Msgr. Pope on Mysteries and Paradoxes of Evangelization

"In the Church throughout the world today, we are rightly more focused on evangelization. It is 'job one,' and Jesus could not have been clearer: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you (Matt 28:18-20).

"However, even as we become more serious and practical about effective ways of evangelization, we must also remember the paradox and the mysteries that underlie the growth of the Kingdom. We can and should strive to learn 'best practices' and what makes for dynamic parishes and outreach. But even when many of these things are in place (e.g., dynamic preaching, good liturgy, a welcoming parish, eucharistic adoration), growth does not always come; numbers may even continue to decrease. Conversely, even in parishes where preaching is weak, liturgy perfunctory, and devotions hurried, there may be significant growth and pews that are rather full. I know parishes that should be growing, but are not. I also know parishes that are growing almost in spite of themselves.

"There ARE mysterious aspects to the growth or decline of the Church. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the  the seed must be sown (Mark 4:26-29) and that watering and cultivating must also be done. However, "in the end, God alone will decide what will be fruitful and grow, and what will not."

To access Msgr. Pope’s complete post, please visit:

Msgr. Charles Pope: Mysteries and Paradoxes of Evangelization – A Meditation on a Passage from the Gospel of Mark (3 FEB 15)