Beloved Family:
We continue, as “pilgrims of hope” in this jubilee year being observed in the universal Church. Simultaneously, we have been called into the mission phase of the National Eucharistic Revival. The primary thrust in this phase is “Accompaniment.” I want to acknowledge, in honesty, that at times I have been a bit wary of this term, which has come into frequent use recently. Why? While I have no objection to the fundamental concept of meeting people where they are, it strikes me that it can be interpreted as a mandate to accept people without desiring them—along with all of us, of course—to experience ongoing deeper conversion.
Yes, in the gospels Jesus models for us a posture of unconditional love and regard for each person, from the moment of initial encounter. However, that encounter is intended to lead to a comprehensive transformation of their lives, which necessarily includes an effort to leave sin behind. Soon (as in Ash Wednesday), we will be called to “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”
For the record, I fully support an authentically Catholic approach to Accompaniment. Any person, Catholic or otherwise, ought to find in us a veritable cornucopia of the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). I can hardly think of anything more contradictory—and off-putting— than a sullen, accusing Catholic.
An excellent article entitled, “Sharing the Good News of Jesus: Practical Steps for Every Catholic,” published by Newman Ministry, provides seven steps for sharing the Gospel. It begins with a very accessible description of a big fancy word: Kerygma. Here is roughly the first half of the article. The second will follow, next week.
The term κήρυγμα (kerygma) is a Greek word meaning “proclamation.”Immediately after Christ’s ascension into heaven, the Apostles began to preach a message that was rather basic and to the point. Repent of your sins, accept baptism, and live in the new life Jesus Christ is offering through His Church.
Simply put, the Kerygma is the Gospel. But how can we effectively share it in our everyday lives? As Christ did—with patience, mercy, and love of our neighbor all while remaining firm in sharing the truth and calling others to more. This is the balance of sharing the kerygma while effectively accompanying others. To do this, here are seven steps to help you share the Good News of Jesus with those around you.
Practical Steps to Share the Kerygma
1. Start with prayer
First, pray for those you’re walking with. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your conversations and to open their hearts to the message of the Gospel.
In addition to personal prayer, consider inviting the person to pray with you. This could be as simple as saying a short prayer before a conversation. Prayer not only invites God into the relationship but also models a life of faith and trust in God.
2. Build a genuine connection
Effective evangelization begins with a relationship. Take time to understand where the other person is coming from. A genuine connection is not about trying to “fix” someone or immediately correcting their beliefs.
When Jesus met the woman at the well, He didn’t dive headfirst into points of conflict. Instead, He connected with her on what was common to both of them—their need for water. It wasn't until Jesus asked her for a drink that He made the connection between earthly water and the waters of grace that He offers us all. He only shared this with her once she showed some level of openness. People must trust us at the human level. We can’t take someone to higher ground until we’ve found common ground. This is where having a relationship based on trust makes the difference.
