Have you ever heard the saying: “Preach the Gospel always and, if necessary, use words…”, often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi? Well, it’s quite unlikely that St. Francis ever said such thing — in fact, if you know anything about this radical preacher, you would probably come to the conclusion rather quickly that he wouldn’t ever say anything like that! We must preach the Gospel with words — what we say and how we share it most definitely matters! But perhaps there is truth in this often quoted saying about what evangelization really is.
There are many people in this world (many that you know!) who might not be ready to listen to what you have to say. They may be hesitant, hostile, or just completely uninterested in anything you might share about your faith. And there may be even more who would be open to hearing what you have to say, but they have seemingly bigger issues in their life right now. Imagine approaching a neighbor whose house is burning to the ground and launching right into your witness story! Some people aren’t ready for your preaching yet — they need to witness your works before they listen to your words.
You don’t have to have a supernatural gift of healing to do the works Jesus calls you to do. (Though if you do have that gift, please use it!) Sometimes the works we do are small acts done with great love. Sometimes they are noticed, and sometimes they aren't. Sometimes they lead to a window opening and an opportunity to share your faith, and sometimes they don’t. What matters isn’t the “sale” — what matters is that you took the time to show someone who God is by continuing his works of love in the world. When you perform a work of love for someone else, you put on Christ who is always allowing the Father to work through him. So go and preach the Gospel always — but when necessary, use works!
“The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves."
John 14:10–11
1. What words or phrases from this week’s Gospel reading capture your attention the most (John 14:1–12)?
2. In the Gospel, Jesus invites the apostles to believe in him because of his works, that his miracles are proof that he is who he says he is. How does it make you feel to hear Jesus encourage the disciples to believe in him this way?
3. There’s a saying that goes, “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” What do you think of that saying? How do you think it relates to evangelization?
4. How can you continue Jesus’ works of love in the world today? What are some small ways you can start throughout this week?
5. How can you make “random” acts of kindness into “routine” acts of kindness in your life?