Workplace Evangelization in the Different Stages of Life - Part 1
In this episode, Peter and Mark discuss workplace evangelization in one's first professional secular job. One evangelizes differently when one is 23 years old than when one is 50 years old. The episode highlights the importance of being flexible and somewhat entrepreneurial while evangelizing in the workplace. Simply repeating what one has read or heard in an academic, institutional, or clerical setting is rarely effective at engaging one's professional peers, who have specific spiritual needs that have to be addressed. We only become aware of those "needs" when we work beside others over an extended period of time. The episode describes how we will encounter resistance and ridicule at times, as Christ predicted we would. However, the Holy Spirit will always be there to help us, working through others whom we least suspect would be supportive of our efforts. The episode concludes by encouraging young professionals to engage and evangelize their peers when opportunities arise. However, to do so with gentleness and respect as St. Peter encourages us to do. (1 Peter 3:15) Recommended reading includes: The Acts of the Apostles, Joy of the Gospel (Pope Francis) and On Evangelization (St. Paul VI.)
Notes
- Complexity of Morality in Workplaces: Recognition of moral challenges in professional settings.
- Discussion on the prevalence of ethical dilemmas in various industries.
- Advice on not being deterred from evangelizing despite workplace challenges.
- Adapting Evangelization to Different Contexts: Importance of tailoring evangelization efforts to specific life stages.
- Discussion on the unique approach needed for workplace evangelization.
- Personal Experiences with Evangelization: Mark's discusses choosing Opus Dei's nonprofit work over a corporate offer.
- Reflections on the impact of early career choices on evangelization efforts.
- Insight into the challenges faced when discussing faith in secular jobs.
- Workplace Evangelization Anecdotes: Stories highlighting the complexities of sharing faith at work, examples of both successful and challenging evangelization attempts and discussion on the nuances of evangelizing among peers versus those of different age groups.
- Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit will support and guide us in our evangelization efforts.
- Resources for Effective Evangelization: study the Acts of the Apostles for apostolic inspiration and read Recommendation of "Evangelii Gaudium" by Pope Francis for modern evangelization strategies. Saint Paul VI's writings on evangelization are essential reading.