For the past few years, I have been quite obsessed with the phrase “joys and sorrows”. Anytime I see those two words together I make a note of it, whether in a book, on a billboard, or in an everyday conversation. Perhaps that is why I was moved by this word katanyxis after reading the definition in the Philokalia, “The state of one who is ‘pricked to the heart’… a mingled feeling of sorrow, tenderness and joy; springing from sincere repentance.” 

As someone who needs to pay special attention to his physical heart (because of a slow heartbeat), I love this image of being ‘pricked to the heart’. Today, ‘compunction’ often carries a negative connotation, perhaps similar to ‘Catholic guilt’, but I believe that the word in Greek carries a much more positive and optimistic connotation. 

This word, katanyxis, is only used once in the entire New Testament. In the Book of Acts, we hear that after Peter spoke to the Jewish people, the people were ‘cut to the heart’ and responded with “What are we to do?” I find that response wonderfully appropriate.

Reflecting on this word reminds me of when I heard ‘the call’ to religious life. I can remember it so distinctly, March 19th, 2023, sitting in Good Shepherd Church in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. At that time I felt like I was having my “4th and Walnut” moment. Like a flash of lightning, I became overwhelmed with the joys and sorrows of those in the pews around me.  In that pew in Good Shepherd Church, my heart was so pricked that all I could do was respond with “What am I to do?” I literally ran out of the Church to call a friar to seek what I should do next. 

Where do you feel your heart pricked? Perhaps it is in a certain environment like a soup kitchen, or during Adoration. Perhaps it is within a certain relationship. Like the crowd responding to Peter, ask God, “What are we to do?”

Further Scripture to reflect on

• “On the day of Pentecost, Peter said to the Jewish people, “Let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other Apostles, “What are we to do, my brothers?” Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.” He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day.” Acts 2:36-41