Moved to Conversion

In today's first reading from the Acts of the Apostles (2:36-41), Peter speaks to the Jewish people on the day of Pentecost saying "...God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."  In other words, they have crucified and killed the Lord and the Christ.  The Scriptures tell us that "they were cut to the heart" upon hearing this.  Cut to the heart.  What does that mean?

Perhaps we could understand "cut to the heart" as feeling hurt, pain, guilty, remorseful, shocked, or a multitude and combination of related emotions.  It could also have brought emotions of anger.  However, what is more important is how the people chose to respond to this very real emotion they were feeling.  Were their hearts softened?  Hardened?

Fortunately some asked Peter, "What are we to do, my brothers?"  That feeling of being cut to the heart moved the peoples' hearts to conversion.  It was most likely the work of the Holy Spirit seeing that this happened on Pentecost.  This question that the Jewish people asked is quite an important one.  It shows (1) A genuine concern for what has happened, (2) A true desire to take remedial action, and (3) The ability and gift to see that they are one, as they addressed Peter and the other Apostles as "my brothers."  The power of Peter's testimony and witness moved the people to conversion.  Are we moved?  Do we give true and authentic witness and testimony of our faith so that others may arrive to know the Father? 

When we have fallen into sin and find ourselves in a place of desolation or in a "bad place," do we ask the question, "What am I to do, Father?" or do we turn to other means to escape?  When we honestly bring this question to the Father, He will answer us.  When we are so moved to ask that question, we will be showing (1) a genuine concern for the state of our lives and souls, (2) contrition and a desire for reconciliation, and (3) a remembering of our identity - the beloved sons and daughters of the Father.  All we need to do is ask that question, and like Mary in the Gospel (Jn. 20:11-18) our eyes will be opened and we will able to recognize that Father and the Son.

At first Mary did not recognize Jesus and thought that He was the gardener.  However, when Jesus calls Mary by her name, her eyes were opened, and she was able to see through the lens of faith, and she recognized the Lord.  The Father calls us each by name.   Let us listen carefully as the Father calls out to us by name so that our eyes may be opened, our identity affirmed, and so able to enter into relationship with Him.

When we have come to the times in our lives when we feel "cut to the heart," let us turn to the Father and ask Him what is it that we ought to do, so that He can open our eyes, remind us of our identity, restore us to sonship, and that we may in turn go and give witness to Him and help bring others back home to Him.  All this we must do with an open heart and an attitude of humble receptivity.

Let us courageously ask the Father today, "What am I to do, Father?"  Then, close your eyes and let the Father speak to you.           
Noli me tangere by Alexander Ivanov

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