A Beacon Of Light . . . Signs Of Spring And The Future Of The Faith

• 3 years ago

By FR. RICHARD D. BRETON JR.

(Editor’s Note: Fr. Richard D. Breton Jr. is a priest of the Diocese of Norwich, Conn. He received his BA in religious studies and his MA in dogmatic theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, Conn.)

• + + As the Easter Season continues, we see signs of new life all around us. As April’s showers turn into May flowers, the daffodils, lilies, and even the trees are sprouting with new life. Like the transformations happening in nature around us, the Easter Season calls us to an inner transformation that leads to conversion of heart. This transformation and conversion are especially needed in the present age in which we find ourselves.
  
  This statement is not something new — in fact, it was repeatedly expressed during the Pontificate of the late Holy Father, St. John Paul II. St. John Paul had a keen understanding of the times. His pontificate was most notably in touch with a desire to prepare for the future. This was so important to the late Holy Father that he wrote an apostolic letter precisely dedicated to this endeavor. On November 10, 1994, St. John Paul II published the preeminent document, Tertio Millennio Adveniente, on Preparation for the Jubilee of the Year 2000.
  
  In this document, St. John Paul II gracefully presents before us an understanding of the need of conversion. This conversion is most easily attained when we allow ourselves the appropriate means of preparation. The road to conversion and inner transformation is seen in Jesus Christ. St. John Paul II was unique in the fact that he outlined how we must do this. In the apostolic letter mentioned above, St. John Paul II encouraged us to center ourselves on Christ, Son of God made man, and this centering must necessarily be theological, and therefore Trinitarian, in nature.
  
  He outlined for us the way to do this. First, we must reflect on Christ, the nature of faith, and the Sacrament of Baptism. Second, we must focus on the Holy Spirit and the theological virtue of hope, and Confirmation. Third, we must focus on God the Father, the gift of charity, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Lastly, we must dedicate ourselves to the Eucharist and “to giving glory to the Trinity” (Tertio Millennio Adveniente, nn. 29-55). Interestingly enough, throughout all of salvation history Jesus Christ has been preparing the human race for this unique encounter.

A Salvific Mindset

In a previous column, we stood with St. Stephen as he was stoned to death. Among those who were present that day was Saul of Tarsus. Saul was actively involved in the persecutions of that time. After Stephen was stoned, Scripture tells us that the people “placed their cloaks at the feet of one called Saul” (Acts 7:58). Even though Saul had persecuted the early disciples, he was still an important part of the Lord’s plan of salvation. The Lord would transform the barbarian mindset of Saul into a salvific mindset that would lead others to Jesus Christ. The Acts of the Apostles portrays Saul’s conversion in this way:

“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’ The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.

“Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he could see nothing. So, they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind and did not eat or drink anything…. Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord — Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here — has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.”

The conversion of St. Paul is a distinct portrayal of the power of conversion. It also gives us a glimpse into the power of God. St. Paul was a man who had denied the Lord and persecuted the members of the Early Church. The Lord needed St. Paul to assist in the ongoing plan of salvation so He, in a sense, forced the issue by making St. Paul open his eyes to the faith he was persecuting. The bright light from Heaven that shone around him permeated the hardness of his heart and brought about a total renewal within.

This light caused a temporary blindness that was restored once St. Paul committed himself to the Lord. The experience of St. Paul’s conversion enabled him to fulfill the mission the Lord had destined for him. He traveled to far-off places like Damascus, Corinth, Thessalonica, Galatia, Greece, and Rome. In each of these places he proclaimed the faith with daunting courage and the resolve to bring many to Christ. In each of these occasions St. Paul used his own downfalls as a means of saving others.

Be Conformed To Christ

From the moment of our Baptism to the day of our death, the Lord is always preparing us to defend the faith he has given us. By our Baptism we become spiritually united to the Blessed Trinity, where we meet the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. In this unique encounter, we begin the preparation needed to create in us a lasting bond with the Lord. This is strengthened more fully when we receive the other sacraments. Each sacrament deepens us in the “trinitarian” nature of our faith.

Our souls are strengthened by the gift of faith. It is inevitable that at some time in our lives, we will need to undergo conversion. Living in this world presents us with a constant need to conform to Christ, rather than to the world. Unfortunately, many of our brothers and sisters have found themselves journeying on a path that is preparing them for earthly possibilities, instead of heavenly rewards. The reality of it all is that many don’t even recognize the wrong path they are on. As members of the Holy Catholic Church, we have an obligation to help those in need of conversion to “see the light” as St. Paul did, and recognize the Lord.

There is a worldwide need for conversion. The entire world has lost its way, but it is never too late to open oneself to the power of conversion. Sometimes we hear others say, how can I change the world? The answer to this is very simple! First, we need to change ourselves, then, we will have the power, courage, and determination needed to tackle the world. This is what the Early Church did through the heroic apostles along with St. Paul. We are no different than they were; actually, we have an even greater responsibility because there is much more at stake. The very civilization and society we are living in needs a total conversion.

May we be the present-day “disciples” and have the courage to change the world!