Article – Everyday Evangelization

September 25, 2024 by Pierre-Alain Giffard News, Recommended Texts

Evangelization, at the heart of the Church’s mission, stems from the mandate Christ gave to His apostles: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). And sharing the Good News is not limited to priests, missionaries, or theologians; it is a callingthat involves all members of the Church.

Where does this evangelization take place? This mission is primarily accomplished in our daily lives, through interactions marked by compassion, patience, humility, and love with colleagues, friends, family, and even strangers we encounter by chance. A life lived according to the Gospel is naturally a testimony of God’s presence to others. Through this way of living, we become living witnesses of the transformative power of God’s Word, showing the world what it means to live in union with Christ.

However, personal testimony, though fundamental, must also be accompanied by the verbal proclamation of the Gospel. As Saint Paul says, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?” (Romans 10:14). To fully evangelize, Catholics must also share the truth of Christ, directly announcing the Good News, particularly in more intimate and focused contexts. It is the Holy Spirit who, through the Word of God, communicates faith (Romans 10:17).

Small groups offer an exceptional opportunity to expose our relationships to the Gospel. The early Church thrived in small communities, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles: “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts” (Acts 2:46). These intimate contexts allowed for deeper relationships, shared prayer, and the study of God’s Word. These environments foster genuine discipleship and spiritual growth.

Small groups also reflect the relational nature of Christ’s ministry. Although Jesus preached to large crowds, much of His time was devoted to forming His disciples in smaller circles. He invested in a small group of twelve apostles, instructing them, sharing life with them, and equipping them to continue His mission. Similarly, small groups in the Church today allow for this personal investment. They provide a space where individuals can ask questions, engage with God’s Word, and receive support and encouragement.

Throughout history, saints have demonstrated the power of evangelization through personal encounters and small groups. Saint John Bosco, for example, built close relationships with the youth of Turin, Italy, gathering them in small groups to teach them the faith. His method of evangelization involved meeting people where they were, both physically and spiritually, and gradually guiding them toward Christ. This relational approach, centered on small groups, led many young people to a deeper relationship with God.

Modern movements such as Focolare, Cursillo, and Communion and Liberation also illustrate the effectiveness of evangelization in small groups. These movements create environments for sharing faith, prayer, and Bible study, allowing individuals to encounter the living Word of God and experience conversion within a supportive community. Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium, reiterates the importance of these groups, stating that “the parish is not an outdated institution… It is a community of communities, a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink along the way, and a center of constant missionary outreach” (EG, 28, emphasis added).

In conclusion, evangelization is a daily call that is effectively realized through personal relationships and small groups. By meeting people where they are and exposing them to God’s Word, Catholics fulfill their mission to spread the Good News of Christ. Whether through an informal conversation, a small group Bible study, or a deeper relationship, every interaction becomes an opportunity for someone to encounter God’s love and be transformed by His grace. True evangelization is both personal and communal, rooted in the lived experience of the Word and the relational testimony of Christ’s love.

Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work

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