Part 2
Section 2
Chapter 2
Article 4
Part III
The Conversion Of The Baptized
Jesus calls to conversion. This call is an essential part of the
proclamation of the kingdom: "The time is fulfilled, and the king-
dom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel." In the
Church's preaching this call is addressed first to those who do not
yet know Christ and his Gospel. Also, Baptism is the principal place
for the first and fundamental conversion. It is by faith in the Gospel
and by Baptism that one renounces evil and gains salvation, that
is, the forgiveness of all sins and the gift of new life.
Christ's call to conversion to resound in the lives
of Christians. This second conversion is an uninterrupted task for the
whole Church who, "clasping sinners to her bosom, [is] at once holy
and always in need of purification, [and] follows constantly the path
of penance and renewal." This endeavor of conversion is not just a
human work. It is the movement of a "contrite heart," drawn and
moved by grace to respond to the merciful love of God
who loved us first.
St. Peter's conversion after he had denied his master three
times bears witness to this. Jesus' look of infinite mercy drew tears
of repentance from Peter and, after the Lord's resurrection, a
threefold affirmation of love for him. The second conversion also
has a communitarian dimension, as is clear in the Lord's call to a
whole Church: "Repent!"
St Ambrose says of the two conversions that, in the Church,
"there are water and tears: the water of Baptism and the tears
of repentance."
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