Flip-Flop, Waffle or Conversion?

Homily for April 19, 2015 (3rd Sunday of Easter)
Acts 3:13-15, 17-19; Psalm 4 (vv.); 1 John 2:1-5a; Luke 24:35-48

Flip-Flop, Waffle or Conversion?

It will be another year-and-a-half before our nation holds the next presidential election, but the campaign season is already well underway.  Three Republicans have already declared their candidacy, with more to come; and the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party has formally announced that she is running.  With all of these presidential aspirants there are certain to be a lot of campaign ads.  That’s great news for television and cable channel revenues but not so good news for voters who will have to endure a steady stream of commercials unfortunately designed to mislead or manipulate at least as often as to educate us.

Among the most toxic charges that can be leveled against a candidate these days is “flip-flopping” or “waffling” on the issues.  The assumption is that changing a position is a betrayal of one’s values or a sign that he or she has no firm convictions.  What can be overlooked, however, is that changing one’s mind can also be a good thing.  It can be a sign that he or she is open to new ideas, different perspectives, and alternative approaches to getting things done.  It may even demonstrate a commitment to statesmanship and the common good over partisan advantage or political gamesmanship.

Thankfully, God is not a Super PAC!  In fact, in God’s eyes change is often not only good but even necessary.  God wants us to change, to see things differently, and open ourselves to new possibilities.  When Jesus appeared to the disciples after his resurrection, he first had to overcome their shock and fear.  After asking them almost rhetorically, “Why are you troubled?” he moved very quickly to assure them that he had indeed triumphed over death and that he was sending them forth in that same power to proclaim the gospel of “repentance, for the forgiveness of sins” first in Jerusalem and then “to all the nations.”

After the promised gift of the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), they began to fulfill that mission.  Foremost among them was Peter, greatly gifted as well as deeply flawed, who after recounting the role of the crowds in Jerusalem and their leaders in the passion and death of Jesus, urged them “Repent…and be converted, that your sins be wiped away.”  The doors to God’s mercy and transforming grace were open; but they needed to walk through.  John likewise urged the early church in many words “Don’t sin…but if you do, never forget that you have someone at your side—Jesus.”  The best way to stay in relationship with him was to do what he said.  It must have sounded pretty simple then; and it still does.

Well, almost.  As much as we try to follow Jesus’ words and example, we sometimes fail.  We are imperfect disciples.  We’re parents who aren’t always good examples for our kids.  We’re workers who cut corners on the job.  We’re students who neglect the gift of education.  We’re priests and religious who profess one way of life but live another.  We’re a church that sometimes seems like a gated community for the saved rather than a field hospital for the suffering, a home for the lost, and a refuge for those battered by life.

We are who we are; but we can be more—who God has created us to be.  That’s not waffling or flip-flopping.  It’s conversion:  God’s grace at work, God’s face shining on us and through us. +