “witnesses and architects of the ‘plan for unity’ which is the crowning point of human history in God’s design.” In a polarized society, where different cultures experience difficulty in living alongside one another, where the powerless encounter oppression, where inequality abounds, we are called to offer a concrete model of community which, by acknowledging the dignity of each person and sharing our respective gifts, makes it possible to live as brothers and sisters.
     So, be men and women of communion! Have the courage to be present in the midst of conflict and tension, as a credible sign of the presence of the Spirit who inspires in human hearts a passion for all to be one (cf. Jn 17:21). Live the mysticism of encounter, which entails “the ability to hear, to listen to other people; the ability to seek together ways and means”.  Live in the light of the loving relationship of the three divine Persons (cf. 1 Jn 4:8), the model for all interpersonal relationships. . .

(Apostolic Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis to All Consecrated People, From the Vatican, 21 November 2014)

He asks, how should Christians evangelize?   He answers: through becoming "experts in communion."  Offer a concrete model of community.   

In other words, its how you treat people--that is how to show people the Spirit of God.   

Isn't that what mothers do--offer a concrete sign of community?  Aren't Catholic mothers today leading the pack in creating loving families, which are nothing if not models of community?  

God bless all those who are doing their best to bring the light of Christ into the world through their families!

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