Today, we celebrate the conversion of Paul, as we hear the very dramatic account of his conversion from Acts of the Apostles, of how he was traveling on the road to Damascus when a bright light and the voice of God came out of nowhere. Perhaps many of us would like such a dramatic and clear episode in our own lives when we’re trying to make a decision or when we’re searching for direction.
Paul felt God calling him to a very special mission: to bring the Good New of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. Paul, who had been a persecutor of Christians, ended up being persecuted himself for the faith, spending more than 3 years behind bars for his role in preaching the Gospel. Prior to his conversion, Paul had been very strict in his Jewish faith and zealous in his devotion to God's laws and commandments. We can imagine how strong a conversion Paul had to experience in order to stay true to his calling through all his hardships, spreading the Gospel to people whom the Jews considered to be unclean.
Paul has had a tremendous influence on our Catholic faith, so much so that we celebrated the 2000th anniversary of his birth in the Year of St Paul as declared by Pope Benedict XVI. Today, with the joy of the Gospel in our hearts, let us give thanks for the conversion Paul received in his life, and the conversions that still go on in our Church today, for those individuals who either being baptized in the faith or entering into full communion with our Church through our RCIA program here at St Jude in Pearl. Let us give thanks for all of the journeys and stories of faith these individuals bring to us, for the enthusiasm and new life that they bring to our parishes. In celebrating Paul's conversion, let us appreciate Paul and the others who have passed down their faith to us.
No comments:
Post a Comment