It is enough, so they say, to help people to become more human or more faithful to their own religion; it is enough to build communities which strive for justice, freedom, peace and solidarity.

So they say...

I haven't written yet about the recent 'note' from the CDF regarding evangelisation. There's isn't anything to say really, it's self explanatory. Read it yourself here. I thank God once again for the internet because, frankly, I don't see many priests I know encouraging those who arn't computer literate to read this kind of stuff (which is a shame).

Anyway, rather than write about the document I want to write about me, because there is a point on which I think I am misunderstood. I don't know if I am just rubbish at explaining myself or what. Somehow, people seem suprised at the idea that I would agree with this paragraph:

In any case, to evangelize does not mean simply to teach a doctrine, but to proclaim Jesus Christ by one’s words and actions, that is, to make oneself an instrument of his presence and action in the world.

This is largely, I suppose, because I have placed great emphasis on actually explaining the Gospel to people. Actually saying to people "this is what we believe" and "this is why we believe it". I have been told, more times I can remember, that St. Francis said "preach the gospel at all times, use words when neccesary". I tried looking up the exact quote and I can't find it, I can only find articles about how he never said it.

Generally, when you talk about the more practical preachy side of evangelisation people tend to get defensive. I am brought in mind of a peanuts cartoon...

That cartoon pretty much sums up my experience with the Church in Hull. I don't go on about evangelisation because I'm looking for something to criticise. I go on about it because I feel personally responsible for not doing it...

"If I preach the Gospel, this is no reason for me to boast; it is a duty for me. Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!"

Generally, when you ask about evangelisation, people will tell you that they already evangelise. They will point out, correctly, that the Youth Group they have is a form of evangelisation. That marriage prep courses are evangelisation. That having Catholic schools is a form of evangelisation. This is all cheating, because as the CDF says: "every activity of the Church has an essential evangelizing dimension".

My point, is this...

In any case, it needs to be remembered that, in transmitting the Gospel, word and witness of life go together. Above all, the witness of holiness is necessary, if the light of truth is to reach all human beings. If the word is contradicted by behaviour, its acceptance will be difficult. However, even witness by itself is not enough "because even the finest witness will prove ineffective in the long run, if it is not explained, justified – what Peter called ‘giving a reason for the hope that is in you’ (1 Pet 3:15) – and made explicit by a clear and unequivocal proclamation of the Lord Jesus”.

Let me say that again... even the finest witness will prove ineffective in the long run, if it is not explained.

The CDF are quoting Pope Paul VI. In his encyclical Evangelii Nuntiandi Paul VI says:

The Good News proclaimed by the witness of life sooner or later has to be proclaimed by the word of life. There is no true evangelization if the name, the teaching, the life, the promises, the kingdom and the mystery of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God are not proclaimed.

You have to do both. You have to live it and you have to say it.