Overcoming Apathy to Evangelization

In a recent column in the Catholic Times, the lay founder of a school for Catholic Evangelization had some interesting thoughts on Korean Catholicism. He compared the present with the years following the Second Vatican Council. There was an attempt at that time to have a new beginning, emphasizing a strong revival of faith life and a return to an earlier Church commitment to evangelize. One of the movements that were very active in that process was the Charismatic Movement.

They got Catholics to start reading scripture, praying and experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit, which gave them the passion to participate more fully in the mission from Jesus. They took the lead from the words of Pope John Paul to get involved in evangelization.

The change that came over Catholic life in Korea during this time was very noticeable but the passion that was mostly responsible for the change has cooled down a great deal, and life for the majority of Catholics has reverted to the old ways, with not much concern about evangelization.

What is the reason for this weakening of zeal that was present after the Council? The writer tells us it is because most Catholics in Korea have been baptized for less than 40 years. With only 20% of them being old Catholics, our Catholic roots are not very deep.

Many have little experience or conviction of their faith; it's mostly expressed in accidentals: attendance at Mass, offering of money, preparing for the big feasts by going to the Sacraments, belonging to parish groups and joining in their activities. That is what is seen as necessary for being Catholic. To these Catholics, the idea of evangelization means very little.

One is not required to evangelize; it's something that has to come from within, or it will not be present. The motivation has to come from a relationship with God before evangelization will have any meaning.

The Church needs to continually make an environment that will stimulate Christians to go deeper into their faith life. There has to be programs for the education of Catholics after baptism and for training in the Christian life as on-going efforts to get the Catholic to give witness to Jesus and his message.

The life most Christians are exposed to has little to do with the spiritual. It will always be a struggle to give any importance to the internal. There is too much stimulation from worldly concerns that distracts from more meaningful pursuits. However, when this motivation for the spiritual is present and inspiration comes, then you will have a person on fire, with the struggle ending in satisfaction and peace.