Embracing the Call to Evangelize: A Reflection on the New Evangelization

Embracing the Call to Evangelize: A Reflection on the New Evangelization

The notion of every Christian being called to evangelize has been around since the Second Vatican Council, yet it remains a profoundly awe-inspiring concept. No longer confined to clergy, the call to "preach the gospel" extends to all believers.

St. Paul VI coined the term "the new evangelization," highlighting a shift in the evangelizing landscape. It's not about a newfound love and hope in Jesus Christ; rather, it's about who's doing the evangelizing. Gone are the days when only nuns and priests undertook this mission; now, it's the collective responsibility of all—married, single, nuns, priests, monks.

As we emerge from the era of "sheltering at home," it's time to broaden our perspective on evangelization. Our mission field isn't limited to distant lands like Singapore or Addis Ababa; it's right here, in our everyday surroundings. Just as St. Paul urged the early Christians to embrace their allotted roles (1 Cor. 7:17), each of us is called to love the Lord Jesus Christ in our daily lives and extend that love to those around us.

Evangelization isn't about grandiose sermons; it begins with authentically living out our faith as loving disciples of Jesus Christ. If we embody joy, maintain a spirit of prayerfulness, and cultivate gratitude in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:16), those around us will inevitably take notice. It's the work of God within us, and by simply embracing our roles in His plan, we become agents of the "new evangelization."

Fr. Joe Tetlow, S.J