Each of us has a unique story, a special relationship with God that
others can and want to learn from. There
are many ways we can share what God has done in our lives and point out to
others what we can see Him doing in, through, and around them. When it comes right down to it, the most
important aspects of life we can share with others are those that stem from a
close relationship with Jesus Christ.
Participation in the Sacraments, a conscious effort to grow in holiness, and how we live our lives are three of the
most essential, powerful witnesses to God’s unconditional love, mercy,
compassion, forgiveness, peace, joy, and hope our world. Because of technology and our ever-changing
world, many people are seeking Truth, looking for answers, and learning about
faith in new ways.
What are some types of technology that have it easier for you to keep in
touch with family, friends, conduct business, etc.? Most people answer: cell phones, the Internet,
websites, blogs, social media, iPods & MP3 players for music, podcasts,
lectures, movies and TV shows, Youtube, and Skype are the main types of technology
that has allowed them to connect with friends, family, neighbors, clients,
customers, and readers from around the globe.
Do you use your cell phone as a tool for evangelizing and spreading the
love of the Lord?
Here’s an excerpt from a Blog Post I wrote in 2010: Text Messages with Deeper Meaning
While in a cloud
of doubt and negativity, John texted me the following messages:
don't believe the accuser. you are a beloved child of God
He will give you the strength to keep going
Remember that every hair on your head
is numbered. Not a sparrow falls to the ground
without your Heavenly Father's
knowledge. u are worth much more than sparrows
As the Father has loved me so I have
loved you. -Our Lord Jesus
Remember that even Mary said she was
the Lord's lowly servant.
Read psalm 139. He
loves you so much. don't worry about accepting it but give Him
what little you can. That will be enough. I promise. Say Jesus I
trust in you
Don't worry about your feelings. God sees your depth and at your depth
you truly love Him.
Pursue Me, a CD by Danielle Rose that
has a song titled “Psalm 139” on it. Danielle
Rose, a music missionary who writes all of her lyrics in the Presence of the
Blessed Sacrament, has inspired me a great deal over the years. I first heard her music in June 2006 when I
made my Cursillo weekend, and ever since, she has served as an amazing example
of someone who uses the gifts she’s given to spread God’s love, help others
grow in their faith, and glorify the Lord by their lives.
Any tool that makes communication and
connecting with others easier can be used to evangelize. For example, many people have apps on their
phones and/or tablets for praying the Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, the
Liturgy of the Hours, and the daily Mass readings.
Social media has become an extremely
popular way of interacting with others.
It’s changed the way we find out and what we think about current
events. I know that Facebook has
dramatically changed who and how I am in touch with people including family members,
friends, other Catholics, Christians, authors, motivational speakers, prominent
priests, publishers, writers, bloggers, book enthusiasts, Respect Life
advocates…
Can Facebook and other types of social
media actually help us live out our vocation to spread the Gospel with our
lives? Absolutely! Here’s how:
o
Prayer requests
o
Respect Life photos, stories and advertisements
o
Pointing out discrepancies between mainstream
secular media coverage versus what the Pope actually says and what the Catholic
Church teaches
o
Spreading awareness of social justice issues and
solutions
o
Sharing political concerns and information
o
A fast, fun way to share things with personal
connections, family, and friends
o
Sharing the Gospel through articles, cartoons,
photos, music, videos
What do your status message, photos, and the things you post on your Facebook
wall and other people’s say about who and what is important to you?
Here is a smattering of the different types of things you can share on
Facebook that could be considered a form of evangelization:
An
article about Pope Francis from a Catholic, not secular news source
· A personal prayer: Lord, help us this day and
each to glorify You by embracing the Truth that we are made in Your image,
known by You intimately, and loved by You unconditionally. Amen.
· A quote from Scripture
· A prayer request or a praise to the Lord for something He’s done in your life
· A song that has inspired you in your walk with the Lord and understanding of your calling to be a light for others
· A quote from Scripture
· A prayer request or a praise to the Lord for something He’s done in your life
· A song that has inspired you in your walk with the Lord and understanding of your calling to be a light for others
A video about someone
who is living out their faith in an inspiring, unique, and/or exceptional way
1.
How have the internet, cell phones, and social media changed the
way we interact and communicate?
2.
Have you been using technology to evangelize others? If so, how? If not, why not?
There are a number of great books that deal with the topics of technology and evangelization, but
these are two of the ones I've read in recent years and found particularly well-written, creative and informative:
