Rediscover Your Faith

“I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them…” — Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium (Joy of the Gospel) 

We start a relationship with Christ through an initial encounter, and through ongoing encounters, we deepen that relationship with and knowledge of him. The word “encounter” is more than just meeting someone. Pope Francis says in the Joy of the Gospel that we, the faithful, are encouraged “to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ” (par. 3). Encounter is understanding that God is real, that God loves us, and that God wants to journey with us.

Each of us are then invited to an ongoing commitment to continue encountering Christ through prayer, study of Scripture, spiritual reading, conversations with people of faith, and all the other ways Christ meets us.

If you have not had an initial encounter with Jesus Christ, pray for the openness to let Christ encounter you and seek ways and experiences in your parish that may open your heart and mind. Know that not everyone experiences Christ the same way or at the same time. But it’s important be open.

If you have encountered Christ, it is important to remember that encounter, to renew the relationship, and to share your experiences with others. You are asked to help others meet Christ by sharing your faith and who Christ is in your life.

There are several ways to encounter Christ and/or ways to provide opportunities for an encounter with Christ.  Check out these resources