Baptized to Evangelize

Over the weekend, I was attending a seminar for the Knights of Columbus. One of the speakers said a phrase to remind us of what Catholics are called to do in divisive upheaval.

At one point in his speech, he told us the purpose of every Catholic on this earth. Every baptized Catholic is called to evangelize. Indeed, our job in the City of God is to proclaim the gospel everywhere. Catholics have forgotten their true calling in their lives. Three prominent quotes can help Catholics understand their first calling as faithful witnesses.

Fulton Sheen puts it well, “The only way to win audiences is to tell people about the life and death of Christ. Every other approach is a waste.” Christ wanted his apostles to go and preach his sacred gospel.

They never knew what would come, but they were bold enough to risk everything, even their own lives. It was the only way to win people over. Souls can’t be one over when we try to fill in. Rather, we should be standing out.

The late Cardinal Francis George once said, “People will remember the faith you had, not the words you preached.” Our faith must be steadfast and authentic, not lukewarm. Our faith should be first when we love God above everything else.

As the Catholic Church continues to see divisiveness from within, lukewarm clergy, and secularized practice of the faith, it is time for real Catholics to step up. Catholics must take up the gauntlet brought about by the first church. Will we be rejected? Yes. Will there be times we will be persecuted? Absolutely. Is it worth it? Yes. Christ took it all out. We just have to carry on.

We are called to share our stories with others, find our own Calcutta where one is, and most importantly, live out the faith that has once been planted.

So, are you ready to share your faith story?