When He was at the table with them, He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, 'Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?' Luke 24:30-32 NRSV

AN Evangelization Story

One of the earliest booklets I read in my journey to Catholicism back in the early ‘90s was Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States. This is a powerful little booklet put out by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. In its introduction the bishops talk about the Gospel encounters with Jesus where people were “touched by Christ Jesus, responded to him and so became part of the story of salvation.” They explain that as they have heard these stories in their homes, churches, and through personal readings and meditations they have become, “through the power and truth of these stories, and through the free gift of grace, disciples of Jesus.” … and, that “these stories have set us ablaze!”

In addition, after presenting a beautiful call and explanation of Catholic evangelization they present three goals which they encourage and challenge us to embrace as we pursue the task of Catholic evangelization in the USA. These goals involve Catholics, non-Catholics, and societal values:

“Goal I: To bring about in all Catholics such an enthusiasm for their faith that, in living their faith in Jesus, they freely share it with others.

“Goal II: To invite all people in the Unites States, whatever their social or cultural background, to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ so they may come to join us in the fullness of the Catholic faith.

“Goal III: To foster gospel values in our society, promoting the dignity of the human person, the importance of the family, and the common good of our society, so that our nation may continue to be transformed by the saving power of Jesus Christ.”

About the same time I encountered Go and Make Disciples I also met and became friends with Michael Timmis, Chairman of Prison Fellowship, is a man who in my mind epitomizes commitment to these goals of Catholic evangelization. He and his family are personally involved helping Catholics develop an enthusiasm for their faith. He consistently invites those who do not know Christ to consider his invitation to receive new life. And his understanding of Catholic evangelization encompasses societal transformation.

Between Two Worlds, the biography of Mike's spiritual journey as an evangelical Catholic has just been released. I would highly recommend it and agree with Chuck Colson’s assessment that, “Every follower of Christ needs to read this remarkable story.” Please consider ordering a copy of this book either through Emmaus Journey or your local bookstore—you will be challenged by Mike’s remarkable story.