How many of us have answered a knock at the door on a Saturday morning and looking through the peephole or window, spot two Jehovah’s Witnesses coming to spread their beliefs?
What are our reactions?
Some of us refuse to answer the door.
We know by their attire and perhaps their means of transportation who they are and why they are there. We’re not interested in what they have to say.
Other reactions include slightly cracking open the door and “begging off” e.g. “I’m not dressed; I’ve got something on the stove; I’m giving the baby a bath (even though we don’t even have a baby!).
We might bring barking dogs to the door, hoping that will scare them off.
If we do respond in one of these ways or a similar one, is it because we are afraid they might convert us?
Is it because we are intimidated by two uninvited strangers coming to our door?
Or is it that subconsciously we are embarrassed that our faith isn’t as strong as theirs or they can quote the Bible better than we can?
All Christians are charged by Christ to “Go and proclaim the kingdom of God,” (Lk 9:60) but it’s our choice how we do it. We can quote scripture, when appropriate, and apply it and use it to guide us in almost anything that we or others do throughout the day.
Why is that?
It’s because Christ came to teach us how to live; and his words and actions are preserved in scripture.
There is another way to proclaim the “good news” of the kingdom and that is by our actions.
“The Lord ordered that those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel.” (1 Cor 9:14)
A quote mistakenly attributed to St. Francis, but one that is consistent with his theology is, “Wherever you go, preach the gospel, and, if necessary, use words.”
Certainly, throughout the day, we have many opportunities to do just that.
It may be by comforting someone who is sick, by being a friend to someone who is downtrodden, by offering to help someone who is physically or mentally impaired, or just by being polite and observing rules of etiquette.
The list goes on and on.
The two greatest commandments given by God can be succinctly summarized into “Love God. Love neighbor.”
We are approaching the celebration of Easter, when through our belief in the Risen Christ, we proclaim, “Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again.”
Sharing this with all we meet helps us to affirmatively respond to the great commandments.
By recognizing, accepting and emulating the gift that God the Father gave us in his Son, we are loving God; and by spreading this news through our words and Christ-like actions, we are loving neighbor.
Along these same lines, we must respect the beliefs of others and their evangelization efforts.
For instance when the Jehovah’s Witnesses approach our door, we might step out and greet them saying, “I understand the reason for your visit today. I am a (fill in the blank of our religious affiliation.
I respect your efforts in support of your beliefs; however, I am steadfast in mine. May God protect you on your journey.”
Beginning this Sunday, Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday, we will all have the opportunity to recall why Christ came to save us, the great trials and sufferings he endured for our sake and the confirmation by his death and resurrection that he is God.
Let us proclaim the good news to all we meet.
May the peace of the Risen Christ be with us all now and forever!
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