“To be human is to change, to be perfect is to have changed many times.”
~John Henry Newman
Reflection:
This quote from Cardinal John Henry Newman evokes the third vow from the Rule of St. Benedict, Conversatio Morum, or The Conversion of Manners, which is often encapsulated in the phrase, “Always, we begin again.” In other words, every day we must, or get to, start over in Christ. Every day, we are asked to let go of who we were yesterday, to be free of our old desires, attachments, and beliefs, so that we may be transformed in and by the Lord.
In the life of the Christian, conversion is not merely something that happens once. Rather, in and through Christ, we exist in a perpetual state of conversion, of letting go of those parts of ourselves which are not perfect, those aspects of our old selves we cling to for perceived safety and comfort, and which prevent us from truly being reborn of the spirit, over and over again. Every day in and through Christ, our old selves must decrease so that He may increase in us, until our very lives are recollected in and as Christ.
Through this process of perpetual conversion, of being born of the Spirit, again and again and again, we slowly regain our divine nature as the image and likeness of the very God, the very love, that created and is creating us.
~Robert Van Valkenburgh
Question for Meditation:
Where in your life is God asking you to change, to let go of your old desires, attachments, and beliefs, in order to become more perfect in His image and likeness?
Scripture:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God.” Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Further Reading:
If you found truth and value in this reflection, you may also enjoy: Oratio: Every Season which reflects on how God’s presence and mercy shape us through each season of life, emphasizing spiritual growth, surrender, and transformation.
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