“EVANGELIZE
LIKE JESUS” This is the title of Chapter
22 in the book entitled “FAITH and NEW EVANGELIZATION” by Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani, Jr. After reading it, I thought of making a condensed version of
what he expounded in my own way of
writing.
Evangelization
is the work of Jesus and He wants the Church to continue His work. Since the Church embraces all who were baptized as
Christians, everyone (clergy and laity) is mandated by Christ to
evangelize. How are we to
evangelize? Bishop Bacani says that
Jesus Christ Himself showed us how to evangelize during His historical life
here on earth. The following are the
different steps:
1. Be present. Be one
with the people and bring the Presence of God.
This is the mystery of
Incarnation – Christ becoming Man to be with us.
2. Proclaim the Kingdom of God. What we say should be conformed with what we
do. Christ went about preaching and
doing good.
3. Pray for light and strength. Take time to commune with God. Christ always made time to pray
no matter how busy He was.
4. Collaborate.
Work with others, undergo and
give formation. Christ
chose to have collaborators – the apostles
and many other disciples. He taught and formed them.
5. Sacrifice.
Be willing and determined to face with equanimity all kinds of difficulties or problems that may
come our way, trusting in God’s overflowing graces. Christ said: “If anyone wishes to come after
Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matt. 16:24)
6. Be empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Principal Evangelizer.
He empowers the evangelizer and also opens the hearts of hearers to accept the Good News. Hence, evangelizers should always begin their mission invoking the Holy Spirit.
Bishop Bacani said: “These were the steps of Jesus
evangelizing work. But it is important
to remember that He took every step of the way in the spirit of humility,
obedience and love. It is in this same
spirit that the evangelizer must bring the Good News to others.”
by: Buddy Cagurangan
July 7, 2013
