Do I have a distorted image of God?

2 mins read
Living Metanoia

Ava LalorAfter what felt like a long summer, fall is finally here in the Midwest. And while I’ve been craving the cooler temperatures and the comfort of fall-scented candles, I’m already beginning to miss the consistency of my morning walks.

For over a year, I’ve made daily walks a part of my routine, fluctuating with the ebb and flow of the seasons. But with sunrise currently not occurring until around 8 a.m. here in Indiana, and with overnight temperatures dropping to the low 40s, there is significantly less motivation to leave the comfort of my living room to lace up the sneakers and put on the multiple layers that, just weeks ago, were out of mind.

While I’m still taking advantage of the sunny days and forcing myself to get outside even on less than pleasant ones, I’m finding myself drawn more and more to the slowness this season provides. Which means my “To Be Read” book list is starting to grow longer once again.

Around this time last year, I wrote about what is probably my favorite book: “The Great Divorce” by C.S. Lewis. I recently reread it, and since then, the themes of life and death, choosing heaven or hell have been heavy on my mind and heart. But in a good way, because we need to think about these realities.

I could write another full column about Lewis’ genius in that book, but I have another to recommend this year: “Living Metanoia: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in Christ” (OSV, $18.95) by Father Dave Pivonka, TOR.

As the title suggests, Father Dave — the president of Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio — introduces what it means to daily live the concept of metanoia, which means conversion or change of heart. It comes from the passage of Scripture where John the Baptist urges those listening to repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.

Alright, so we need to convert our hearts daily to Christ. Sounds great. But we’ve heard that before. Still, sometimes we need to hear it in a new way.

Similar to “The Great Divorce,” Father Dave’s book quickly provided me with a few nuggets that left me reeling.

When explaining the concept of metanoia, Father Dave shares that it comes from understanding who God is. Yet, sadly, we often have a distorted view of God, often stemming from our own desire of who we want him to be. As Father Dave writes: “I don’t know if anyone has a perfect image of God; we all have room for conversion. I heard it said once that we were created in God’s image and then we returned the favor. We tend to make God out to be who we want him to be — a God who supports all of our causes, our recreation, and our political views. We want a loving, merciful, patient God for us, but we want ‘those people’ punished. We want a God of freedom, but then we get upset when he challenges how we use our freedom. We want the grace or ‘benefits’ of all that God offers without him asking any kind of personal response of us.”

I’m not one to readily mark up books, but I quickly took out my pen after reading that passage — if not before. This statement reminded me of exactly what Lewis portrays in his novella — how people justify their actions or refuse to accept what God asks of them. Instead of realizing that the God of love asks them to sacrifice their vices, they cling harder, explaining that they don’t believe in a God that doesn’t allow X, Y or Z.

As November wraps up the liturgical year, it’s a great time to do some proper reflecting on our own hearts. Where in the last year have we been receptive to God’s invitation to metanoia, and where have we clung harder to the image of God that we desire to create?

“Living Metanoia” is just one example of the books that have gotten my wheels turning lately. A few others — some which have intrigued me simply by their reviews — are included in our fall books review. I suggest you check them out and find a few books to read this fall and into winter to help you reflect on your heart and who God truly is.

Ava Lalor is assistant editor for Our Sunday Visitor and editor for Radiant magazine.

Ava Lalor

Ava Lalor is associate editor for Our Sunday Visitor and editor for Radiant magazine.