Sharing Faith at Home: The Journey of Evangelization

Luke 10:18

A Personal Journey to Faith

There was a time in my youth when I felt a deep desire to become a Catholic priest. Giving my entire life to Christ in such a profound way inspired me greatly. As the years passed, however, it became clear that God was leading me toward a different path—married life.

At the age of 35, I experienced a stirring in my heart. It wasn’t merely a personal longing; it felt like a divine call to deeper commitment. I began praying, listening, and watching for signs of God’s guidance in my life. Through a series of profound spiritual experiences, it became unmistakably clear that I was being called to the diaconate.

Now, I am nearing the end of my second year in a five-year formation program. I can honestly say this journey has transformed me in ways I never imagined. My faith has deepened, become richer, and more vibrant.

The Blessings of Evangelization

One of the greatest blessings of this journey has been sharing what I’ve learned with my family. I’ve discovered that evangelization doesn’t require a pulpit or a theology degree. It begins right at home.

Just tonight, as thunder rumbled and lightning lit the sky, I turned to my sons and asked, “Do you know who fell like lightning from the sky?” Without hesitation, they answered, “Satan?”

“Yes,” I replied, “and do you know who said that?”

They paused, uncertainty on their faces. So I explained, “Jesus said it. He told His disciples that He saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” (Luke 10:18)

Understanding the Mystery

Then, I asked, “Do you know what that means?” They were still unsure, so my wife and I began to elaborate. We shared that if Jesus witnessed Satan's fall, He must have existed long before His birth in Bethlehem. He is not merely a man—He is the eternal Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity. He is timeless, just like the Father and the Holy Spirit.

I could see their minds working, trying to grasp this profound mystery. It wasn’t easy, but that’s okay. Faith is often a journey filled with unfolding wonder. I saw their amazement as they began to understand that Jesus wasn’t just narrating a story—He was speaking as God, from eternity.

Lasting Impressions

Now, I know that every time they see lightning in the sky, they will remember that moment. They will remember that Satan fell, and that Jesus was there. They will remember that Jesus is God. These moments of understanding are where evangelization becomes real.

It doesn’t always happen through grand gestures or deep theological debates. Sometimes it’s simply a conversation around the dinner table or a question sparked by a thunderstorm. These little moments matter. They plant seeds, and those seeds grow.

The Call to Share Your Faith

You don’t need to be in formation to share your faith. You don’t need a collar or a title. You only need to love Jesus and be willing to speak His name. I truly believe that when we speak truth to those closest to us—especially our children—those words do not stop with them. They echo from our lips to theirs and out into the world.

Evangelization starts at home, and from there, God takes it wherever He wills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, evangelization is a beautiful journey that begins within the family. It is essential to nurture faith and share it with our loved ones.

Through conversations, shared experiences, and heartfelt discussions, we lay the groundwork for faith to flourish. Let's remain open to these moments. They shape not just our understanding, but also the faith of those we cherish.

God Bless,

Patrick Leigh, COO

The Modern Apostle LLC