The Transformative Character of Christ’s Event

by Fr. Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.  |  03/30/2025  |  Weekly Reflection

Beloved Parishioners,

As we continue our journey into this Lenten season I share with you reflection on the transformative nature of Christ. Transformation happens when we accept Christ and open to his guidance of the Holy Spirit. Christianity, in functionality and practice is execrably transformative. Who can deny this? The birth of Christ remarkably changed the course of human history and introduced us to a new way of marking date — the Anno Domini (AD), year of the Lord.

More so, the Christian values and morality are such that they give dignity to human existence and are at the foundation of modern civilization and development. If not, why do we always rely on the saying “In God we trust” as a testament and principle of our operation as a nation? This transformative power of Christ is that Christian identity and role of which St. Peter exhorts us to always bear in mind when he states: “you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10).

Remarkably, the Lenten season is a period we subject ourselves to the transformation only Christ can bring. It is during Lent that we abstain from certain meals, behaviors and practices as well as adopt prayerful and charitable disposition or drive which are foundational for modifying our behavior for the good. Psychological research has shown that self-control can be strengthened with the practice of virtue such as we do during Lent, much like a muscle. From a cognitive-behavioral perspective, abstinence can be viewed as a way to break the cycle of negative thought patterns and behaviors. For example, if an individual struggles with an addictive behavior, abstinence may serve as a structured way to disrupt the automatic urges that arise from these patterns. Over time, the person can replace negative behaviors with positive ones, using such religious principles as a framework to challenge and reshape their thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Abstinence thus encourages mindfulness and self-awareness, which can enhance an individual’s ability to form new habits. This is a part of being “in Christ” or becoming a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Another important way Christ, through the Church, has set for us to further strengthen and reinforce our resolve to renewal and transformation is the sacramental confession. When we commit ourselves to confession, we seek reconciliation with God, and he grants us the grace to remain steadfast in our journey of faith. Additionally, confession offers us a structured outlet for easing the burden of unspoken guilt, otherwise known as catharsis; and an assurance of divine forgiveness, granted through the priest, which in turn allows us to release the psychological weight of our past mistakes.

What is more? As ambassadors, if we are to represent Christ properly, our lives should bear witness to Christ and further attract people to a solid transformation and renewal. The examples of our lives should make journeying with Christ attractive because most people may not read the Bible, but they are reading our lives. As St. Francis of Assisi would say “Preach at all times; use word only when necessary.” Ultimately, we must not forget that through prayer, the Word of God, and the sacraments, we encounter God’s presence and are shaped and renewed by it. Hence, we must strive to enthrone these virtuous practices in our day-to-day living. Shalom.