Sunday, December 5th, 2021 – Second Sunday of Advent - Cycle C Sharing the Gifts

       Introduction
“The Church exists to evangelize.” Addressing the signs of the times and the urgent needs of the day, Pope St. Paul VI taught us to reclaim our heritage and the Great Commission of Jesus Christ: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This is not something that we do in our spare time or something that is “extra” to our Catholic faith or even optional; it is the heart of everything we do. Now more than ever, our God calls us to be disciples of his Son, and apostles who bring the good news to the world. It is clear that today we are bogged down by so many important issues and concerns. here is a great deal of anger, division, anxiety and hopelessness in our world. In times like these, we are tempted to retreat and “circle the wagons.”
     Some would have us focus only internally, guarding and defending our Catholic faith against the forces of the world. Others want to use the faith solely to resolve key issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, capital punishment, immigration and so many others.
     Before and above anything else, however, our Catholic faith unites us with Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit, and thus leads us to the Father and the kingdom of heaven. We remember Jesus’ words in the Gospel: “I have come so that you may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) We have received this incredible gift, and all God asks of us is that we extend it to others.
Questions for reflection:
1.How comfortable would you feel explaining your faith to a non-Catholic?
2. How do I “live my faith well …” so that others might ask me about God because they are sure he is with me? ( Zech 8:23)
3.How does the call to evangelization represent a solution to being endlessly bogged down in the debates over important issues outlined by the Bishop?
4.What are the signs of the times which make the call to evangelize so urgent in this day?
Bishop William A. Wack