Last time the topic was hell. And while the matter of hell
is real and hence, grave, it is not a starting point for, nor essential to evangelizing. If we examine how Jesus evangelized, he did
not focus on the matter of hell. Yes, he
discussed it when others raised the subject, or when it was critical to making
a point, nor did he temper words when he did so. Nonetheless, it was never a part of his
evangelizing. The Gospels never mention
his bringing it up when he invited each of the twelve to follow him. And in the classic example of evangelizing the
woman at the well – though tactfully helping her see she was not in a right
relationship with God – Jesus did not tell her she was “bound for hell.”
Furthermore, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
offers two frames of reference for understanding hell. One is punishment, while the other is the
freedom. My preference is to emphasize
our freedom of choice.
“The state of definitive self-exclusion from communion
with God and the blessed is called “hell.” (CCC 1033 – italics added). With this definition, we learn that God
honors the freedom he lovingly gifted to us.
Through the Commandments, prophets, and the teachings of the New
Testament; God alerts us to the consequence of our choices. Yet, when our race is run, God’s love for us
means he will honor those choices.
Rather
than emphasizing hell as punishment, emphasize God loving us so much that he
honors our definitive choice. God will
not step on our freedom to choose, even if our choice is to spend eternity
separated from him. “… for our freedom has the power to make choices for
ever, with no turning back.” (CCC 1861)
In Christ, Ken.
Find Your Catholic Voice presentations: September 1 through
October 20. Every Friday evening from
6:00 to 7:30 PM. St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
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