St. Paul writes extensively in his epistle to the Ephesians about the new Gentile converts who would turn from their heathen ways and find renewal in Christ, whom they have welcomed, to better align with Christ, the one who has bestowed upon them a new identity. There are three main phases that St. Paul outlined for becoming more like Christ. The three stages include shedding the old self, renewing oneself, and donning the new self.

I can only image how uneasy they could be at first when the new followers of Christ gradually incorporated their identities as Christians into their everyday life. Their upbringing’s gestures, words, customs, and entire culture are all replaced. The fact that Christ is not a better improvement is a good shift at Ephesus. Without the ugly caterpillar going through the metamorphosis process and becoming a cocoon, there would be no butterfly.

Following six years of exile in Ibiza, Palau was granted freedom. He was kept within the cave, frequently by himself, in seclusion and quietness. Separated from others and away from the cacophony of the outside world. He had to leave after six years in order to alter his situation and way of living. He changed from a man of contemplation to a man of contemplation in action. He knew that his freedom entails self-giving to save souls. His prayer life translated into action has led him to serve as preacher, confessor, catechist and exorcist. His metamorphosis is not to whom he is to serve because his identity and the revelation of the Church to him, as God and neighbor impelled him to respond to the mission the Father has entrusted to him. “And it was to know my mission. God has openly manifested himself to me in this and now I am resolved.” (Letter 57)

May the changes in our lives lead us to a better understand the invitation of Christ to be more conformed to him and so be generous in serving our brothers and sisters.