Advent, Christmas and Spreading the Gospel
As we continue our Advent preparations and get closer to our celebration of the arrival of Christ our Savior at Christmas, it is a good time to reflect upon the challenge that we as believers have in participating in the New Evangelization called for by all of our recent Popes; Pope Saint John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis. Evangelization, as you know, is the spreading of the Gospel message of love and salvation to the world.
Amidst the often frantic pace of the Christmas season, it is traditionally also a time for getting together with family and friends. There is something about this festive season that seems to soften the human heart. One might say there is a special outpouring of God’s grace into the world. Because of this, we are offered a great opportunity to bring the Gospel message to those who may not normally be open to hearing it.
We don’t have to be as radical or as outspoken as John the Baptist, whom we see in the Gospel today. However, seeking to be reconciled with those from whom we have been sepa-rated, forgiving past hurts, extending true hospitality to those we do not normally get along with, generously sharing our material goods with the less fortunate - these are concrete ways that we can make the love of God known to others. In the end, proclaiming the Gospel is not just putting forth propositions to be believed as it is in making known to others the love of God in specific ways. This comes from the idea that our faith is not about belief in a series of doctrinal statements as much as it is belief in the person of Christ. It isn’t that the “what” or content of our faith isn’t important, but that the “what” is important only in reference to the “who” of our faith, which is Jesus Christ our Lord.
Thus, in showing love to others we are showing to them Christ, who is Love. It is a most effective way to spread the Gospel. I hope and pray that the Lord comes into your hearts anew this Christmas; it is also my wish that you make the most of this chance to bring the love of God to others this Christmas. In doing so, you will not only be cooperating in a most important work of the Church, but also, I believe, opening yourself up to an even greater share in God’s love for yourselves.
God Bless You,
Father Joseph Byerley
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