Transformation starts with me

As I periodically don one of my favorite and seasoned T-shirts, I am reminded where transformation truly begins — each and every day. The inscription on the back prompts me of what needs to go on the inside of the man wearing it: “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Rom 12:2).

The Apostle Paul speaks earlier in his letter to the Romans about the way worldly wisdom and values are often “deformed,” and Christians must allow God to “transform” them to be imitators of Christ.

This coming month, which begins with All Saints and All Souls Days, and later honors veterans in a secular holiday for their gift of self to their country, brings to mind the Archdiocesan Catholic Watchmen’s upcoming monthly petition and prayer: “For Justice, Mercy and Peace: That God transforms the leaders of all countries in the world to serve and honor those who experience the perils of war and division — lifting their nations out of hostility and oppression.”

Spiritual warfare and physical warfare are concurrent in the world. Beyond prayer — which is indeed most powerful — it is difficult for us to do much about many of the worldly woes that work against justice, mercy and peace. Carefully and diligently listening to and reading multimedia that keeps people informed with the whole truth, versus selective nuggets of truth to draw people in, takes much sorting out, perhaps further research, and of course, valuable time. The latter of which deems to be the enemy, at times, as we throw up our arms and say: Come what may, but not my way!

This transformation of the mind we are to called to as Christians to evaluate and deal with the influences of our culture can be developed, nurtured and fed properly if the spiritual food is renewed in our own hearts, first and foremost. If our daily diet allows the graces of the Holy Spirit to speak to us, feed us and interpret for us how we are supposed to live our lives in respect to the Gospel, God’s will, we pray, will be done actively and contemplatively.

Watchmen are convicted with a heaven-bent motive to witness how this works at home by their spiritual leadership: pray daily; read the Scriptures regularly; get to Mass; show what works of mercy look like even when it is time-consuming; admit when they are wrong or sorry to their family, friends and work colleagues, and take to confession what needs to be forgiven; and meet with other men regularly to keep their spirits in check and to lift their level of accountability as spiritual fathers.

This kind of living flows effectively outside of home, and spreads to parish and community life. It helps to transform our little part of the secular world, hopefully to one where people eventually restore themselves to God. A world that eventually truly believes and trusts in God, who provides the right balance of justice and mercy that leads to peace.

Certainly, it is not easy at times to believe, much less understand if our daily dying to self — our personal transformation — can really make a difference. But try not to “be transformed (daily and diligently) by the renewal of your mind” and see what happens. No, please don’t test that! Instead, embrace daily renewal. Listen and believe what Christ tells his Apostles in the Scriptures. It is also meant for us — for Watchmen and for all Christians. He tells us to hang in there because he has already taken care of the path to victory — we just need to follow it. “I have said this to you that in me, you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33).

Deacon Bird ministers at St. Joseph in Rosemount and All Saints in Lakeville, and assists the archdiocese’s Catholic Watchmen movement. Learn more about the Catholic Watchmen at archspm.org/faith-communities/men.