Metanoia and inner transformation

The word metanoia could be translated as a change of point of view, if we look at the etymology of this Greek word. But metanoia goes further than a simple change in thinking (even if it is a component of it), it induces a profound transformation. Metanoia is a principle found not only in philosophy and psychology, but also in theology: Carl Gustav Jung spoke of a form of inner healing. Christian spirituality speaks of repentance and conversion. There are many calls for metanoia in the Bible. But why and how? What is this inner movement that can radically change our vision of life, and our life itself?

What is metanoia?

Etymology and definition of the word metanoia

The term "metanoia" (μετάνοια) is composed of the Greek prefix meta, which can be translated as beyond and denotes change, and the verb neo (which comes from noos: mind) which can be translated as to think, to conceive. Literally, metanoia could be translated as "change of mind" or "change of thought". 

In the New Testament, where the word appears numerous times, it is sometimes translated as "repentance", sometimes as "conversion" (Find Bible verses and passages that speak of metanoia).

In metanoia, there's an idea of radical change, a form of surrender and openness to something greater than oneself; it's agreeing to go beyond purely rational thinking. It's a spiritual turning point, a return to God.

Metanoia in Christian culture

Metanoia is a central concept in the New Testament. Various words have been used in different translations of the Bible, including repentance, penitence and conversion.

All evoke this inner turning, this profound and radical choice of God.

Repentance makes us see the truth and pushes us to turn away from what is wrong. It's a first movement. But metanoia induces us to continue the movement and turn entirely towards the Good, towards God. This change of point of view implies a transformation in the way we think, desire, act, love and live. 

In chapter 3 of Matthew's Gospel, John the Baptist invites us to conversion. Verse 2 is translated differently in different translations:
 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
" Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. "
 "Change your attitude, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. "
"Change, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

We see that this is indeed a call to change one's life.

The fruits of metanoia

This inner turnaround, this profound change, has a purpose: to return to God, who is there, waiting for us.

That's why, even if the road to conversion can be difficult at times, metanoia promises profound joy and peace . A joy shared by God himself.
"I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who is converted than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no conversion" (Luke 15:7).

The change of spirit brings with it a new existence, and our whole being is transformed by it, as the apostle Paul emphasizes in his second letter to the Corinthians:  "If anyone therefore is in Christ, he is a new creature. The old world has passed away; a new world has already been born" (2 Corinthians 5, 17).

Here's how this change can be embodied in the life of someone who has experienced metanoia:

• a readjustment of priorities. Doing God's will becomes the guiding principle in their actions.
• a desire to put themselves more at the service of others, to be more attentive to those who suffer.
• greater freedom and responsibility. She assumes more responsibility for her actions, recognizes her faults more readily, and distances herself more freely from what hinders her or causes her to fall.
• development of the inner life, notably through prayer.

The stages of metanoia

Conversion is first and foremost a grace from God. So there is no miracle recipe or predefined path. Everyone can experience metanoia, whatever their path, state of life or beliefs.

Some can be dazzling, like that of the apostle Paul on the road to Damascus, but we can also experience them in small, everyday ways.

To welcome them into our lives, it's good to remember how much God loves us. Accepting (even if we find it hard to understand or contemplate) the fact that God loves us as we are, with an infinite love , and that he desires only our good, enables us to remain open and to surrender in trust to this path of conversion.

Understanding that what we're experiencing is not what God has in mind for us

The first step is one of contrition, of regret for our sins (not in the sense of "faults", but in the sense of what keeps us from God, even if we weren't necessarily aware of it). We begin by understanding the gap between what we're experiencing and what God is proposing to us. This realization is often painful, but necessary. That's why it's hard to imagine metanoia without a certain amount of suffering. Not because it's sought-after in itself, but because it stems from the lack we accept to feel, from our eyes being opened to the weaknesses and wounds we previously preferred not to see.
"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8).

So, life's trials are sometimes the occasion for metanoia, because by making us vulnerable, they can push us to open up to something bigger than ourselves.

Living repentance

Acknowledging our shortcomings, though difficult and destabilizing, should not be experienced with guilt, which is a hindrance to the journey, but with sincere regret, understanding the extent to which some of our choices and behaviors have distanced us from God.

Repentance involves asking God for forgiveness, which can be done through prayer, by addressing God with humility, or, for Catholics, through the sacrament of reconciliation." If we acknowledge our sins, he who is faithful and just will even go so far as to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

Then we can make real changes in our lives.

Open to grace

Once we're aware of the gap between what we're living and God's immense plan for us, we can fully embrace his grace. We're no longer afraid to show ourselves small and weak, and to ask God for help.

Of course, it's up to us to change some of our behaviours and habits. But we're not alone in making these changes. Let's start step by step, with patience and trust, and dare to ask for anything that seems beyond our reach.

Once we've understood that we can't do his will in our own strength, and that it's desirable for us to do it, we can let God really work in our lives. This is the assurance we have with God: if we ask according to his will, he hears us" (1 John 5:14).

How can we engage in this inner transformation?

We are all invited to experience small inner conversions throughout our lives. The various traditions of Christian meditation help us to better listen to God's personal call in our lives.

Pause and silence

Quite simply, it's a good idea to take time out from the world and its demands, to settle down, be silent and enter into our inner selves. Regularly taking time out for our spiritual life - through meditation orsilent prayer - prepares fertile ground for metanoia.

In order for something to happen, you have to make room for it.

• Do I give space to my inner life? 
• Do I dare to listen to what resonates within me?

Abba Arsène, one of the desert fathers who were soul therapists and meditation experts in the first centuries of Christianity, advised us: "Sit down, be silent and quiet your thoughts ".

While it may seem complicated, practicing a few receptive and grounding exercises can be a good preparation for a meditation or prayer session.

Take time to review your life

With our noses to the grindstone, we can't always make sense of what we're going through. The exercise of rereading past events, with the benefit of hindsight, helps to bring certain things to light. Sometimes we feel the need for deep introspection, but it's also healthy to take regular time out to re-read. For example, a few minutes every evening before bedtime.

• What can certain events (or certain repetitions of events) tell me about myself, about the way I act?
• Are there areas of my life that need changing? 
• Can I take advice and constructive criticism from people I trust?

Remembering God's blessings in our lives every day also helps us to better discern His desire for us. Keeping a gratitude journal can help.

Meditating on God's word

God can speak to us through our circumstances, through our encounters, but also through reading and meditating on his Word. Spending a little time regularly reading and meditating on the Bible is a good way to better understand what God wants from us. For his Word is alive and addresses each and every one of us, here and now.

• What resonates with me as I read this passage?
• Which character or word particularly touches me? 
• What does it stir within me?

Pray

Prayer is of course very important for initiating and living a profound conversion, which we can already ask for in our prayers. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all without reserve or reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).

Prayer opens the heart and makes room for God's graces.

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