If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand? — Psalm 130:3

Mass readings: Jonah 3:1-10 / Luke 10:38-42 

Mysterious Grace 

Grace is a mystery. Hence, so is conversion, which never comes simply from realizing one’s sorry spiritual state and turning over a new leaf out of sheer willpower. Conversion happens when we accept grace into our lives. Sometimes I wonder why some saints reformed their lives dramatically, after early years on the wild side, while others were pious seemingly from the cradle on and hardly in need of conversion. St. Francis of Assisi was one of the former. So was St. Augustine. St. Dominic Savio was one of the latter. What accounts for the dramatic difference? 

We can learn from saints in both categories. But we have to let the mystery of grace be mysterious, and accept the grace God offers each of us for the ongoing conversion we need. 

Prayer: Gracious God, let me recognize and accept the grace You offer.