The joy of conversion, Christian community, and the Catholic faith
Mary’s powerful encounter with Gabriel compelled her to witness. The Holy Spirit overwhelmed her with such joy that she could only respond by telling those dearest to her what God had done in her—as the angel had directed her.
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. (Luke 1:39–40)
God chose Mary as the first evangelist. She said “yes” because she trusted him. She embraced his mission for her life and brought the presence of Jesus to the world through the power of the Holy Spirit. As our model for becoming evangelists, Mary demonstrates the character traits we need: humility, obedience, authentic witness, joyful praise, and close relationship with God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Everything she did was a testimony of God’s love.
My parents are atheists, so there was no religion in our home. They never tried to prejudice us against religion; they just never talked about it. It was kind of like talking about sex—it was the unspoken rule that you just didn’t mention religion.
As issues came up, we were taught to be good people in the morality of popular culture: work hard and do your best, be honest, don’t steal, cheat, or lie. We learned that a lot of other issues were all relative. As long as you didn’t hurt other people or break the law, what you did was your own business.
Of course, even though they never talked about religion, we all knew that those boring churchgoers were weak because they needed a crutch like religion to get by.
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.
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.
Born Protestant, Nancy Ward was an introverted bookworm. At age 15, her prayer under a tree during a retreat in New Mexico changed her life! A “thunderbolt of love” when she met her Catholic husband-to-be led her even deeper into God’s embrace. See how Nancy shed her shyness, chose conversion, and stepped out to proclaim God’s graces, in this episode of Jesus My Savior.
