“Called Or Not Called, God Is Here”
Conversion is not viewed as an act of turning away from this or that sin toward this or that virtue. True conversion is never so neatly defined or cleanly accomplished. Conversion involves the gradual reshaping of consciousness to the point that the “convert” begins to view life in a radically new way. It is not something a person DECIDES to do, as though it were in our power to do so. We are led through conversion by the gracious Lord who alone has the power to reshape our consciousness, and who must do so in the face of deep resistance. In the ways the the spirit, it is the Lord and not ourselves who determines that from which we must be purified, and this is usually the source of our greatest resistance.
Peter Fink, S.J.
A friend sent this quote to me saying, “…it always speaks to me about the hidden ways God is doing what only God can do in us–and we’re not aware of it at all. In fact, we often believe just the opposite.”
Both the quote and my friend’s words speak to me this Lent. I have chosen a couple disciplines this Lent focusing not on “giving up” as much as “giving time.” Forgoing some activities that devour more time than intended in order to do something more life-giving. I am giving myself “soul room” by clearing out some clutter.
While I think that is a good thing, and intend to stick with it, I am reminded by Peter Fink and my friend, Luisa, that God may be working somewhere else in my life to slowly radicalize my way of seeing and living.
I like thinking of the hiddenness of God’s hand. Awareness that anything and everything can be a moment of transformation helps me reverence the people and events of my day.
Giving thanks for all of it, the annoying, mundane parts, the work, the suffering that I would wish away if I could, makes sense looking at God’s work this way. Who knows.
I guess that’s the point. God knows. Not me.
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