Conversion and Transformation
Case studies have shown that it is a complex business to regain one’s sight after a prolonged time. Surprisingly, even today 2000 years after St John’s Gospel of the man born blind, the blind man’s comment still holds true - ‘Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind’.
There have been cases where persons who lost their sight for a long time have regained the use of their eyes, through medical science and invasive operations. And in those cases subsequent prolonged physiotherapy is required. To see requires not just the operation of the eyes but the linking of the impulses from the eye to the brain and the brain’s interpretation of the nerve signals.
In the Gospel narrative of John Chapter 9, Jesus’ miracle would have meant a complete healing of eyes, nerve connections and brain understanding. Also, his conversations with the authorities point to spiritual, emotional and psychological healing. Jesus’ healing was not just a cure but a wholistic transformation of body, mind and spirit.
This introduces us to two words ‘Conversion’ and ‘Transformation’. Conversion typically refers to a sudden or distinct moment of a dramatic change in beliefs or religious affiliation. It often involves adopting a new set of beliefs or committing to a particular spiritual path. For example, St Paul’s experience on the Road to Damascus.
Transformation, on the other hand, is a more gradual and holistic process that involves profound change on multiple levels - mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and sometimes physically. It goes beyond mere changes in beliefs or practices and often involves inner growth, personal development, and a deepening connection to one's inner self. Transformation may encompass changes in behavior, attitudes, perspectives, and ways of relating to oneself and God.
Most of us have conversion experiences when Jesus suddenly breaks into our lives sending us off in another direction. These conversion experiences are followed by a long period of grandual change as described above. In the story of the man born blind this process is compressed. His conversion experience is Jesus rubbing his eyes with mud and spittle and his washing in the pool of Siloam. This conversion is followed by a slower, growth in understanding and personal development.
He gradually gains in self-confidence and understanding of Jesus - first seeing him as a prophet and then on Jesus’ prompting calling him Lord - ‘Lord, I believe’ and then worshipping him - a clear practice that he understood him as God.
So it is in our lives. Our conversion experiences are followed by long periods of transformation. We must be patient with ourselves and others. Some religious historians inform us that St Paul’s conversion experience on the road to Damascus was followed by a long period, probably as long as 10years in the Arabian desert, before he begins his evangelization.
Our transformation process involves formation, study, prayer, self-analysis, learning to interpret our life’s journey (usually with a spiritual director) and clarifying the road ahead. We will have more to say on this in tomorrow’s post. Stay tuned.