Are You Intriguing?
Recently I watched a youtube recording of Matthew Kelly’s talk from the L.A. Congress 2012. His talk was around an hour and in part of it he spoke about how Protestant faiths do a much better job of intriguing people or as I would say – drawing people in to “want more” (more of God) than Catholics do. Matthew Kelly went on to ask “as Catholics do we intrigue anyone by our faith”? In order to draw others into the Faith they have to see us live, love and work differently than what they see in the people around them. Does our Catholic Faith and our life of holiness contribute significantly to making us “look different” in the way we live each day? Do others experience the love of Christ in our daily actions? And do we work in a different way than others – not that we have to work longer but do we work harder (not just half-hearted), do we work without complaining? The more we do this the more we as Catholics will be intriguing to a world hungry for God.
2 questions
1) What are characteristics of an authentic witness of Christian life (these characteristics are what the world finds “intriguing”)?
2) As catechists, how do you empower your students to be “intriguing” or how to you help your students witness their faith?
May 11, 2012 at 10:19 AM
1. Here’s an easy one: having a bigger-than-typical family/ not contracepting/ being able to explain why.
2. My students have to use their own brains in class. I rarely just tell them facts, but lead them through q&a so that they arrive at a conclusion through their own efforts. They get a certain confidence in what they know about Catholicism by figuring things out. I expect that this process will make it easier for them to discuss faith later on. For example they aren’t just taught that transubstantiation is real. They figure out it is so from discussing food miracles going back to the Manna; and by understanding many things Jesus said, and many miracles he worked. By the time the Last Supper rolls around, they are ready to see that Jesus would hardly have bothered with mere symbolism.
May 14, 2012 at 12:52 PM
Good ideas!
May 11, 2012 at 10:30 AM
More on #2. I just read this bit on a catchetical training flyer:” the National Study on Youth and Religion found a strong correlation between the ability to articulate one’s faith and being highly devoted to one’s faith.” That was my point: if the kids can articulate their faith (and down here that means Biblically) then they can evangelize.
May 14, 2012 at 12:53 PM
You are right on Christian!