Evangelizing as a Family
/CARISSA PLUTA
As Christians, we are all called to “make disciples of all nations” and those of us called to marriage can live out this call in a unique and very real way.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ELIZABETH M PHOTOGRAPHY
In Familiaris Consortio, St. John Paul II wrote that Christian married couples and parents “not only receive the love of Christ and become a saved community, but they are also called upon to communicate Christ’s love to their brethren, thus becoming a saving community.”
However, unless you are actively involved in ministry, it is easy for married couples and families to dismiss this call. With jobs and responsibilities at home, we fail to see how we can share the Good News with those we meet.
So, what does evangelization look like for those called to the vocation of marriage?
Investing in friendships and your community
Pope Francis said, "We need a Church capable of walking at people's sides... a Church which accompanies them on their journey."
Authentic friendships encourage evangelization. Christ invested deeply in a few men by sharing life with them--going fishing together, eating meals together.
Getting together with friends becomes much more difficult as you get older. With work, kids, and other activities, it is far too easy to excuse ourselves from investing in friendships, both old and new.
Write a letter or call an old friend. Go on a double date. Grab coffee with another woman from your mom group or join a bible study. Become active members of your parish. Make time to cultivate a shared space for Christ’s grace to grow.
Opening your home
One way married couples can show love to their friends and others in their community is through the practice of hospitality.
Creating a home and inviting others into it allows you to more fully “share life” with others. You can invest more deeply and meaningfully in another when sharing a private and more intimate space.
St. Paul writes in his letter to the Thessalonians: “With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us.”
Letting others into your occasionally messy and imperfect home grants them permission to come and be loved as they are, messy and imperfect human beings.
Inviting others to pray with you
How do you pray as a couple or as a family? However you do it, invite others to join you in that time of prayer.
Personal invitation can facilitate a powerful encounter with Christ. Even something as simple as praying a rosary or grace before meals can lay the foundation for a relationship with God.
Praying with others is a great way to accompany them on their faith journey and to demonstrate the deep way Jesus has affected your life and home.
