What's "New" in the New Evangelization?

Initially introduced by Pope John Paul II during his apostolic visit to Poland in 1979, without any specific emphasis or idea of its future role. The "new evangelization" was used again and given new life in the Holy Father's Magisterium to the Churches in Latin America. Pope John Paul II used the term to reawaken and elicit renewed efforts in a new missionary undertaking on the continent. The idea of a "new evangelization" was again taken up and proposed in the continental synodal assemblies, celebrated in preparation for the Jubilee of the Year 2000. At that time, it became an accepted expression in the pastoral and ecclesial thought of the local Churches.

The new evangelization is primarily a spiritual activity capable of recapturing in our times the courage and forcefulness of the first Christians and the first missionaries. 

It requires constant evaluation of the life of the local Church, including the consideration of its accomplishments and difficulties. It means not "doing evangelization" in the same way if it is not working: different means, same passion as the early Church and all the saintly heroes that came after spreading the Word of God throughout Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. In short, it is a renewed efforts to meet the challenges which today's society and cultures present.  In facing these challenges, the Church does not give up or retreat into herself; instead, she undertakes a project to revitalize herself. She makes the Person of Jesus Christ, and a personal encounter with him, central to her thinking. 

Paraphrasing Pope Benedict: Evangelization is introducing the person of Christ to others within the context of their culture. It is going out to them with the Lord, and walking with them into the Church. 

And how can you bring Christ wherever you go? Steep yourself in the sacramental life of the Church, living in a state of grace, praying for docility to his will, and remember that YOU ARE NEVER ALONE! But, you get to choose your companion.

Beware: Don't Compare.... the Popes.

Alright, alright, it is only "natural" to compare them. Its even riveting at times - like putting together a puzzle of sorts. However, lets remember that its not a holy competition, and the Holy Spirit works mysteriously in the Church. I've heard, "Pope Benedict resigned, Pope John Paul II should have too." "Pope Francis wears old shoes, he's more humble than Pope Benedict." While in truth there is a unique and beautiful cultural, religious tradition in each one that we can only begin to understand and appreciate.

Just as we all (hopefully) know and love  the Church, but we can't help but relate to Her and see Her through the eyes of our heritage, so each of these Holy Fathers have their own set of eyes. Poland. Germany. Argentina. Each expresses themselves as Vicar of Christ as they are... like (like - as in similar but not exactly) the Gospel writers.

I think of the development of the Church throughout the centuries. The Church today (always the same, always changing) is not the same Church as the one that Pope John Paul II greeted with the phrase, "Be not afraid."  Just like St. Paul writing to the different churces of Asia Minor took on different ways of speaking to convey his particular message, so the Holy Spirit speaks through the Bishop of Rome to speak to the Church of today.

Remarkably fascinating. (I always pronounce that fask-in-ating when typing it out - ever since first grade. I was so proud.) So it is that we see the journey of the Church in the last two successions to the See of Peter. We marvel at the profound working of the Holy Spirit with a bunch of human intellects and egos, and we rejoice to have one voice to speak and billions to listen.

We pray, therefore, for the continued blessing upon Pope Francis and our Mother the Church. We pray to be open to all Christ wishes to share with us in our little Franciscan, Jesuit Father!