January 14, 2018

2^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

“Evangelizing-Words and Deeds”

Msgr. Thomas Gervasio

 
Many common sayings suggest that words are unimportant and that deeds are what really matter: “Actions speak louder than words,” “He’s all talk and no action,” But words are important! Words are powerful. They can affirm and inspire but that can also be so very hurting. I am sure that every person here can recall words her or she would desperately want to retract—words hurled in anger, gossip, lies and even a rash joke that hurt someone. We can also think of words we would like to have the chance to say: words of forgiveness, of gratitude, words of love to a spouse, family member or friend. There is of course a time when silence is best but there is a time to speak. In today’s Gospel passage, we find that both words and actions are important.

Jesus is walking by and John the Baptist speaks: “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” His words are so effective that his two disciples leave him and begin to follow Jesus. One of the disciples was Andrew. The first thing he does after meeting Our Lord is to seek out his brother, Simon—who would be called Peter and says, “We have found the Messiah!” On the word of his brother, Simon Peter acts. He too, leaves everything behind and follows the Lord.

Discipleship involves both words and deeds. We call it evangelization. It is the greatest challenge and duty of the Church today—a duty not only of the clergy and religious, but of all the baptized. Yet we must carry it out with greater confidence and courage.

Our faith is always personal but never private. Faith is to be shared but we are so often timid. We shy away not wanting to be thought of as odd. Priests and deacons have a pulpit, but every home and workplace of a Catholic is a “pulpit.”
 
Consider a few trends: Mass attendance is not what it once was. Infant baptism is so long delayed or ignored that I know a few anxious grandmothers who attempted to baptize their grandchildren at the kitchen sick. More and more couples prefer a different “venue” for their weddings. A park or beach is preferable to God’s House. An increasing number of grieving families opt for a simple prayer service rather than a funeral Mass for their deceased loved ones.

We don’t need to stand on a soapbox to annoy people with awkward questions or stern lectures. But there are many ways our words and actions can be transformative and effective in evangelization. I’ve jotted down a few examples we can cultivate this apostolic, evangelical, spirit:
 

• On our return home to those who haven’t gone to Mass: Rather than say, “The homily was a long and boring, the music uninspiring.” Speak of the prayer you offered and the strength gained from being in God’s presence.
• Speak about the comfort and joy experienced through confession.
• Speak about the graces of the sacrament of marriage.
• Be bold at times to say, “That is against my faith.”
• Be courageous enough to correct others kindly when they misrepresent the Church’s teaching.
• In conversations, derail gossip.
• Be vigilant about what we view on TV.
• Visit Aunt Millie in the hospital or Uncle George at the nursing home.
• Wear a cross or religious medal.
• Remember to pray before meals.
• Give someone a rosary or holy card.
• On a long car ride…surprise everyone by saying, “Let’s offer a decade of the rosary for this special intention.”
• Invite someone to Mass.

Let us allow the Holy Spirit received in baptism and confirmation work in us so that we can repeat with St. Andrew, “We have found the Messiah!”