# Spirit‑Filled Evangelization Inspired by St. John Ogilvie
*2016-03-11*

> Bill Young reflects on the life of St. John Ogilvie and how his martyrdom inspires a Holy‑Spirit‑driven evangelization during the fourth week of Lent.

## St. John Ogilvie’s Journey

St. John Ogilvie grew up in Scotland at a time when Catholics and Protestants could not tolerate each other. Sent to France to study, he eventually entered the Benedictine order and was ordained a priest. After two years he persuaded his superiors to let him return to Scotland to evangelize. Because Catholic worship was illegal, he had to minister in secret. He was arrested, tortured, and refused to betray fellow Catholics. He was martyred in 1615.

## What Spirit‑Filled Evangelization Means

Spirit‑filled evangelization means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our proclamation of the Gospel. At Pentecost the Spirit sent the apostles out as heralds of God’s wonders, enabling them to speak each person’s language. The Holy Spirit also gives us the courage to proclaim the Gospel wherever we are, even in the face of opposition. Jesus calls us to share the Good News not only with words but above all through lives transformed by God’s presence.

## Prayer for the Holy Spirit’s Fire

We must ask the Holy Spirit to ignite our hearts, for without prayer our efforts are empty. Bill leads a prayer: “Jesus, help me open myself to the Holy Spirit’s transforming presence within me. Amen.”

*May the Holy Spirit fill us so that our evangelization is bold, joyful, and rooted in prayer.*