The joy of conversion, Christian community, and the Catholic faith
In love, Jesus commanded us to evangelize to bring others to the salvation he offers everyone, to enlighten those in error, and bring them in union with God in Heaven. The Lord’s message is unique and two-fold: God loves all people and wants them to be saved, and God has established Christ and the Church as the “universal sacrament of salvation.” We know Christ’s love and want to share it freely with everyone without discrimination.
In love, Jesus commanded us to evangelize to bring others to the salvation he offers everyone, to enlighten those in error, and bring them in union with God in Heaven. The Lord’s message is unique and two-fold: God loves all people and wants them to be saved, and God has established Christ and the Church as the “universal sacrament of salvation.” We know Christ’s love and want to share it freely with everyone without discrimination.
You need not be a public speaker or author to share your Catholic faith story with the world, and Nancy Ward has proven that in her new book, Sharing Your Catholic Faith Story: Tools, Tips & Testimonies, published by The Word Works. In her book, Ward shows just how easy it can be to simply and spontaneously share with others how the Catholic faith has changed your life.
Evangelization is part and parcel of being a Christian, but sharing our faith is not simply a chore to be carried out. When we share our faith stories with others, not only do we grow as Christians, but we encourage others and give glory to God.
We are not evangelizing for our own glory, but to glorify God. Sharing our story is not about showing how pious or holy we have become, but how God’s love for us has transformed us. We acknowledge his power and might in showing how he has been able to bring good even out of our neglect and sin.
I was first baptized as a Protestant and later conditionally baptized as a Catholic (as was the custom before Vatican II). For me, the effects of baptism have been a tremendous source of joy. That’s when I was adopted as a beloved daughter of God, equipped as a follower, commissioned to witness, freed from original sin, made a temple of his glory, empowered by the Holy Spirit, welcomed into the Church, and lovingly placed into the river of my faith story.
My baptism gave me my identity in Christ and began God’s work in my life. May I never “dry out” and turn away from being his beloved daughter, whom he continues to transform.
