February "Theme Support" #1

The "Theme Supports" are brief, informative teachings on the theme for the month. Please take the time to read them; they will help our Friday discussions and reflections to be much richer and will help you to grow in the knowledge of your Catholic faith. If you have questions about the theme or the support messages, please do not hesitate to contact me.




Penance/Conversion - "Theme Support" #1

As Jesus went from town to town he exhorted the people to convert "for the Kingdom of God is at hand." The English word "conversion" is a translation of the Greek work: metanoia, which means "to change one's mind or direction."

In the life of each person, there are two conversions:
1. Initial Conversion (First Conversion)
2. Ongoing Conversion (Second Conversion)

"This call [to conversion] is an essential part of the proclamation of the kingdom: 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.' In the Church's preaching this call is addressed first to those who do not yet know Christ and his Gospel. Also, Baptism is the principal place for the first and fundamental conversion" - Catechism of the Catholic Church, n.1427.

Jesus main message therefore was the Gospel (Good News) that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus' message presents each person who hears the Gospel with an ultimate decision:
a) Reject Christ and his Gospel
b) Believe the Gospel and convert (change one's life). 

Initial Conversion, therefore, involves God's invitation, which comes first, and our response to that invitation. This response requires a complete break with evil, a turning away from sin and a rejection of anything and everything which is contrary to the Gospel of Christ. At the same time, it is an acceptance of God's grace (saving power) and a firm decision to live according to the will of God.

Practically speaking: What can I do today?
Take a few moments in prayer this week. Reflect on the words of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke: "If any one comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple." Jesus is not saying that we should hate anyone. Remember one of the Ten Commandments is to honor your Father and Mother. Rather, Jesus is warning us that he will not share our hearts with anyone or anything. Jesus must be in the first place in our lives. If baseball practice, the internet, television, my girlfriend/boyfriend, music, popularity, etc. is the most important thing for me - than I cannot be a follow of Jesus. What leads you away from Jesus? What shapes your decisions? Your daily plans and activities? What do you seek first and foremost? Is it Jesus?