Evangelism: Sometimes Just Being There Is Enough

I bet many other Catholics are just like me; I’m not comfortable discussing my faith with others unless they are like-minded. I could never stand on a street corner and evangelize or go door-to-door and try to convince strangers to become Catholic.

I do not care for confrontation. Neither am I a learned biblical scholar who can get into deep discussions. I do not know enough except that I know and love my God and will use the gifts I do have, to further His Word.

However, I try to share my faith in my writing.

Hidden in obscurity behind my computer and trusting somewhere my words will find a needy soul. But what about those times that crop up when I could talk about my faith? When I see an opportunity to pray with another publicly.

I Just Can’t Do It

Although I do not mind when approached that way by evangelists, and although I will never be rude, I have never felt I gained anything. I appreciate the gesture, I say thank you, but I come away feeling a little awkward and embarrassed. Even annoyed depending on the way the stranger approached me. I do not appreciate having a certain brand of Christianity forced down my throat. Look what babies do when attempted spoon-feeding is not to their liking!

Now don’t get me wrong. I truly admire those who have pole-vaulted a dizzy height successfully, cleared all the hurdles, and can comfortably do this evangelizing.

Sadly, I don’t think I will ever get there. But what can I do? What gift has the Lord given me that I feel of value even though I’m not vocalizing where my strength is coming from and what it is that I’m trying to impart in my silent way?

My lovely Jesuits posed the following question in my 3-minute reflection:

In what ways can I be a healing and comforting presence to others?

I thought about it. Then I thought about it some more. And finally, I decided.

I’m a good listener. No, I’m an excellent listener

I will sit there quietly and allow you to unburden yourself. I might not say ten words while you are talking. Okay, maybe a few more than ten. And pray that when I do open my mouth, my words will serve a purpose.

However, mostly, I will listen. And while I listen, I will pray for the beautiful soul that you are. I will pray God hears you through me. I will pray He is imparting His strength and wisdom to you through my presence.

I trust you will come away a little lighter. A little happier. More content with a little more clarity about where you are, who you are, and where you’re going. A lot of littles soon make a whole lot.

So we each serve our Lord in our way. With whatever he deemed right to gift us. And let us never forget the words of St. Theresa of Avila:

Christ has no body but yours/No hands, no feet on earth but yours/ Yours are the eyes with which He looks/ Compassion on this world

Recognizing My Limitations

I cannot preach like Peter, neither can I pray like Paul. I have a million gazillion thoughts and stories and all manner of stuff doing a whirligig through my aging pea-sized brain. I must stop, or I end up with a raging headache. Going for a walk helps as I focus on the trees, the water, a lone heron fishing. I love the breeze, even the windy days. The former soothes me; the latter blows away the cobwebs. Even rainy days, excluding squalls, when I’m in the middle of nowhere with two miserable wet pups.

Presence Evangelism

God has always chosen humble, ordinary people who have suffered and lived obscure lives faithful to Him to be His witnesses. God’s love and healing power simply flow through faithful little people as they go about their daily lives. Saint Teresa of Calcutta has many inspiring quotes pointing out how ordinary folk can serve as God’s unassuming witnesses:

We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.

Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.

We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.

Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.

If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.

With grateful thanks to @Janis Cox for the words of inspiration, she gave me today, telling me to listen to God. And as always, for my lovely Jesuits (loyolapress.activehostedcom).