According to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Americans are thirsting for Christ.
At the Opening Mass of the International Congress on the Church in America this past December, Benedict XVI urged all Catholics to devote themselves, without reserve, to proclaiming the name of Christ throughout America, bringing it freely and enthusiastically to the hearts of all of its inhabitants.
“There is no more rewarding or beneficial work than this. There is no greater service that we can provide to our brothers and sisters,” he said.
How would you rate as an evangelist to your friends, families and neighbors, especially during the Year of Faith? As stewards, we are called to not only be a loyal disciple of Christ, but also to share our faith with those around us. Whether it is through our thoughts, words, or actions, evangelization is an essential tool of stewardship.
Benedict XVI also cited the importance of our contributions as stewards: “The witness of your faith will thus be more eloquent and incisive, and you will grow in unity in the fulfillment of your apostolate. A renewed missionary spirit and zealous generosity in your commitment will be an irreplaceable contribution to what the universal Church expects and needs from the Church in America.”
Make a concerted effort to share the gift of your faith with someone you may not initially consider. Ask someone to attend Mass with you, offer to say a prayer before eating at a social function, or invite someone to join your weekly bible study. You never know how your suggestion may help strengthen the faith of a fellow Catholic, or how your own faith may be renewed, as well.
