The New Evangelization

There has been much talk about the new evangelization in the Catholic Church. Just what is the new evangelization and how does it differ from the old evangelization or from what we were doing previously. Actually, I think many of us are afraid of that E word. Evangelization seems to bring to mind bible thumping, preaching on street corners and knocking on doors. These ideas seem uncomfortable to many of the European Heritage Catholics. It is just not the way we were brought up.
   If the message of the good news is to be spread, however, we need to embrace some change. The days of sitting quietly in the church while father tells us how to live our lives to avoid hell are quickly fading, if not already gone. Young people are looking for religion. Young people are looking for spirituality. And they are looking for views that really mean something I their lives. And their lives are busy. Constantly connected to each other, constantly and instantly in touch with the rest of the world, they thirst for something that will not just eat time, but be meaningful. How can we, faithful followers of the risen Lord, help them to understand that this word of Christ resurrected is that meaningful and life fulfilling way?
  We need to make our message meaningful. We as preachers need to make the scriptures meaningful to everyday life. And I do not mean any disrespect to any other preachers,  but I myself am not interested in the roots of the words used in the bible and their meaning. I am also not particularly interested in hearing the newest interpretation of what words actually should be written to convey the ideas of the times. I am interested in how the scriptures will help me be a better Christian. I am interested in how the scriptures can help me to be Jesus in today's world. How I can be His hands, words, love, compassion and mercy. And I believe that this is what society is seeking right now.
  Society needs to know not only that we are different, but why we choose to be different. And not in a defiant way, but in a loving, sharing, helping to understand way. With acceptance of those who are different with a smile on out face, a welcome word, and a loving attitude.
  Start small on your own. Say good morning to anyone you see with a smile on your face. You'd be surprised how people you do not know will respond with the same and in doing so, we have taken one step closer to the path of the kingdom. Let them wonder why we, followers of Jesus, greet them like a friend. And maybe, just maybe, they will seek the good news and then we can share it.