Phineas Gage was a railway worker in the 1800s who was made famous by an horrific industrial accident where a metal rod was impaled through the left side of his head. This destroyed almost the entire left frontal lobe of his brain. Amazingly he survived the accident and went on to live a further 12 years. It was as a result of this accident and his survival that doctors were able to observe the function of the frontal lobe of the brain.
It was observed that this previous tranquil and quiet man, became aggressive, frequently falling into rages. In short, he appeared to have a complete personality change.
Following this, more recent research into the frontal lobe of the brain, which is situated at the front of the brain, has shown that this area governs much of our behaviour including control of movement through sending signals to muscles throughout the body, but also reasoning and social understanding. Malfunction of this part of the brain is often exhibited by disinhibited behaviour, a previously quiet, reserved person becomes brash and socially unaware; conversely a previously boisterous and aggressive person becomes subdued. This was some of the basis behind the practice of frontal lobotomies performed for in the past for sever psychiatric disturbances, before more effective and kinder treatments were found.
In our faith we can have a complete personality change, in a positive way, without the need of drastic surgery. Jesus through his self-sacrifice on the cross brought about possibility of a change in the world, from the burden of sin that was weighing us down to the freedom of new life through him.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus that through you our lives are changed forever, we are free from the burden of sin, and can live in the light of your love. Amen