Anyone who has tried the work of evangelization knows just how difficult it is to succeed. Even Jesus faced rejection in his own town, where, as the Gospel of Luke recounts, the people “drove him out of the town” after the proclamation of his mission (4:29). Perhaps the most prolific missionary, St. Paul was often met with skepticism and incredulity — as he was at the Areopagus in Athens. At other times he endured violence and threats of death. These examples remind us that sharing the kingdom of heaven is not for the faint of heart. It can be incredibly challenging but equally rewarding.
St. Thomas Aquinas’ principle that “whatever is received is received according to the mode of the receiver” is a helpful axiom to keep in mind when discerning the right time and occasion to introduce a non-Catholic friend to the fullness of the faith. If we want our friends to share in the rich, sacramental life of the Catholic Church, we must begin not from a combative stance of trying to win them over, but from a vulnerable place of love. Christ tells us, “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (Jn 13:34). First, engage your friend in a spirit of love, seeking to truly and authentically know them as Christ knows them.
In the home of Simon the Pharisee, a woman anoints the feet of the master, washing his feet with her tears and drying them with her hair. Simon, disgusted and confused, seeks to correct the Lord. Jesus responds with a question: “Do you see this woman?” (Lk 7:44). The Lord sees us and knows us, especially those lost sheep not yet brought into the fold. We must also see our friends before anything else can happen. Approaching them with genuine love and respect, we should not pressure them to convert but rather invite them to share their own spiritual journey and how the Lord has been made known to them. Evangelization is about dialogue, not the imposition of faith. Your friend must trust that your invitation comes from a place of love, not an attempt to argue them into belief. We are offering a gift — the “pearl of great value” (Mt 13:46) — not a debate.
While Catholic liturgy might be a beautiful first encounter with the Faith for some, it could be more confusing than consoling for the uninitiated. A parish event, mission or charitable endeavor that would allow your friend to see first how the Gospel is motivating the lives of those in your community might be a better place to start. Nonetheless, whether the invitation is to a vibrant Easter liturgy or the simple fellowship of a parish festival, one must always pray to and trust in the Holy Spirit. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that the Holy Spirit is the “protagonist” of any missionary effort (No. 852). Like the saints before us, we must all persevere in our missionary efforts with patience, humility and love. Invite others with love, trusting God to work in their hearts. And then let them see the Lord at work in you: your joy, peace and hope. This will be the most powerful invitation of all.
