The New Evangelization

Evangelization, or spreading the Good News by word and deed, is not a new concept.  It springs from the very beginning, from the commission given by Jesus, "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." (Mt 28: 19). Paul, Boniface, Columba, Columbanus, Anthony Mary Claret, whose memorial we celebrate today, and certainly the followers of St. Marcellin Champagnat have taken this commision to heart.  The Year of Faith, proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI calls for a NEW evangelization, that is a renewed effort to understand, integrate and witness to the faith in a way that will reach the ears and hearts of people today whose knowledge and practice of the faith has become clouded by the bombadment of thoughts, values and practices which are out of step with, if not blatantly opposed to it.  Such a new evangelization demands zeal, determination, preparedness, creativity and action, but also an approach which is like the "method" used by Jesus:  a gentle acceptence, a touching of the hearts of his hearers, a healing of their inner selves thus winning their loyalty, and then a direction for them to follow:  "Go and sin no more" , or Come, follow me."  He activated faith in his followers by helping them to see themselves as God sees them, by his genuine warmth, by loving them.  Who could resist this approach?  Indeed he magnetically drew thousands to his side in his short term but powerful period of evangelization.  He left his example and the command to continue this work;the Pope has re-issued the command May we willingly and effectively join the band of those who have lived it before us.
Bro. Rene