Don't Be Afraid to Be Vulnerable

Times Past

In olden times, there was a notion the Catholic faith was very personal and not something to be discussed with others. In addition, the Bible was not something to be read on one’s own. A priest of deacon was to be present when Holy Scripture was read and studied especially in a group setting. The mind-set was the same in terms of evangelization and outreach. Faith was viewed as something to keep to oneself. As a Catholic, the faith was lived out in terms of the sacrament life and journey, attending Mass, praying, and of being a “good person.” At that time the faith was not always something a person wore on their sleeve. If you were Catholic, it was part of who you were, but evangelization was not particularly necessary. Many people lived in Catholic communities and in some parts of the country and of the world, communities did not go outside of themselves to evangelize. Faith-sharing was a private thing that was lived out but not necessarily a going out and doing in terms of evangelization.

Being Vulnerable

Every country, city, and community have a history in the various aspects of society. Times have changes in the last several decades as far as how evangelization plays out. Being a good person, charitable, and in contributing to the good of society and community is still lived out day by day by so many people and families as it was in years past. At the present time, the word evangelization means something different than 50 years ago. Today it means going out and living the mission of Jesus to introduce and to show others the love of God to be drawn into the church. It also means being more vulnerable in how we open ourselves to those we encounter. It is a way to bring others into the Church.

How Does One Become More Vulnerable?

What does being more vulnerable mean in terms of evangelization? It means being willing to tell your faith story. Being willing to share some of yourself and opening yourself to them so that they can be drawn into Christ and to the Church. It is different from what is described above as the “quiet faith” that does not necessarily need to go much further than personal prayer and living out the sacramental life. If we wish to evangelize in a greater way, being vulnerable is necessary. It involves some risks when we share our hearts and our lives, but it is a sure way to reveal the love of Jesus Christ to all we encounter.