5/9/2014 – Friday of third week of Easter – Acts 9:1-20

     We are weaving our way through the Acts of Apostles and the journey of the Early Church.  We heard about Saul being present at the stoning of Stephen a few days ago.  Today, Saul is traveling to the city of Damascus when he has a profound conversion experience.  Jesus asks him why he had been persecuting him.  Saul is literally blinded by that experience.  Saul goes on to be Paul, the great apostle who brings Christianity to the Gentile world and changes the course of human history.   Paul, who had been the persecutor of Christians, will spend a great deal of time in prison for his role in witnessing to the Gospel.  He will die a martyr’s death.

     Paul became a great teacher and a great witness.  He founded many Christian communities and mentored many in the faith.   I think it is our responsibility to find those who will mentor us and lead us and guide us in the faith.   There are many great Catholic authors – both present and from throughout history – who can instruct us in the ways of the faith.   There are many ways here in our parish – in small groups and Bible study and adult faith formation – that we can learn and grow.  Let us think about what we need to do to continue to grow and develop as we journey in faith as disciples of Christ.