Book Reflection: Into His Likeness Ch.9&10
“Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Romans 12:2
Jesus desires not just to heal and forgive but to transform us deeply, much like a skilled physician addressing the root of our illness. Despite our complexities and deep wounds, Jesus longs to heal us if we allow Him. In Into His Likeness, Edward recounts St. Thérèse's conversion, which she later detailed in Story of a Soul. Following midnight mass on Christmas evening in 1886, St. Thérèse was tested in virtue when she overheard her father expressing impatience with the family tradition of placing presents in their shoes, suggesting that Thérèse should have outgrown this tradition by now. Instead of reacting emotionally as she would have in the past, Thérèse bravely chose to embrace joy and acceptance, acknowledging Jesus as the one who transformed her heart. She says, “The work I had been unable to do in ten years was done by Jesus in one instant.”
The journey to healing is long. We may struggle with control and rooting out sin. There's a constant battle for our minds between the perspective of Christ and the world. Yet, as we face setbacks and weaknesses, we can continually turn to Divine Mercy for grace, knowing that God wants to help and heal us. Therefore, it is important for us to reflect on what occupies our minds, what we read, watch, and listen to, as it shapes our thoughts and desires. Our spiritual life should take precedence, focusing on what is true, honorable, pure, and lovely.
Despite our fallen nature, Christ restores our relationship with the Father and leads us to truth. Forming our minds through Scripture and the Catechism helps us discern truth and find genuine happiness.
In today's digital age, let's not be governed by screens but prioritize reflecting on God's truth and immersing ourselves in it, allowing it to take root in us for genuine faith formation. Let's give more time to those around us, maintain interior silence, and contemplate God, rising above distractions to see the light of His truth.
ponder
Part 2: The Encounter | Chapter 9: Real Healing, Real Change
Have you noticed small ways God has worked a change in your heart? Thank God for that transformation, however big or small it might be.
Think of a weakness you’ve had for many years. Why do you think God has allowed you to continue in this struggle? God can bring good even out of evil. Has this weakness helped you grow in patience, trust or humility? Has it made you more understanding and compassionate with others’ faults? Has it drawn you closer to God in prayer as you pour your heart out to him for help? Or do you perhaps persist in this sin because, deep down, you don’t want to give up?
Part 3: Transformed by Fire | Chapter 10: The Battle for Your Mind
St. Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Rom 12:2). In what ways does your mind sometimes conformed to the standards of this world—its view of love, beauty, and success; its pursuit of wealth, comfort, pleasure and the praise of men; its tendency to focus only on visible realities and this present world? What can you do to combat these tendencies and form your mind in the truth so that you see reality more clearly?
Take a moment to examine your use of media. Are there shows, videos, songs, or images you take in that do not follow God’s standards for what is true, good, pure, and beautiful? Do you spend too much time on screens, with your phone, with noise constantly distracting you? What can you do to build more silence into your soul to reflect on truth and hear the voice of God?
Into His Likeness provides an approachable but in-depth exploration of how to live as a disciple and experience the transformation Jesus wants to work in our lives. We might desire to live more like Christ, but we know we fall short. This book simply helps us follow those initial promptings of the Holy Spirit, so that we may more intentionally encounter Jesus anew each day and be more disposed to his grace changing us ever more into his likeness.
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