We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin — because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. (Romans 6:4-8)
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. (Romans 8:11)
Repent, therefore, and be converted. (Acts 3:19 NAB)
Repent, therefore, and turn to God. (Acts 3:19 NRSV)
It has often been said that there are two sides to the Cross: the death side (Good Friday) and the life side (Easter Sunday). Since we are still in the Easter Season, the celebration of Jesus' resurrection, I want to focus on the life side. We know that "just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Romans 6:4).
This call to new life is essentially a call to conversion, and it is one of the most important themes found in Scripture. It was Peter's call in Acts 3:19. In the Old Testament, the prophets constantly called Israel to turn from unfaithfulness and immorality and return to God. John the Baptist preached repentance as he prepared Israel for the coming of the Lord. Conversion held a prominent place in Jesus' preaching as well. From the very beginning of his ministry, he called out: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news" (Mark 1:15). Clearly, repentance and conversion go hand-in-hand.
Conversion is a Radical Turning Around: The essence of conversion is found in the word metanoia. Literally translated as a change of mind, metanoia signifies a radical turning around. When it is used in the New Testament, the turning means a return to God. Someone who experiences this radical turning around is transformed from their sinful self, and the fruits of his transformation manifest itself in a fundamental change in a man's desires and in the way he thinks and acts.
Conversion is not Just a One-time Event: When we think about conversion, the story of St. Paul on the road to Damascus comes to mind, but this doesn't tell the whole story. Conversion is not limited to something that happens in a single moment like at a powerful retreat or a moving celebration of the Eucharist. Conversion is an ongoing process that occurs during our entire lives. It is a continual process of saying no to sin and temptation and striving for holiness while we follow Jesus as his faithful disciples.
Conversion is Renewed Friendship with God: Through Jesus' death and resurrection we have been restored to friendship with God. That is what Jesus came to do for us. That is what conversion is all about. It is possible for us to be his friends, to talk to him, and to experience him answering the longings of our hearts. Through the salvation he won for us, we can be freed from the crippling effects of sin. Our eyes can be opened to see him; our ears, to hear him. Our hearts can leap for joy, praising God for his goodness! We are no longer slaves to sin! We are children of God, free to live and act in the kingdom of God.
One Last Thing: Conversion is not something we do. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to lead us to conversion. He is the one who pricks our consciences or gives us a sense of God's love so that we will turn to Jesus in a new way. He is the one who moves us to love our neighbors, care for those in need, and carry the good news to the desperate and forsaken in the world.
In a sense, you could say that conversion is the Christian life. So today, let's all "Repent, and turn to God." Let's all "Repent and be converted."
"Lord Jesus, I am a pilgrim on the journey toward you. Help me to change my life from relying on the things of the world to following you wherever you lead me. I repent of my self-centeredness, selfishness, and self-love. Thank you for your love and forgiveness. Thank you for healing and saving me. Thank you for setting me free from sin and death through your cross and resurrection. Thank you for restoring me to your friendship. I want to praise you and rejoice in what you have done for me. May my joy point others to you."
Many thanks to The Word Among Us for allowing us to adapt material from daily meditations in their monthly devotional magazine. Used with permission.
Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men
1. Why do you think the call to conversion is "one of the most important themes found in Scripture"? What impact has this call to conversion had on your life?
2. In the article, conversion is described as a "radical turning around" and a "transformation." In what way has this been true for you? In what way has it not been true?
3. How would you describe the difference between an initial conversion experience and ongoing conversion? In what way are they related? What is the importance of each?
4. How would you describe your own conversion to Christ? Was there a specific moment when you gave your life to Christ or was it a process for you — or was it both?
5. How would you describe the concept, "friendship with God"? How does this apply to your relationship with the Lord?
6. If you are in a men's group, end your meeting by praying for one another to experience a deeper conversion to Christ. Use the prayer at the end of the article as the starting point.
