January 2002
Dear Friends,
A recent article in The Baltimore Sun, January 1st, told of people turning to the Christian faith as a result of the uncertainty we face entering 2002. The Washington Times, on January 2, discussed how the Catholic Church in Washington D.C. is responding to peoples present concerns and needs. They noted that Cardinal McCarrick, the Archbishop, urged priests and parishioners to reach out to those who have turned to the church for guidance to counter wartime anxieties. Peggy Noonan, a journalist for The Wall Street Journal, observed that everywhere we go, we hear people singing, “God Bless America.” “Why?” She asked. “It’s because of the first word!”
We have to make sure that what we’re saying is relevant to today’s world.
There are people who feel the need to come to the Lord.
- Theodore Cardinal McCarrick -
Archbishop of Washington
In light of terrorism, the economic downturn, life’s not really being in our control, and the reality of death, people are seeking answers to the eternal questions of life. The media has openly been reflecting this reality. There is great potential for a spiritual renewal here in America today. This opening to the Gospel, however slight or temporary, should cause us, as Christians, to pray, prepare, and
evangelize. See Matthew 9:35-38.
As we enter 2002, here are a few questions that I have been considering. In the Gospel of John when Nicodemus came to Jesus, afraid and confused about His identity, Jesus gave him answers at the level he really needed. “God so loved the world that he sent only son…” (John 3:16). People today are asking questions, and their questions, like those of Nicodemus, may be veiled or unclearly stated. They may not even know how to articulate their questions. But our answers must lead to the clear presentation that God loves them, offers forgiveness of sins, and peace in the midst of the uncertainty of this life and the promise of eternal joy in the next.
First question: Am I willing, courageous enough, and looking for opportunities to share Jesus’ love with others? Jesus told us,“As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” John 20:21.
Second, and this is a most critical question for us as Catholics if we are to personally respond to the call to evangelize: Do I believe that those who are separated from God and the Church really matter to God, and face an eternal destiny of either heaven or hell? Am I content to simply cross my fingers and hope for the best, regarding the salvation of family, friends, co-workers and neighbors? Or, is this Good News worth giving my life for? With the revelation of God’s love for us in Jesus, comes the responsibility and privilege of telling others. How can we not share the truth with them? “…God our savior desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”1Timothy 2: 3-5
Third, Are our parishes and small faith communities developing practical ongoing opportunities for people to have their questions addressed and developing ways for them to enter into meaningful relationships in the Christian community?
If we are to “put out into the deep for a great catch”(Luke 5:4), we must humbly and urgently ask Jesus to change our hearts and our parishes, so that others might come to know Him and make Him known!
Please pray for us here in ChristLife that we might surrender to God’s purposes for this ministry to help the Church to evangelize! Thanks so much for all of your support! You remain in our prayers!
Your brother,
Dave Nodar
Quote of the Month
"Out of the darkness of my life,
so much frustrated,
I put before you the one great thing to love on earth:
the Blessed Sacrament ...
There you will find romance, glory, honor, fidelity,
and the true way of all your loves upon earth ...
which every man's heart desires."
- J.R.R. Tolkien
Prayer Needs
• For the Holy Spirit to bring about in all Christians the same passion for the lost that God has!
• For the Church to practically and courageously reach out and respond to the openness and needs expressed by so many people today with the TRUE meaning of life found only in Jesus Christ, her Lord!
• For ChristLife’s Board of Directors Meeting, Feb.9th
• For unity in the Body of Christ
Calender of Events
January 12
Mid-Atlantic Leader Forum
@ChristLife Offices
February 9
ChristLife Board of Directors
@ChristLife Offices
Who We Are
ChristLife is an apostolate of the Archdiocese of Baltimore that is responding to Jesus' call to, "Go and make disciples of all nations," and to the Church's call to a new evangelization
What We Do
ChristLife provides vision, training, and resources needed for dioceses, parishes and ministries to do the work of evangelization. We also sponsor leaders forums so that through association we are all better able to respond to the call to a new evangelization and mission to the nations.
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Copyright (c) 2002 ChristLife Catholic Evangelization Services
Permission is hereby granted to copy or reprint ChristLife newsletters for personal use, research files, internal circulation, and bulletin inserts. Please include "Copyright (c)2002 ChristLife" and our web address: www.christlife.org. Written permission is required if the article is to be included in a book, or in newspapers or magazines with paid subscriptions.
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