Good News / MetaFaith

Turn Toward the Light
by Author Unknown 21.04.2006, changed 30.04.2006

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Metanoia. Literally, it is a Greek word meaning 'change of mind'. Yet the full meaning is somewhat more. In the New Testament, the word metanoia is often translated as 'repentance'. But this kind of repentance is not about regret or guilt or shame; it implies making a decision to turn around, to face a new direction.

To turn toward the light.

This wonderful explanation was given to us by a friend:


Imagine you are standing in a circle of people.

In the center of the circle, there is a source of light.

But rather than facing the center and the light, you are standing with your back to the light, facing outward.

When you stand this way, facing away from the light, all you can see is your own shadow.

You cannot see the light.

You can only look into your shadow.

You cannot see the others in the circle with you.

From what you can see, you are disconnected and alone in the dark.

Now imagine that you turn around to face the light that is in the center of the circle.

When you turn toward the light, you no longer see only darkness.

When you turn toward the light, your shadow is behind you.

When you turn toward the light, you can now see the other people who are standing with you.

You can see that the light is shining on everyone and that you are all connected in its radiance.Making the decision to turn around, to turn away from shadow, to face the light: this is metanoia.

[Editor's Note: This article was excerpted from a page that used to appear at Metanoia.Org under the heading, Turn Toward the Light. The metanoia image is also borrowed from that site.]