I've taken to listening to a podcast by a Catholic biblical scholar named Michael Barber. He interviewed a convert (Steven Ray) and the subject of conversion came up a few times. It reminded me just how much I love conversion stories. A useful exercise from my CPE days was to ask: what's behind that?
For the sake of starting with a positive point, I'd say that a big reason I love conversion stories is the hope it gives me. In the daily life of any Christian, a painful martyrdom sounds easier than living a consistent, holy life. Praying every day, living a true Christian charity, and taking up one's cross in the littlest ways. We need to fight the good fight, run the race; it's easy to lose sight of the goal and focus on the fight itself, the race itself. Once we do that, we're toast. We'd be crushed under our own burdens. Hearing about a conversion story restores that hope--hope founded in the promise of salvation.
For the sake of starting with a positive point, I'd say that a big reason I love conversion stories is the hope it gives me. In the daily life of any Christian, a painful martyrdom sounds easier than living a consistent, holy life. Praying every day, living a true Christian charity, and taking up one's cross in the littlest ways. We need to fight the good fight, run the race; it's easy to lose sight of the goal and focus on the fight itself, the race itself. Once we do that, we're toast. We'd be crushed under our own burdens. Hearing about a conversion story restores that hope--hope founded in the promise of salvation.
Not only do we have hope restored, but our thoughts are refocused on that hope. Salvation! Heaven! What we were truly made for! Our compasses need constant refocusing, especially when it comes to moral decisions. But focusing on our eternal destination doesn't just help with morality; it helps us bear the burden of suffering, gives us the "big picture" when we're drowning in the minutiae of life, and most importantly, it provides that little reminder that God loves us enough to fashion us an eternal destination.
On an emotional level, hearing a conversion story is very affirming. To be totally honest, part of the feeling is pride. "See, I'm right!" That's simple human nature. If the affirmation stops there, it's useless and our pride cancels out the grace sent our way. Any warm, fuzzy feeling of affirmation has to be founded in the truth. As a Catholic I believe the Church contains the fullness of truth--as founded & established by Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
On an emotional level, hearing a conversion story is very affirming. To be totally honest, part of the feeling is pride. "See, I'm right!" That's simple human nature. If the affirmation stops there, it's useless and our pride cancels out the grace sent our way. Any warm, fuzzy feeling of affirmation has to be founded in the truth. As a Catholic I believe the Church contains the fullness of truth--as founded & established by Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Lastly, don't forget the power of God. We have the Scriptures with us every day and we're very comfortable with the that our God kind and loving. That's very true, but our Lord is a God of words and deeds. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead! He fed 5,000 people! He spoke and the stormy sea subsided! Our Lord can work similar wonders in our soul!
Great reflection, John. It is good for all of us to consider how willing we are to let God work wonders in our souls. I think many of us find that we would rather have God as a consultant or are too busy to listen to His promtings. However, it is never too late to begin anew. How blessed we are to have such a patient Heavenly Father. Thank you for these reminders!
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