Evangelization and Dialogue

Re the questions and observations about evangelization while aiding disaster victims, I thought this section of John Paul II’s message for World Mission Day on October 20, 2002 - Mission is Proclamation of Forgiveness might add an interesting dimension to the exchange:

5. The Risen Christ gives peace to his disciples. The Church, faithful to the Lord´s command, continues to proclaim and spread his peace. Through evangelization, believers help people to realize that we are all brothers and sisters and, as pilgrims on this earth, although on different paths, we are all on our way to the common Homeland which God, through ways known only to Him, does not cease to indicate to us. The main road of mission is sincere dialogue (see Ad Gentes 7, Nostra aetate 2); "dialogue does not originate from tactical concerns of self-interest," (Redemptoris Missio, 56) nor is it an end in itself. Dialogue, instead, speaks to others with respect and understanding, stating the principles in which we believe and proclaiming with love the most profound truths of the faith which are joy, hope, and meaning of life. In fact, dialogue is the realization of a spiritual impulse leading "to inner purification and conversion which, if pursed with docility to the Holy Spirit, will be spiritually fruitful." (ibid 56) Commitment for attentive and respectful dialogue is a conditio sine qua non for authentic witness of God´s saving love.

Re Rick’s question, is it unworthy of the Gospel to “evangelize” while aiding disaster victims? – I think it depends on how one understands evangelization.  From this text and others (eg, Novo Millennio 54-56), I think John Paul II sees the potential for a profound harmony between genuine evangelization and respectful dialogue – and the hinge seems to be freeing oneself from “self-interest,” being grounded in one’s own inner purification and conversion, and asking the Holy Spirit for guidance on what words and actions are the most respectful and loving in any given circumstance.  In all of these discussions, I think we also need to acknowledge the layers of misunderstanding and mistrust that surround and permeate the word “evangelization” – and that we have quite a bit of work to do to retrieve its deeper meaning.

Amy