Friday of the Third Week of Easter
Do you have a dramatic conversion story? I don’t. And there have probably been times in my life when I was a little jealous of those who do. I was born into a Catholic family, was raised Catholic, and have remained Catholic. Not that I haven’t had moments of conversion and periods of doubt. But I didn’t have the kind of experience we hear about in today’s reading from Acts when Saul (later named Paul) on the road to Damascus was knocked down and blinded while hearing the voice of Jesus.
As I reflected on this reading today (Acts 9:1-20), I realized, maybe for the first time ever, that another important character in this story is Ananias (who I’m guessing had a less dramatic conversion story). When we meet Ananias he is already a disciple of Jesus. One who is simply faithful and open and trusting. We are told that the Lord spoke to him in a vision, which I take to mean during prayer (there were no flashes of light or temporary blindness). Yes, Ananias does question what’s being asked of him, given that Saul has a reputation for persecuting Christians (today’s passage even begins with “Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord…”). But this doesn’t prevent Ananias from listening and carrying out what he is instructed to do, which ultimately involves baptizing the one whom he had (understandably) feared.
Ananias played an important role in the conversion God had begun in Saul on the road to Damascus. Ananias’ faithful listening, trust and obedience was just as important as Paul’s dramatic experience. One is not better, or more or less important, than the other. Sometimes a more dramatic experience is needed, and sometimes it isn’t.
I think the important thing is that we remain open to conversion in both big and small ways. What is Jesus calling me to today? The work is not done. Whether we relate more to Paul or Ananias, we are called to listen, hear, and respond to the Risen One.
For the transforming work that has been done and begun in our lives and the lives of the larger, global community of disciples, let us pray with the psalmist (117), “Praise the Lord, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples!” Alleluia.
~Eileen Miller