SIMPLE40 - DAY 15 - Conversion of Heart

Katie Donahue
1 day ago
5 min read

Living the virtue of simplicity is only possible through ongoing conversion of our hearts and our lives. Sometimes conversion comes in a sudden moment of clarity, but more often it unfolds quietly, almost imperceptibly, through daily choices. It is slow, humbling and lifelong.

Every moment we are given is a gift freely poured out by God. Each one carries an invitation: return to Me. Choose Me again. Grow a little more. Simplicity is not achieved in a single sweeping decision, it is formed in a thousand small yeses.

One surrendered thought.

One restrained word.

One act of trust.

Over time, these small turnings reorient the entire direction of our lives.

Conversion is a radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart, an end of sin, a turning away from evil, with repugnance toward the evil actions we have committed. At the same time it entails the desire and resolution to change one's life, with hope in God's mercy and trust in the help of his grace. ~CCC 1431

Conversion is both radical and gentle. Radical in its direction toward God alone. Gentle in its process, worked out patiently through grace. It is rooted in hope and sustained by mercy.

Our faith gives us everything we need for this lifelong transformation. Through Baptism, we were claimed as beloved sons and daughters. Original sin was washed away, and our dignity was proclaimed before heaven and earth. That identity does not disappear when we struggle. It remains the firm foundation of our return.

The Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist are not mere rituals, they are lifelines. In Confession, we face our faults honestly and experience the freedom of being forgiven. In the Eucharist, we receive Christ Himself, who strengthens what is weak and nourishes what is weary. We learn, again and again, that we cannot do this alone. And we were never meant to.

I am with you always, until the end of the age. ~Matthew 28:20

Christ's words here are steady, unchanging, and faithful. His promise to always be with us gives surety and confidence.

Simplicity grows when we remember who we are, where we are headed, and Who walks beside us. Conversion is not about becoming someone new, it is about becoming who we truly are in Him. One small, faithful step at a time.

spiritual

Making good use of the sacrament of confession is necessary for conversion of life which leads to simplicity. Through this powerful sacrament, God's mercy brings about our transformation and sanctification, as He gives us the graces we need to grow in holiness and overcome our daily struggles. In the single act of confession, you will exercise more virtues than in any other act whatsoever. ~St. Francis de Sales Click the link to prepare your heart for Reconciliation in the way of St. Benedict. This examen is based on his HOLY RULE: St. Benedict Examination of Conscience

My eyes are ever upon the LORD, who frees my feet from the snare. Look upon me, have pity on me, for I am alone and afflicted. ~Psalm 25:15-16

This music can help set the tone for your examen: Ambrosian Chant for Lent

self

We often think self-knowledge means knowing our strengths and weaknesses, and it does, but true self-knowledge also requires listening. Not just hearing our thoughts, but recognizing the condition of our inner world...what we deeply feel, fear, long for, and resist.

In his Lenten message, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that Lent invites us to make room for listening to the Word of God and to one another. In doing so, we allow God to reveal what is in our heart and make room for conversion. This same approach can help us listen to ourselves with honesty, compassion, and truth.

In Shalom, completeness comes when we live without contradiction between what we say and what we feel, when we are not divided inside. Listening within helps us see where peace dwells and where fragmentation still lingers.

Reflection Questions:

What is your inner voice saying today?
Are there areas of your life where you are avoiding honest listening?
Where does anxiety or reactivity still live in you?

Friday Challenge – The Weekend Speech Fast

Today, observe a mini-fast from reactive speech for at least 6 hours (you can choose the time). Catch yourself before you speak harshly, interrupt, criticize, or make assumptions. Instead, pause, breathe, and choose words that reflect peace ~shalom~ even if it is just kindness to yourself.

Don't forget to get your 40 minutes of intentional movement today! Is your phone still in grayscale mode? If not, this is your friendly reminder to do it!

service

Conversion of life helps us to get rid of extra baggage and attachments that weigh us down (sin and worldliness) and leads to simplicity of soul. It's time to let go of some things so you become lighter (literally and figuratively) and freer to pursue the things of God. Get some bags and fill them with clothing, shoes, and household items that you are not using or no longer need. A good rule if thumb is if you haven't worn it or used it in the last year, it's time to donate it! (Unless it's maternity clothes and baby gear...if you get rid of those things, you will likely have to replace them. Speaking from experience!)

Our Lord needs from us neither great deeds nor profound thoughts. Neither intelligence nor talents. He cherishes simplicity. ~St. Therese of Lisieux

simple recipe

CURRIED ZUCCHINI SOUP I just got some zucchini today and am making this simple, delicious soup. This is also a favorite in the summer with the plethora of zucchini we get from the garden. This freezes well and is good cold...and even for breakfast if you think out of the box! 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced 1 tablespoon curry powder sea salt to taste 4 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into 1 inch slices 1 quart vegetable or chicken stock Toppings: hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, grated carrot, chopped spinach Directions Heat the oil in a large pot. Stir in the onion, and season with curry powder and salt. Cook and stir until onion is tender. Stir in zucchini, and cook until tender. Pour in the chicken stock. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes. Remove soup from heat. Use a hand blender, or transfer in batches to a blender, and blend until almost smooth.