Faith is a special gift from God that we are called to share with others. As children of God, we can proclaim our faith in simple but powerful ways—through our words, actions, and how we treat people around us. BETTY AMUKPO asks some teens to express how they show God’s love and goodness in their everyday lives. Their responses:
‘Engage in acts of mercy such as feeding the hungry, comforting the sorrowful’
Pray and reflect on the word of God. Everyone is called to live a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God through prayer. Prayer helps us to form a sense of security and deeper awareness of our dependence on God. Engage in acts of mercy such as feeding the hungry, comforting the sorrowful and praying for those in need. Pray and reflect on the word of God, this helps us to be become better Christians and strengthens our relationship with God. Mathew 5:16 states that, “Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good work and give glory to our father who is in heaven.”
• Chima Anita
‘Cultivating a prayerful life’
Proclaiming my faith as a Catholic simply means living out the life of Christ in me in practical ways. Here are some of the ways I can proclaim my faith: 1. Cultivating a prayerful life (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 2. Attending and participating actively at the Holy Mass (Luke 22:19-20). 3. Regularly participating in the Sacrament of reconciliation and Holy Eucharist 4. Participate actively in Church devotions. 5. Perform acts of charity and mercy (Matthew 25:36-40). Additionally, living out my faith through daily actions, participating in community, and deepening my understanding of Church teachings are all ways to proclaim my Catholic faith.
• Promise Anyikaeme
‘I show my faith through speaking God’s words’
As a pilgrim of hope, I show my faith by loving others (John 13:35), speaking God’s words (Mark 16:15), and trusting Jesus always (Romans 10:11). As a Catholic we proclaim our faith through the ‘Apostles’ creed’, knowing He died on the cross of Calvary and rose on the third day. The Church teaches in Lumen Gentium 35 and Christus Vivit 239 to share our faith with joy and courage with everyone. Knowing Jesus died on the cross of Calvary for forgiveness of our sins and rose on the third day.
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
‘As a Catholic, I proclaim my faith by living a Christ-like life’
As a Catholic, I proclaim my faith by living a Christ-like life, showing love and compassion, and sharing the Gospel with others. “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope” (1 Peter 3:15).
• Agbo Josephine
‘Proclaim our faith to others through our good behaviour’
First of all, we should fill our lives with the gift of hope that God gives us and through us, let also allow it to reach everyone who is looking for it. Proclaiming the good news about Jesus Christ in our words means being willing to share our faith story. We should also be open to the possibility of a spiritual conversation. We should also share our faith with others wherever we go and be open to possibilities to speak word of hope or comfort to another person. Acts 8:4 tells us that ordinary Christians went everywhere preaching the word and they didn’t just preach in pulpits, but shared the Gospel through conversation. We should also proclaim our faith to others through our good behaviour.
• Umennadi Francis Chibunna
‘Showing love, kindness, honesty and sharing the Gospel’
As a Catholic, I demonstrate my faith by embodying Christ’s teachings – showing love, kindness, honesty, and proudly sharing the Gospel. I engage in prayer, openly discuss God, and motivate others through my way of life. I let my light shine so that others may see and honour God. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation,” states Mark 16:15.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘I proclaim the faith to others through love’
As a Catholic, I proclaim the faith to others through ‘love.” Love wins all things and brings closer all the things we don’t understand. Love which yields respect enables me to draw close to people and interact with them on faith-based matters. It enables me to let people understand how different Saints spent their lives, and the contributions they made. The book of First Corinthians 13:4-7 teaches, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Love enables me with ease to proclaim my faith.
• Gideon Eyinade
