I’ve been hearing the rumblings around church lately. Hot on the heels of the Year of Faith is likely to be the Year of Evangelization. Looks like mum’s the word, at least officially, as we head into the latter half of Advent. My Google search for ‘year of evangelization’ produced many references to ‘The New Evangelization’ but none specifically to the rumored new #Catholic campaign.
No matter…I want to talk about evangelization anyway. I haven’t arrived at the place in my spiritual growth where I openly proclaim the gospel to anyone who will listen. At least not orally. However, I do believe my living witness here at WitnessPath is the gift of evangelization God calls me to offer in the here and now. I know I procrastinate and get lazy and discouraged about writing in this blog. Just the sinner in me who wonders if anyone is reading.
I know at least two people are. Thank you gentlemen for asking me why I haven’t written much in the fast few months. It’s your inspiration that has me back in front of the laptop, typing away. Thank you Lord for sending those messages to me through your faithful servants. Use me as you used them. Amen.
If we Catholics really are headed for a year of evangelization in 2014, I’m all for it. I’m ready to shake things up in this very blog. Our church gets criticized for a lot of things, like a lack of charismatic preaching for one. Some priests deliver very measured and reserved homilies, it’s true. Some step right out in front of their flock and wing it with no notes and no net. The message is what’s important. Each of us is called to evangelize in a way that is consistent with our God given gifts and talents. Silence will be our downfall.
Let’s this song be a battle cry for Catholic evangelists everywhere. Live Life Loud, whatever that means for you. Be seen, be heard, be read. Be Catholic!
Time to Evangelize and Live Life Loud
If you wanna take a chance, then
You gotta sing a little louder
Let’s wake this crowd up
If you wanna take a chance, then
You gotta sing a little louder
Let’s wake this crowd up
Tonight’s the night it becomes official
Don’t stop the rock, hold both your hands up
Show these people how to shake things up
And I’m not shuttin’ up ’til it’s over
Raise your hands and shout if you’re with me
Once we start, it won’t make a difference
If you wanna scream and shout, let me hear you
Takin’ all the fakers out if you’re with me
Everybody work it, just keep living
Listen up now, give me your attention
Don’t make a sound if you don’t believe me
You won’t wake up, you’ll just keep living
And I’m not shutting up ’til it’s over
Raise your hands and shout if you’re with me
Once we start, it won’t make a difference
If you wanna scream and shout, let me hear you
Taking all the fakers out if you’re with me
Everybody work it, just keep living
I catch a glimpse of the west coast sunrise
And I can tell you you’re just as beautiful
If you wanna take a chance, then
You gotta sing a little louder
Let’s wake this crowd up
If you wanna take a chance, then
You gotta sing a little louder
Let’s wake this crowd upIf you wanna live life loud, throw your hands up
If you wanna scream and shout, let me hear you
Takin’ all the fakers out if you’re with me
Everybody work it, just keep living
Just keep living”
