A Reflection from “The Kingdom of the Heart” by Dr. Alexander Harb
The Four Steps of Conversion
Repentance is hard work. Again, it cannot be a mere cognitive act—a decision to behave better—because we are physical and spiritual beings. Thus, we must repent with our body and soul. Often in the Liturgy this takes the form of making metanies—full or half prostrations in which we make the Sign of the Cross.
In making the Sign of the Cross with the metany, we recall that to return to the Lord, we must be humble, pick up our crosses, and follow Him. According to the Fathers, there are four practical steps that encompass the decision to repent.
The first step is acknowledging our sins. Even Judas achieved this stage of repentance, saying: “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood.” Here, one recognizes his or her corruption and hates it. This is difficult for people to bear, and it can easily lead to self-hatred if it is not rooted in faith. Faith in Christ and the deep and gentle affirmation of Jesus’ love, despite our sinfulness, help us to remember during this stage that we are beloved children, and sin can never change that. Faith in Jesus’ promises gives us the determination to move forward in our conversion while remembering that nothing in this life is perfect. Only by hoping in Jesus are we led to the peace and joy of life in Heaven.
The second step is to make a mental decision, a conscious choice, to forego sin and follow God. This is that mental act that
we discussed. However, here the decision is only made in the heart. It is not yet manifested externally.
The third step is called metathesis, meaning “to effect a change in state or condition.” This is a more practical and external stage in which we start to be purified and build good habits. A comparable concept in the West would be “avoiding the near occasion of sin.” In this third step, we have not developed the virtues, because we are still actively building them (and not just avoiding vice). It might still be difficult for us to choose to do what is right during this phase. So, we must become disciplined for it to become easier.
The fourth and final step is called metamorphosis, which means to “be transformed.” In this last stage, the person is changed from the inside and is living a completely new life. Reaching this stage does not mean that a person will never struggle again, but it does mean that he or she has acquired the tools to battle demons when they come. Abba Abraham says that even when we have mastered our passions, “the passions continue to live; it is simply that they are controlled.” God has given us the gifts to live a better life, but we are always in need of being vigilant, always seeking to be purified from our destructive habits.
All four of these stages lead us to Jesus, the compassionate Lover of Mankind. Walking through each of them is most efficacious when we allow Him to walk alongside us. Our lives have many phases, and all of them can either bring us closer to or drive us further away from God. When we move closer to Him through the stages of repentance, we learn how to be human—we learn
how to pray.
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This article on steps of conversoin is adapted from the book The Kingdom of the Heart by Dr. Alexander Harb which is available from Sophia Institute Press.
Art for this post on a reflection from The Kingdom of the Heart on the steps of conversion: cover used with permission; Photo used in accordance with Fair Use practices.