As Christians, we are taught to evangelize, that is, to share the Good News with other people we encounter.

 

We’re told it’s our responsibility.

 

For me, it’s not something I have an easy time doing. In an increasingly secular society, where “Jesus Freaks” are not admired as much as they are ridiculed, and where we can get into legal trouble if we don’t properly separate Church and State, I don’t want to risk alienating others by sharing with them my religious beliefs. But I – shamefully – know that the more honest statement is: I don’t want to risk alienating myself with others.

 

So, I am always inspired when someone has enough guts to share their faith openly. There are martyrs who refuse to reject God even at risk of death. There are also clergy members who successfully break a barrier and convert at-risk people. Every now and then, though, a commoner effectively and impressively reaches the masses with a message from God.

 

Earlier this summer, actor Chris Pratt revealed his Nine Rules to a worldwide audience when he accepted the Generation Award at the MTV Movie Awards. He captivated the audience with humor, and showed the world that his faith, which he openly shares, is a core part of his values. (If you don’t know Pratt, he played Andy Dwyer in the NBC show Parks and Recreation, Owen Grady in the Jurassic World movies, and Peter Quill/Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy.)

 

Dozens of people won awards on the same night, but most of their speeches were forgettable. Pratt’s remarks were covered by mainstream media, entertainment organizations, and religious press, exponentially increasing the reach of those three minutes.

 

Pratt’s Nine Rules were meant to be tips on how to live a successful life. Among the rules are:

 

Rule #6: God is real. God loves you. God wants the best for you. Believe that. I do.

Rule #8: Learn to pray. It's easy and it's so good for your soul.

and

Rule #9: Nobody is perfect.

 

“People are gonna tell you you're perfect just the way you are, you're not! You are imperfect; you always will be. But, there is a powerful force that designed you that way,” Pratt explained. “And if you're willing to accept that, you will have grace. And grace is a gift. And like the freedom that we enjoy in this country, that grace was paid for with somebody else's blood.

 

“Do not forget it. Don’t take it for granted. God bless you."

 

View his remarks at: http://www.mtv.com/news/3080117/chris-pratt-generation-award-speech-nine-rules/.

 

In these remaining weeks of summer, let’s think about how we can summon some courage to be outspoken about God. If you’re like me, who feels more comfortable living the faith in private, let’s find a friend and share something about you being Catholic, and see how that conversation progresses.

 

St. Paul, Pray for Us.