When most of us think about conversion, we imagine someone who is transitioning from one kind of faith, or lack of faith, to new one. Certainly that is one kind of conversion, but we actually have the potential for many different kinds of conversion in our lives. St. Teresa of Avila experienced a few important conversions in her life. She also brought conversion to an entire religious order. So she is the perfect saint to intercede for us when we need conversion of one kind or another.
According to catholic.org, Teresa was a rebellious teenager, so much that her father sent her away to a convent. She was not happy with that placement at first, then she experienced a conversion. Her love of God began to grow, and she began to embrace the religious life. She was doubtful at first, but she eventually saw it as her way to salvation.
But that wasn’t a permanent condition for her. After a serious illness, Teresa fell away from her faith. It was many years later that she experienced another conversion, finding her mission again. This time she became devoted to the reform of the Carmelite order.
So after experiencing her own conversions, she was instrumental in bringing about conversion for the entire institution. “Teresa was keenly aware of this truth: to convert others we must start with ourselves – this she worked on during the whole course of her life on earth!” (cited here, para 16)
I believe there are many opportunities for conversion in our lives. Some are minor adjustments and others have a profound impact on our entire lives. Sometimes we might not even recognize the changes while they are happening but only see them in retrospect.
I’ve spoken about it before, but my biggest conversion so far seems to be the establishment of a regular daily routine of prayer. I don’t remember the moment that I decided to start down that path. I’m sure I didn’t have any idea of the impact it would have on my life. And although I have tried to describe it in prior posts, I know I can’t put it fully into words. I will just say that every part of my life works better and I am infinitely better able to deal with whatever life throws at me.
But I suppose that’s how these things work. We put our faith in God, and he guides us to where we need to be. We just need to surrender to His will, and He will lead us to the lasting joy he wants for us.
Lord, we thank you for your hand in our lives, leading us to conversion when we are ready. Help us to respond to Your call and follow Your path for us. As we find the conversions that we need, please teach us to be Your servants and to help others to accept Your will so that they can also experience the joy of conversion.