That word "converted," from which we have, "conversion,"
is a great word. It means to turn around
and go in the opposite direction. It also involves a new way of seeing. To be
converted then is to admit, to own the fact that we are going in the wrong
direction and seeing in a spiritual unhealthy manner. We need then a new way of
seeing, leading to a new way of being. This is not easy. It is tough to go
through a conversion. Yet on this hike/ journey we have to be converted again
and again. Always changing, always seeing anew, and never ending. This can only
happen under the guidance of The Creative Loving Spirit. Since the spirit is
invisible, we will not be able, with the naked eye, to actually see the process
that is taking place. May I be so bold as to suggest a new understanding of
mercy is essential for an ever evolving healthy spirituality. This will lead to
the freedom envisioned by God for you and I.
What then is the life enriching understanding of that word mercy which
is so much part of our Pope's vocabulary, as in the following. "A little bit of mercy makes the world
less cold, and more just." What warmth, what compassion, what
understanding, what acceptance, has exuded from our Pope. He speaks to us of
the God of mercy and he encourages us to administer "the medicine of
mercy." Mercy as medicine? New to us in the Latin church but not in
Orthodox spirituality. One writer has suggested that The Pope has borrowed the
Orthodox understanding of mercy. The Orthodox understanding really expands that
old narrow understanding of mercy as just
being about the forgiveness of our sins. I have found, over the years,
that mercy as understood in other languages has really broadened its meaning
for me. The following has brought about about a great personal conversion,
which has resulted in a new freedom. The following is being offered for your
personal reflection, and spiritual nourishment: "The word mercy in English
is the translation of the Greek word eleos. The word has the same ultimate root
as the old Greek word for oil, olive oil: a substance which was used
exclusively as a soothing agent for bruises and minor wounds. The oil was
poured into the wound and gently massaged in, thus soothing, comforting and
making whole the injured part. The Hebrew word which is also translated as
eleos and mercy is hesed, and means steadfast love. The Greek words for
"Lord, have mercy are "kyrie, eleison" that is to say,
"Lord soothe, comfort me, take away my pain, show me your steadfast love.
Thus mercy does not refer so much to justice or acquittal a very western
interpretation but to the infinite loving-likedness of God, and His compassion
for his suffering children!"(Orthodox Worship)
So we can see what the Pope is
driving at. Mercy is that which sooth the pain that sin brings into our
reality. Mercy is there to comfort those who are in some way victimized by acts
contrary to the universal law of love.
It brings healing to the beaten, broken, betrayed, exploited of our
sisters and brothers. Healing Sin, as I think of it now is: a non loving act which in some way makes it
now more difficult for me or another to freely respond to the offer of
God's love. Sin is that action or non- action by which the loving, creative
action of God is opposed or hindered. I have to face sin in relationship to
myself, my neighbor, God, and all of creation. Wounds can happen so suddenly,
but it takes time, sometimes, a long, long time for the healing to take place.
Healing cannot be rushed, darn it, how often have I wished it were otherwise!! This is getting too long, right?? Will
continue next blog D.V.
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