5 Books for the Evangelizing Heart
The Easter season is 50 days long—but for some reason, after 40 days of entering into Lent, we tend to forget that the Church invites us to these 50 days of rejoicing.
At FMC, we especially love Easter because we hear from the Acts of the Apostles at Mass and are reminded of the powerful evangelization and conversions in the early Church. We are renewed in our own desire to share the Good News of the Risen Christ with the world.
As we approach the celebration of the Ascension this weekend and Pentecost next weekend, we have some book recommendations for this season. We asked our missionaries to share some of their favorite spiritual books on evangelization and the missionary life of the Church. If you desire to deepen your own missionary zeal, let the Holy Spirit inspire you to pick up one of these reads.
The Joy of the Gospel by Pope Francis
In this document, the Holy Father calls the Church to a new chapter of evangelization with joy and mercy. He addresses challenges to evangelization and encourages all the faithful to be missionary disciples.
Soul of the Apostolate by Jean Baptiste-Chautard
This spiritual classic teaches the importance of the Interior Life of prayer as the foundation of all apostolic work. Who among us has not been tempted to neglect prayer in order to get more work done? This book guides us into a deeper relationship with Christ in order that our work may be more fruitful.
Forming Intentional Disciples by Sherry Weddell
A more contemporary book on the same theme of the foundational relationship with Christ from which all evangelization flows. The author puts forth a model for discipleship in the Church today and gives practical guidance on evangelization in a postmodern culture.
Set All Afire by Louis de Wohl
A master of historical fiction, de Wohl tells the dramatic story of the life of early Jesuit Francis Xavier—the zealous priest who evangelized the East and would eventually be named the patron saint of missions. A spiritual page-turner!
The Life of Christ by Venerable Fulton J. Sheen
In this classic, the well-known Fulton Sheen takes us back to the basics of the life of Christ but with new insight and thoughtful analysis. He combines philosophy, history, and Biblical study, and also draws modern parallels from the Gospels. An excellent way to rediscover Jesus during this Easter season and beyond.
We hope these books inspire you in your walk with Christ and in your personal call to evangelization wherever God has placed you. The world needs Him! May Christ set our hearts on fire to share His love with others during this season and all year.
Note: Links are provided for your convenience. These are not affiliate links, and most books are available for purchase from multiple sites online. Some are available as free PDFs. Feel free to search for yourself and see what you find.
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