“Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.”

The Responsorial Psalm today highlights an important aspect of evangelization.  We are commanded to proclaim God’s deeds to ALL the nations. 

First, as articulated in the Council of Jerusalem and the reading from Acts, God made no distinction between Jews and Gentiles. The Gospel is for all people. Justification is through Christ not the law; hence, in concert with the Holy Spirit, the Council concludes Gentiles not be burdened with the law beyond what is necessary. (Acts 15:28)

And, if our joy is complete in Christ, as the reading from John states, why would we not proclaim the Gospel to others? How selfish it is to say that our joy is complete in Christ, but at the same time say that we will not preach it to non-Christians out of tolerance. God made man rational and free. Therefore when done properly, proclaiming the Gospel to non-Christians is not an attack but rather an invitation – an invitation which would be selfish to withhold. Paul’s awareness of this truth was evident in his proclamation, "Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel" (1 Cor9:16).

Second, “all the nations” necessarily includes our own nation. But why? Shouldn’t we as Catholics already know God’s marvelous deeds? We would hope as Catholics that we knew and practiced our faith perfectly. Jesus tells us, “Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love.” Yet, we know that only 23% of U.S. Catholics honor the Lord’s day and regularly attend Mass once a week (http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/).

Enter the New Evangelization and Year of Faith. This year, Pope Benedict XVI has challenged the entire Church to embrace this re-evangelization of Catholic culture proclaiming that “The Church has a duty everywhere and at all times to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” The Church has recognized that the largest need for evangelization is now within formerly Christian nations under the influence of secularism and multiculturalism (the notion that one should keep one’s joy in Christ to oneself).

You may be a faithful Catholic, but chances are that you know many Catholics who may have lost faith or lost the joy of Christ. Therefore remember that proclaiming God’s deeds to all includes proclaiming it to those already in the flock. Invite such a friend or family member to confession or Mass with you. Treat the sacraments not as an everyday occurrence but as a marvelous sign of God’s Grace. Invite others to become more involved with their faith. Watch this video. Send others to www.CatholicsComeHome.com. Challenge yourself to grow in faith.