"Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that arose because of Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but Jews." (Acts 11: 19).
After Pentecost, it appeared that the infant Church went temporarily into a sleeping mode. But not for long. The Holy Spirit like the mother eagle had to wake them up by fluttering over them with loud shrieks. The tool the Holy Spirit used was persecution. It worked. Henceforth, evangelization became the mission of the Church.
The Hebrew linguistic group evangelized the Jews wherever they sought refuge. The Greeks evangelized their patriots. (Cf 11: 20).
The Holy Spirit is the Master and Leader of Evangelization. He is the Principal Actor. Our role is docile spectators.
As needs arose, the Holy Spirit sent the missionaries help from Jerusalem in the person of Barnabas who "was a good man, filled with the holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord." (Cf Acts 11: 22 - 24).
Jesus says, "The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me." (John 10: 25).
We lay people are called upon to become the tip of the spear in the work of Evangelization in the 22nd century. The work we do in our Father's name must testify to us. (Cf John 10: 25). Are you ready? Listen to the Church:
"Lay people also fulfill their prophetic mission by evangelization, "that is, the proclamation of Christ by word and the testimony of life." For lay people, "this evangelization . . . acquires a specific property and peculiar efficacy because it is accomplished in the ordinary circumstances of the world." (CCC 905).
The Church continues:
"This witness of life, however, is not the sole element in the apostolate; the true apostle is on the lookout for occasions of announcing Christ by word, either to unbelievers . . . or to the faithful." (CCC 905).
When you say yes, you will find that God will supply everything you need for the mission.
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