The 24th word in my Lent lexicon is
CONVERSION.
This is a particularly good word for a Benedictine to reflect on during Lent as conversion of life is one of our vows, and it’s always worth revisiting those from time to time. It’s a call always to be turning back to God, always to be open to the working of God in our lives.
It’s a call always to be open to the new life God offers us, even if choosing life sometimes doesn’t feel very life-giving. Conversion of life calls us to be prepared to change our ways, to try again.
In the first reading Isaiah presents conversion as a returning to God’s presence:
“Come back to the Lord your God…”
He invites us to acknowledge how far we have wandered from God and how we need to come back into God’s presence to be healed and restored. He promises us that if we find the courage and humility to do this we will be met with love as God says:
“I will heal their disloyalty; I will love them with all my heart…”
This brings us to the heart of the call to conversion. As Jesus points out in the gospel it is all about love:
“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You must love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”
The call to conversion is a call to allow ourselves to be healed and loved by God, and to bring that healing love into our relationships with one another. Then, knowing ourselves to be loved we are able to reach out and love others.
Where is God calling you to conversion of heart this Lent?