The Loud Call to New Evangelization & The Quiet Whisper of Our Lord. By: C.C.

"The soul needs silence in order to adore Him.' (Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity)

                       

       The idea of New Evangelization has been embraced by many faithful members of the Catholic Church. Numerous blogs, websites, networks, twitter accounts, conferences, prayer groups, and many other fruitful means of sharing the Catholic faith have become quite prominent and easily accessible.

   The importance of Evangelizing is to encourage, ignite, and to also reveal the truth that we have been given. It is a means for us to share God's love. In order to do this successfully we must also take the time to get to know God ourselves and to make consistent effort at prayer. We must recognize the importance of having a strong foundation of personal prayer so that we may be formed in the truth of what we aim to share with others. If we feel called to share more, write more, preach more, post more, and "tweet" more then we must also understand the need to pray more and listen more to the voice of God.

   It can actually do a disservice to the faith of our Church if we consume ourselves only with talking and seeking to evangelize. We must pay attention to the movements of the Holy Spirit and where we are truly being led by our Lord. If we neglect the essential call to prayer and to fill ourselves with God through the celebration of Mass, The Eucharist, and the Sacraments... then we are only empty vessels at risk of becoming like the Pharisees.

   The success of  New Evangelization is built upon the ancient tradition of solitude and prayer. Without spending time in silence with our Lord and allowing Him to build a foundation within us, our work will not bear fruit. Our mission will not be properly rooted in God's will. To serve the Church and to build up the Kingdom of God is not an easy task. It is not work that we are called to do alone. We are sent out as if employed by God to share the good news of His love. We must invoke the assistance of the Angels and Saints in Heaven, as well as the protection and guidance of our Blessed Mother Mary. 

    The Gospel of Mark reminds us of Jesus taking the time away to pray in silence "And early in the morning, while it was still dark, He arose and went out and departed to a lonely place, and was praying there. ( Mark 1:35). Jesus offers us an important example here about our need for time alone with the Lord if we are called to minister to others. May our humble prayer each day be rooted in these words "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening" (Samuel 3:10) Amen. C.C.