"There is a tendency today to trivialize and reduce the human person. One
of the ways we do this is by claiming that it doesn't really matter
what people think or believe, only that they behave well. For example,
we think that if a man is a good citizen, pays his taxes, doesn't beat
his wife, and is kind to children and animals then it doesn't matter
what he believes. This trivializes the man, because each of us was made
to know the one, true God. We were made to know the truth and, knowing
this truth, to be set free (Jn 8:32). God's plan for us is more than
just that we behave 'well' from a human perspective. He offers each of
us a complete transformation: a new mind and heart, attained through
personal knowledge and experience of Him. This will certainly affect our
behavior, but God is offering us much more than just to be considered 'nice' by other people.
"One of the ways Scripture expresses what God is offering us at a deeper level is the appeal to the mind that so frequently occurs in the New Testament. The very first words of Jesus as He began His public ministry announced the invitation to receive a new mind. Sadly, most English translations do not adequately capture what the Greek text actually reports Jesus as saying. Most English renderings of Jesus’ opening words are 'Repent and believe the Good News' (cf. Mark 1:15; Matt 3:2). The 'most common meaning of 'to repent' is to reform one's behavior, to do good and avoid evil, to stop sinning. The Greek word used in the text is far richer than this. Μετανοείτε (metanoeite) most literally means 'to come to a new mind.'"
In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish,
Washington, DC) reflected on the importance of transforming our lives by renewing our minds with the Gospel message.
To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:
Community in Mission: Mind Your Mind! (15 MAY 19)
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