Pope John Paul II Memorial Scholarship

Tyler Gerard Schaefer

Platteville High
1/31/12

The new evangelization is not a matter of merely passing on doctrine but rather
of a personal and profound meeting with the Savior (John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio,
44). In this quote Pope John Paul II is not only suggesting that the Catholic Church
should know the principles of Christ, he is challenging Christ's followers to grow in a
more meaningful relationship with Him. The process of evangelization is delivered
through its key principle: Gods saving grace for everyone. In other words, salvation is
open to all men and women. Pope John Paul II intends that the new evangelization will
be an awakening through my commitment to the Savior. The Catholic Church is based
upon the seven sacraments, mainly the Eucharist, and the teachings of Christ. These
characteristics help create an one-on-one relationship with Him.
This quote appealed to me because of the truth it presented. I believe that the
church is losing some followers because of a lack of a personal and profound
relationship with Christ, which is the basis of Pope John Pauls II quote. In my
hometown parish of St. Marys, the church has experienced exactly what the Popes
message addresses. Some of the followers have been separating themselves from the
church and have lost guidance. The churchs lost followers are similar to the disciples
who turned their back on Christ in John 6:55 when he said, For my flesh is true food,
and my blood is true drink. Some people could not accept this, and later Jesus asked
Peter if he would turn his back also. Peter replied, Lord, to whom shall we go? You
have the words of eternal life (John 6:68). Peter stated this because he knows that
Christ is the path to everlasting life.
The Pope recognizes the new evangelization is necessary because some
members have lost a grasp on what is essential and what is not. We should not just

simply listen to Christs teachings; it is essential to always be conscious of His teachings

and to always live them out. The quote proves that it is powerful to know that Jesus will
always be present in my heart, and that He is constantly revealing His love for me. He
will always love me and He will always accept me with open arms. This message
serves as a reminder for those who may have lost touch with God.
Undoubtedly, the Eucharist is interconnected with what the Pope is
communicating to the faithful. The Pope commented once, I hope to have communion
with the people, that is the most important thing. I love this quote for its emphasis on
the Eucharist being the most effective way to connect with the Lord because it is the
Body and Blood of Christ. When we spend time at Eucharistic Adoration, we are
allowed to have a most intimate relationship with our Savior. Our church, as well as
many others, have started this practice up once again.
Along with the importance of a relationship with the Savior, the Popes lesson
also teaches me to address the trials society faces because of the people who have lost
touch with God and how I can help solve this problem. I am encouraged to bring
vibrancy to the Church, and by doing this I help evangelize a materialistic society. By
my witness to the sanctity of life, I offer a better message. One way I have done this is
by promoting pro-life values in my community. I have written letters to legislators and
have offered support to a close relative with an unplanned pregnancy.
In the encyclical the Pontiff is simply asking Catholics to take a leap of faith and
to help cleanse the impure cultures that are more frequent in todays society. He once
asserted, The question confronting the Church today is not any longer whether the man
in the street can grasp a religious message, but how to employ the communications

media so as to let him have the full impact of the Gospel message.
Furthermore, when I feel lost, Redemptoris Missio reminds me to recall the eight
Beatitudes that Christ gave to the church. The Beatitudes have strengthened my faith
in the Lord, and when I engage in them, I acknowledge the comfort of His saving mercy.
An example of such is when my father and I were serving food at a Knights of
Columbus Pancake Breakfast, and a poor, homeless man walked up and asked for a
meal. Keeping the Beatitudes in mind, my father and I gladly satisfied his nourishment.
To this day, I am always grateful at how Christs teachings have been present in my life.
In regards to spiritual life, the new evangelization is based more on the journey
with Jesus Christ, rather than an one-time encounter. This journey culminates in life
with God in heaven. It shows me the satisfying truth in which I can be redeemed. In
order to participate fully in this new journey, a deeper understanding of Christ is
necessary. I must live the truth, and not just merely mention it. If I fully live out the word
of God, then I invite others to join myself on a satisfying journey with Christ. In order to
help proclaim the good news of the Savior, I have been an active member of the Knights
of Columbus. I have volunteered to help out at Pancake Breakfasts, Spaghetti Suppers,
and the Special Olympics at Badger Camp.
Spiritually, the new evangelization is the mission to proclaim the power and
certainty that Jesus died for my sins. In spreading the good news about the Savior, it is
propelled by a fire that I carry with me, namely the Holy Spirit. "No one can say 'Jesus is
Lord' except by the Holy Spirit" (Catechism of the Catholic Church). The knowledge of
an intimate relationship with Christ is the only way I can bring others closer to receiving
Christ. Translated, Redemptoris Missio means Mission of the Redeemer. The mission

of the new evangelization is to transform lost or new followers into committed followers
of Christ, which the Pope is calling me to do with my spiritual life.
Redemptoris Missio was one of the first encyclicals that the Pope used to deliver
the idea of a new evangelization. In this encyclical the Pope made it absolutely clear
that the purpose of the church is to make sure that the believers never stray from Christ
and His teachings. He realized that the church was made for the followers of Christ,
and he recognized that the church was losing its followers and ultimately its main
purpose: proclaiming the Lords salvation.
The church is being petitioned not only to invite its followers, but to invite
everyone to receive the Gospel. It is being asked to reunite the ones who were
baptized in Christ to once again embrace the faith God that has summoned them to
carry out. The Pope isnt necessarily looking for a crowded church; alternatively, he is
requesting to increase the liveliness in the pews. He is hoping that the church will show
its followers the fundamental truth that we all can receive the strength from God to set
the world on fire. The question is how I can step up to what He has called me to do. As
stated in Matthew 7:13, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad
is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.