Evangelization Update

I worked in Arkansas in a youth home. It was a transitional home for youth coming from a high-security facility and on their way to reentering society.

A girl at the home came to talk to me because I was a minister. She asked me to pray for her because she was about to testify against her stepfather who had sexually abused her. She told me that, in spite of the abuse, she felt compassion for her stepfather. Yet she had to testify against him.

I was evangelized by her because of her compassionate example. I was humbled by her; I was inspired by her. Any time I feel some virtue enhanced within me, evangelization is happening.

The experience taught me to be grateful for what I have. I was humbled and grateful that she had come and talked with me. She's a real giant in my eyes, someone who stepped forward to see justice done.

I couldn't be present at the trial but I was wearing a cross. So I gave it to her, and she wore that cross as she gave her testimony. All of us know we have to be evangelized into a deeper relationship with Jesus. All of us have had these experiences of knowing that we are being evangelized by those we serve.

For me, evangelization involves being a person of hope especially in the area of social justice.

How God Is Calling You to Make a Difference-in the Seven Areas of Catholic Social Teaching:

To return to the beginning of this Evangelization Update

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