I’m used to being asked questions about the faith. I like answering questions. But this last week, I got one that was totally unexpected. I was teaching a class for those who want to become Catholic. A Muslim man was there for the first time and he raised his hand and asked simply, “How did Jesus die?”
I don’t think I’ve ever been asked that question. We just assume that most everyone we meet has heard at least the basics of the story of Christianity. But here I was with an opportunity not just to explain how Jesus died, but tell this man the story of Christianity for the first time… and do it in about 20 seconds. What an amazing moment. Telling this man “the story” of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus for the first time made me remember just how amazing this story really is.
If you had to summarize the Christian story in 20 seconds, what would you say? I ended up saying basically what St. Paul wrote in our second reading today to the Corinthians. We all need to be able to know our story, and hear it again for the first time with amazement.
After we’ve got the basic 20 second story down, then we need to have a 15 minute version that includes our own personal witness. Why do you personally believe this story and what difference does it make in your life? The 15 minute story is a chance to connect more personally. If you think that you’re not up for this, don’t worry… Isaiah and Peter said the same thing, and they turned out to be pretty good evangelists.
When you get a chance to tell the story, do not be afraid. As St. Paul reminds us, you’re not the one doing the work; it’s “the grace of God that is within.” So go cast your net with complete trust. You believe in a god who became man, laid down his life for you, was dead in a tomb for three days, and then rose from the dead, appearing to over 500 people at once, who you believe is present to you now in such a powerful way that you stake your life on it. That’s an incredible story to share. In fact, it’s the greatest story ever told.