Conquering the Fear of Evangelization: Sharing Your Faith Story

Friends, today's Gospel passage (Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8) compels us to consider evangelization – spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. But for many Catholics, the very idea sparks fear. This fear often stems from two anxieties: a lack of knowledge and the potential for social rejection.

Fear #1: Not Knowing Enough
We might worry we lack the theological expertise to effectively answer questions. But remember, evangelization isn't a religious quiz show. It's about sharing your own faith story – how Jesus has impacted your life and the joy you find in Catholicism.

Think of St. Paul, the great evangelist. He constantly recounted his transformation from a Christian-hating Pharisee to the Apostle to the Gentiles. Your story may not be as dramatic, but it holds immense power.

Living as a Catholic is inherently counter-cultural, and this will naturally pique curiosity. Sharing the reason for your joy becomes a beautiful opportunity to evangelize.

Fear #2: Social Rejection
Let's be honest, rejection is a genuine concern. We all crave acceptance. But the fear of not being invited to the next barbecue shouldn't silence our faith.

Social rejection for our beliefs is a growing reality. Recently, on a social media platform, I simply expressed hope for the success of a pro-life law and was bombarded with negativity. It's enough to make anyone hesitant.

This is precisely the tactic some employ – to silence opposing views through aggression. But Christ's call to evangelize extends to everyone – coworkers, neighbors, even online critics.

The great evangelists all faced hardships. St. Paul himself rejoiced in his sufferings for Christ's sake (Colossians 1:24).

So, how do we overcome these fears?

·         Embrace the Story-Sharing Model: Focus on sharing your personal faith journey.

·         Don't Be Afraid to Say "I Don't Know": Google is your friend! There's no shame in researching answers to challenging questions.

·         Remember, Rejection Doesn't Define You: Christ calls us to evangelize, and He doesn't promise it will always be easy. But don't let fear silence your faith.

Let's move forward, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to share the transformative power of Jesus with the world!