Let Christ transform us
When we read the Gospels carefully, we quickly realize that the message of Jesus is one of transformation. Every story He told, every action He took, and every word He spoke was an appeal for change – change for the better.
Change can be scary, especially if it challenges our routines. It can shake our security and disrupt our lives. But Lent is a time for us to allow God to change us. Not the kind of change that comes from our own efforts, but the kind that comes from allowing God to work within us. It is a time to open our hearts to the possibility of transformation through Christ, and to welcome His loving power into the parts of our lives that need healing and renewal.
There are so many instances of Christ’s transformative power spread throughout the Gospels. Take, for example, the story of Zacchaeus, a corrupt tax collector who was despised by his community. After an encounter with Jesus, he is radically changed. He repents for his sins and commits to making restitution.
Then we have Mary Magdalene, one of the most important figures in the New Testament. The Lord delivered her from a sinful life, leading her to a life of devotion.
Even in His final moments on the cross, Jesus extended His transformative power to one of the criminals crucified beside Him. When the thief repented, Jesus offered forgiveness and the promise of paradise.
It’s important to remember transformation doesn’t happen instantly. A single sermon, a single line in the Gospel, or even a blunt directive from Jesus might not change us right away, or make us Saints overnight. We must have the desire to change and the willingness to let God’s grace work in our lives.
It is indeed God who changes hearts, and we can be His instruments. The world depends, in large measure, on people like us. Not just on the Apostles, like Peter and Paul. Not just on the Saints, like Francis and Mother Teresa. If we are to move from war to peace, from starvation to fullness, from hatred to love, then we, as followers of Christ, must at least try to let Him transform us.
Remember: When we do what is noble, what the Gospel calls us to do, there is always a benefit. Not only to others, but to ourselves. It always transforms us.