We have reached the halfway mark of our Advent Journey and celebrate “Gaudete” Sunday. We rejoice that the Lord is indeed near!
As we focus on Christ’s coming at Christmas, we implore the grace needed to live in joy, peace, and readiness.
Our liturgical readings encourage us to seek trustworthy advice in our preparation.
The Gospel reading shows that people trusted John the Baptist because of his unwavering dedication to God and his boldness in standing apart from the prevailing culture of the day.
While preaching a Baptism of repentance and the hope of a coming Messiah, this precursor of the Lord also emphasized fairness and compassion — reflecting God’s desire that we live in such a manner.
It is with this same conviction and compassion that we ought to desire to bring others into a close relationship with Christ and experience the fullness of life through His Church and the Sacraments.
Having a connection
In embracing a “heart-to-heart” approach to evangelization as we “Walk With One” — after identifying and interceding for the specific person God has revealed for us to accompany — we need to take the next steps and consider concrete ways to connect with our selected individual.
Such connection is essential in building an authentic relationship with the person we feel called to lead to a deeper relationship with the Lord.
What is the most advantageous pathway to engage in a meaningful conversation that can “cut to the heart” and lead to inner transformation?
What opportunity might avail itself to extend an invitation to go out for coffee or perhaps have lunch?
Might this person want to go for a walk together or simply appreciate some one-on-one time with you at home or some other enjoyable venue?
Remember to invoke again the Holy Spirit to enlighten you as you discern and decide how best to connect.
Seek the grace to know “What must I do?” — What to say, how to say it, and when to say it.
Decide how best to make that initial contact — on the phone, send an email, or via text.
Once you do connect, set a time and date to allow you to get to know your friend’s joys and struggles. It will also be an opportunity for you to share with them some of your own.
Allow God to guide you by completely trusting that the Spirit is with you every step of the way.
It is important to recognize that this may not be a “one and done” conversation but is more likely to be a series of conversations and invitations, developing a real friendship with that person.
Such friendships must develop in mutual trust, so it is essential that you listen respectfully when the conversation turns to spiritual matters or things related to the Church.
Remember to reserve judgment about their opinions at this stage. Simply affirm them and prayerfully share from your own perspective or experience.
Pray and give thanks
Recall St. Paul’s words: “There is no need to worry about anything; instead, pray about everything, giving thanks as you make your requests to God. Then God’s peace, which exceeds all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7)
As we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent, be joyfully expectant of Christ’s arrival and be confident that your connection with the person God wants you to accompany will unfold according to His ultimate plan and purpose.
For more information about Walk with One or to see Bishop Hying’s weekly videos on the Walk With One Advent study visit madisondiocese.org/walkwithone
Michael D. Wick is the director of mission for the Diocese of Madison.