Conversion of St. Paul

Read Acts 22: 3-16 Mk 16: 15-18 (Pss Prop)

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation.” (Mk 16:15)

Saul, a pious and sincere Jew, had begun a furious persecution against the first Christians. To Saul, Jesus’ message was sacrilegious and dangerous to the established customs of the people of Israel and to the Law of Moses.

His conversion to the Lord was a genuine encounter with Life: “I am the light of the world. No follower of mine shall ever walk in darkness; no, he shall possess the light of life.” (Jn 8:12)

St. Paul wrote: “As I was traveling along, approaching Damascus around noon, a great light from the sky suddenly flashed all about me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ I answered, ‘Who are you, sir?’ He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazorean whom you are persecuting.’ My companions saw the light but did not hear the voice speaking to me. ‘What is it I must do, sir?’ I asked, and the Lord replied, ‘Get up and go into Damascus.’” (Acts 22:6-16)

St. Paul, now converted to the Lord, had no other reason to live except to carry the Good News of Jesus Christ to the distant lands.

The only thing that counts in life, and can indeed give life… is to appreciate, and help others know of, the love of God, through our commitment and goodness towards all those who have yet to discover Him.

Reflection and commentary

Psalm 65:4 “Happy the man you choose, and bring to dwell in your courts. May we be filled with the good things of your house, the holy things of your temple!”