24-hour Initiative for the Lord: Reflection on the Call for Conversion

Upon the suggestion of Pope Francis, the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization will hold a 24-hour initiative for the Lord that will be celebrated this year between 25 and 26 March. What is meant by “conversion”? The Old Testament translation of the word “conversion” comes from the Hebrew word Shub which could mean “turning, returning, going back”. In the religious sphere, it indicates turning away from evil, returning to God, and the faithful observance of the Mosaic law. In the New Testament, the two main Greek terms related to this concept are (epi-) strépho (a synonym of the Hebrew Shub) and metanoéo. It is above all this last term that starting from its etymology (meta + nous = “to change the mind”) conveys a particular concept: in fact, it indicates in the first place not a moral aspect, but a renewal of mentality, a change of belief and way of thinking and seeing things (cf. Mk 1:15). Depending on the context, it can also mean “repenting, feeling remorse, doing penance” regarding the moral field (cf. Mt 11:21). Reflecting on this important biblical theme, we suggest the vision of this beautiful catechesis of Fr Fulvio Rossi, pastor of the pastoral community of Lainate-Pagliera-Barbaiana. We let ourselves be guided by the paintings made by Caravaggio in the Contarelli Chapel in Rome (Church of San Luigi dei Francesi). The three paintings retrace the path of conversion of the evangelist and apostle Matthew: his call, his dedication to the Gospel, and his martyrdom.