Vol. 4, No. 2, April, 1999

From the Editor
Sr. Jan Nattermann, S.N.C.

Conversion, a word frequently spoken yet so hard to live out. John the Baptist called people to repent, to turn to the Lord, to change their ways. He called for conversion. He preached "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (Luke 3:3; Mark 1:4); "Bear fruit that befits repentance ...." Matthew 3:8); "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2).

John the Baptist prepared the way of the Lord. Have you ever wondered how? It was by his calling for conversion, his calling people to see their sinfulness and to turn from it. In this way, he prepared the way for Jesus to enter their lives. Conversion or repentance clears away the darkness within a person to make room for the Light. "He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He (John) was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light" (John 1:7-8).

Conversion is turning from darkness (our habits of sin) to Light, to God, who loves us as we are but wants more for us.His desire for us is happiness in this life and in the life to come. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). But because we all have sinned, we have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). By ourselves, we cannot know God's love nor share in His life with others. "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way" (Isaiah 53:6). But we have a God of love and mercy who could not leave us to ourselves and our unfaithfulness. And so He sent us His Son, Jesus (1 John 4:9).

Jesus bridges the gap that lies between darkness and light. He alone is the Answer. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). Jesus is our Savior because He paid the penalty for our sins, the price of our salvation.

He leaves us free to choose Him, to choose the Light and to turn from the darkness of "my way." If you want to come to the Lord Jesus, ask Him and you shall receive (John 7:37). But believe in His love for you; trust in that love and mercy; expect God to act in your life, be willing to walk on water because you do not walk alone!