[Editor's Note: This is the second of a series of articles on the theme, “Growing in Faith and Spiritual Maturity as Catholic Men.” Click here to find the first article.]
This is a continuation of articles on three stages of growth in our Christian life as Catholic men, i.e.:
1. Conversion
2. Transformation
3. Mobilization for Mission (especially Evangelization)
The previous Catholic Man Channel article, “Conversion, A Change of Heart and Mind” was on the first stage. This article is on the second stage, Transformation. We know that even if we have experienced a dramatic conversion to Jesus Christ, it is only the beginning of a transformation process of ongoing conversion.
A good example of this from Scripture is the Apostle Paul. Before his encounter with Jesus and subsequent conversion, Paul was a violent man, quick to condemn those who didn’t fit his rigid standards of holiness. Christians from Jerusalem to Damascus feared him because of the wave of persecution he had unleashed against anyone who admitted to being a disciple of Jesus. This all changed dramatically after his conversion, but Paul was by no means a finished product. Remember what happened when he disagreed with Barnabas over whether to take Mark with them on a missionary trip. Here’s what Acts 15:39 has to say: “They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.” Keep in mind this was Barnabas, one of his closest brothers in Christ, and a mentor and protector.
We also know that Paul could be pretty harsh with his critics as well. Here’s what he said in Galatians 2:12 about those who were saying non-Jewish believers had to be circumcised, “Would that those who were upsetting you might also castrate themselves.” Not very sensitive words nor a pleasant thought to consider. But over time, the Lord continued to soften Paul’s heart and transform him. We know that eventually he reconciled with both Barnabas and Mark.
So we shouldn’t be discouraged just because we are not yet transformed into finished products. As with the Apostle Paul, it is an ongoing process. Paul describes the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in molding us into the image and likeness of Jesus in this way:
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
The prophet Isaiah calls us to live a transformed life with these words:
Wash yourselves clean. Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim; redress the wronged; encourage the oppressed; hear the orphan’s plea; defend the widow. (Isaiah 1:16,17)
These prophetic words are a dramatic call to repentance, the essential part of conversion. They also offer extremely practical advice on how to live a transformed life: Learn to do good. Seek justice. Correct oppression. Be willing and obedient. Don’t refuse and rebel. Here are some examples.
Learn to do good. If I have betrayed someone’s confidence, asking forgiveness is only the beginning. Re-establishing a relationship of mutual trust will require transparency, humble service, and many small acts of kindness on my part. Similarly, it takes time to replace patterns of self-indulgence with habits of compassion and justice.
If I’m in the habit of gossiping, perhaps the best I can do at first is to bite my tongue instead of adding to the faulty data collected by former fellow gossipers. Perhaps I can offer a silent prayer for them, and for their victim. Next time, my previous self-control may embolden me to move away from the group, rehearsing a word of correction, or thinking of something positive about the person who is being maligned. And then, with a bit more practice and a few positive experiences stored in my memory, I will be able to speak what I have rehearsed.
Remember that sailing ships that have gone off course may not be able to reverse direction all at once. Every small course correction brings them closer to their desired destination. In the same way, every small correction we make is pleasing to our Father, who not only corrects us for rejecting his discipline but also promises salvation to those who order their way aright (Psalm 50:17,23). God promises that with every temptation he will provide a way of escape, so that we can endure and ultimately overcome it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
This promise of God is very personal: “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you” (Psalm 32:8). Empowered by the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead, we can know true transformation if we persevere step by step. And the best part is we won’t be alone: God will not abandon us before that work of transformation is accomplished. Listen to these encouraging words from Philippians 1:6
I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Our Father is very patient as long as we are willing to be instructed. So let’s not be harder on ourselves than he is!
Prayer
“Father, I am aware of my sinfulness, but I have also experienced your great love and forgiveness. I really want to be transformed into the image and likeness of your Son. I really want to do what is right. Turn your eyes upon me, Father, and show me the next step.”
(Maurice Blumberg is Executive Director of the National Fellowship of Catholic Men. This article is part of NFCM's sponsorship of the Catholic Man channel. Contact NFCM at P.O. Box 86381, Gaithersburg, MD 20886 or e-mail them at info@nfcmusa.org. Many thanks to The Word Among Us for allowing us to adapt the April 14, 2006 meditation from the Lent 2006 issue of their magazine. If you would like to make a contribution to the NFCM, just click here.)
Reflection Questions on Page 2
Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men
1. The article used the Apostle Paul as someone whose transformation was an ongoing process. Can you think of any other men from Scripture that are good examples of this as well?
2. How would you describe your own transformation process as a Catholic man? In what way has the article impacted your understanding of this process in your own life?
3. How well does your life reflect the practical steps that the prophet Isaiah calls us to follow in living a transformed life?
4. What are some steps you can take to cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s work of transforming you into the image and likeness of Christ?
5. In the upcoming weeks look for some opportunities to “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Correct oppression. Be willing and obedient. Don’t refuse and rebel.” If you are in a men’s group, share the fruit of this at your next meeting.
