Evangelization Outreach / Anita Bardo

God’s love allows me to ‘pause’ and ‘reflect’ on my journey of faith, love

Did you ever imagine more than 50,000 people in downtown Indianapolis coming together in prayer and leaving as sisters and brothers in faith?

As I reflected on my experience during the National Eucharistic Congress and heard others share theirs, the feeling was very powerful. The message of unity and faith resonated with me and allowed me to pause and reflect, especially on this question, “What pierced my heart?”

What came to my heart is the message of accompaniment and intentionality. These two words are what each of us are called to do and to be. We are called to be present in the lives of those we encounter every day. Being present is not a moment of “stillness,” but a moment of movement in our lives. It’s being aware of our surroundings, our thoughts and our emotions that affect those around us.

The National Eucharistic Congress was a special time for me because the speakers shared their personal stories. They were open and honest, showing their vulnerability. It was a reminder that it’s OK to be vulnerable and to share our struggles with others. This made me feel more connected to the speakers and to the other attendees at the congress. It was a powerful moment of acceptance and understanding.

If there was a word or phrase that stood out to me, it was “love.” Love is key to friendships and relationships.

Christ’s love is having that personal relationship with him. I know now that it’s OK for me to share with others about how my faith has changed me through the years. There are times when it’s easier to share with a stranger than it is with family, but I am a work in progress. Aren’t we all?

You remember that song we grew up singing, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so, little ones to him belong, they are weak, but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes Jesus loves me, for the Bible tells me so.”

Jesus calls each of us to walk in his footsteps not only in our personal lives, but also within our families’ churches and communities. These invitations to spread messages of love and faith are not about following a set script or being perfect, but rather about being genuine and building real connections based on trust and friendship. We can truly mirror the teachings of Jesus and make a positive impact on those around us.

The “Walk with One” initiative is a step to begin that open invitation. With these steps, allow your hearts to be opened and your mind to be clear.

Allow me to share a few steps with you. Take time to discern who God is calling you to accompany. Look across the pews or within your own families. Begin to pray for them, pray for their struggles or concerns that you may not be aware of, allowing your heart to be opened and your eyes to see. Invite them in your prayer during the reception of the Eucharist, sharing that intentional moment. Finally, but not least, allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you in that moment of being uncomfortable: pause and reflect and invite them.

I have had the opportunity to “walk with one.” A young man I encountered didn’t see his life the way that I saw it. He struggled in his faith at an early age, but realized that he was not being filled. I was able to walk with him along his journey, where he was able to receive the sacrament of confirmation at the age of 30. One conversation led to a change for another.

“… From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the body’s growth and builds up in love” (Eph 4:16).

If we are called to love one another, then the moment of encounter is simple: “Jesus loves you this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”

Through this stage in your journey, believe that you can! Believe that you can make a difference. You have the tools. Look within yourself and be inspired, be encouraged and evangelize.
 

(Anita Bardo is the archdiocesan coordinator of evangelization and discipleship.) †