There is a constant fear among many Catholics today of being too preachy. We all go around walking on eggshells, terrified of coming across too strongly in our faith or upsetting anyone with our trust in the one true God. Even some of the most devoted Catholics have been conditioned to keep their religious convictions out of social and professional settings at all costs. This is a huge disservice to Christ. We are His disciples, called to go out into the world and profess the word of God. This is not to be done in a prideful or overly pious way but it should be done. If we truly believe in the Holy Trinity, that Christ died on the cross for our sins and is ever present in the Eucharist when we go to mass, our mission in life must be to help as many people receive Him as possible.
If we fully accept those Catholic teachings we also understand the consequences of turning away from God when we sin which is why we so often run to confession. Rather than striving for vast earthly wealth and success, Catholics seek to achieve eternal salvation which is found only in Christ. We all have good in us but we are not all going to Heaven. God created us in His image. Each and every human being on the planet is proof of His miraculous work and love. However, in order to obtain salvation we must fully and freely choose Him and live in accordance with His teachings. We should preach our faith to anyone who will listen to save as many souls as we can while in this earthly life.
Our faith is not reserved for Sunday worship alone. We Catholics should not hide who we are and what we believe from our friends and coworkers. Of course, launching into a full homily every time you’re out to lunch isn’t likely to win many hearts but small, seemingly ordinary invitations can spark a question or conversation that can lead to much more. Perhaps it’s as simple as sharing in your office team meeting that the reason for your upcoming vacation is a trip to visit family for the baptism of a new niece or nephew. Maybe it’s as easy as noting your intention to go to mass when asked about your weekend plans. If you’re feeling especially outgoing you could even extend a formal invitation for friends to join you at that mass. We need only plant small seeds and trust God to do the rest. I believe that going through life with a holier than thou attitude is the mark of a false Catholic just as is concealing our faith among non-believers. In order to truly live out our faith we must do so publicly. It should be obvious to those around us, not because we live with our noses in the air, but by the truth we speak, the modest way we dress and the compassionate things we do everyday to share God’s love.
Blessed in the Midwest 
Well said! Amen!
In my perspective, the most effective form of evangelism is to live our Christian lives joyfully, for all to see. First, this is what God asks us to do. But also, this might prompt non-believers and even luke-warm Catholics and other half-hearted Christians to say to themselves, “I want what they have!”
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Thank you! And I agree, the best evangelization is to simply live by example. 🙂
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Good reminder! Thanks.
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You’re welcome.
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My husband avoids the subject except when we are will fellow Catholics. I shout from the rooftops about the abundant joys of serving Christ and how important it is to attend Mass, then go out into the world and share my faith. For me, the more I share the closer I feel with the Holy Spirit.
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I agree! I can still be a bit shy about sharing my faith at work but, not wanting to come across as holier than thou but this is a discomfort I am working to overcome. One of the things that’s helped tremendously is to make the sign of the cross when we’re out to eat at a restaurant. It’s a very public yet unobtrusive display of faith which, as you said, brings me closer to the Holy Spirit. 🙂
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We do the same thing. And everyone around us takes a moment to bow their heads. My biggest problem is when people say how you don’t need to attend any the Church, that they are a good person, and that’s all that matters. I’ve told a few that when their time comes they might just be in for a surprise.
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This is true. Before converting, I was one of those people. Through God’s blessings we can have such incredible autonomy over our own lives that it’s easy to forget we do still need Him and owe everything to Him. It took a while but I’m so grateful that my eyes were opened.
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Praise be – there is much joy in heaven.
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A former colleague of mine managed to convert a Buddhist friend of hers to the Catholic faith by simply being extraordinarily charitable towards her in a time of need.
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It really is the best form of evangelization. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you for your insightful thoughts.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting.
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