Thomas grew up in a devout Catholic family. He was quite fond of his religion. He liked to go to Mass and serve as an altar boy. One of his brothers became a priest and a sister a religious nun.
However, after his college studies he became a staunch Marxist, distanced himself from his religious roots and began to disparage all forms of religious practices as foolish superstition. He even participated in anti-church rallies, denouncing the clergy. Years passed that way.
Now, in his sixties, he has gone through a re-conversion. He is again a devout Catholic, joining in family prayers, a daily church-goer and an active participant in parish activities. He loves especially the Benediction, with the ritualistic ambience of incense and candles. His erstwhile Marxist friends are flabbergasted and even make fun of him. But he does not care.
Re-Experiencing the Sacred
Re-conversion experience, like that of Thomas, is quite common in the post-midlife years.
Often, during the journey through adolescence and young adulthood, the sense of the sacred recedes and sometimes disappears from conscious awareness and expression. However, as life slows down and one moves toward the sunset years, the sense of the sacred remerges.
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Fr Jose Parappully SDB
