The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls the liturgy the primary tool of evangelization (1074-1075). Evangelization has become such a Catholic “buzz word” over the last several decades, but frankly, the term often remains ambiguous and difficult to define. 

 

Some people consider evangelization “sharing your faith.” Others define it as facilitating an encounter with Jesus. I heard one priest once say evangelization is making the faith easier for people. My favorite definition of evangelization is “grabbing people by the lapels and telling them what you have seen!” 

 

In other words, those first apostles, those first disciples saw the dead, lifeless body of the preacher-teacher-healer-prophet they had put all their trust in. Just when they thought His mission had been a complete failure, they learned that He’s alive! 

 

Anybody who’s seen a good movie, read a good book, hit all green lights or eaten a delicious piece of pie knows it’s hard to keep good news bottled up. 

 

So these witnesses to the resurrection go forth and boldly proclaim what they have just seen. In Pope Francis’ document on the appreciation of the liturgical celebration, Desiderio Desideravi, he tells us “we must not allow ourselves even one moment of rest, knowing that still not everyone has received an invitation to the Supper. Or that others have received it and forgotten about the Supper.” 

 

Who’s not at the table? It must be our task as Christians to:

 

-- A: invite those not at the banquet to the table, and 

 

-- B: ensure quality product, namely, a dignified, noble, elevated, beautiful celebration that objectively invites those present to an encounter with the living God. 

 

Vladimir of Kiev (958-1015) was the prince of Kiev (then in Russia). He was not a religious man — quite the opposite. He had many mistresses and he worshipped Norse-Slavic gods. 

 

In 987 he took an interest in religion as he saw it politically advantageous to unite his people in a centralized belief system. He sent his closest advisors to inspect other religions and philosophical systems. 

 

They reported back about Islam, but Vladimir said he couldn’t give up pork and alcohol. 

 

He was unconvinced by Judaism because he said if the Jewish God were truly powerful, then the Jews would have their city and occupy Jerusalem. 

 

The advisors didn’t like Latin Catholicism as they reported the churches were not very beautiful. 

However, they reported when they went to the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople that with the incense, the candles and the music, they were unable to distinguish if they were in heaven or on earth. The liturgy converted Vladimir and his entire nation to Christianity. 

 

The liturgy has the power to transform us!

 

Step one: work with your parish to ensure the liturgy is celebrated worthily and well. Step two: invite everyone you encounter to the table! Adoro Te Devote!