Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle
Today’s liturgy celebrates the conversion of St. Paul. The definition of conversion indicates a “change” or a turning away from certain ways to new beliefs. St. Paul’s experience of conversion was remarkable and resulted in a man who was on fire with sharing Jesus with the world. Every day we are given opportunities to bring about conversion in our lives. Like St. Paul, we are then called to share this new “way” with those around us.
The first reading shares the account of St. Paul’s dramatic experience on the road to Damascus. He is struck down and blinded by a light as Jesus questions him about his errant ways. After three days of darkness and reflection, St. Paul regains his sight, and he becomes the “chosen instrument” proclaiming Jesus is the Son of God. St. Paul’s change or transformation was great. He recounts how he was raised in the ways of the Jewish faith and began persecuting those who followed Jesus. Jesus’ presence, voice and words provoked a great turning about in St. Paul’s life, as he transformed from someone trying to stamp out followers to becoming a witness about Jesus and His Good News.
I know there are some days when having faith seem daunting. The headlines speak of war, disasters, political infighting and injustice in so many areas of our society. And yet, Christ is present in the world around us. How can we hear His voice and be converted to believe and follow His Way? I think that we have to recognize that these “revelations” begin with God’s grace. It was Jesus meeting St. Paul on the road that allowed this significant change. God is present throughout all of creation, and as St. Ignatius of Loyola teaches, we are called to find God in all things. The question is how to find God in the messiness of life and allow God to call us to new ways?
God is present, and God invites us to change, but we need to be open and responsive. Prayer is the beginning of our conversion. It is during our time with God that we begin to recognize His voice and His words, so we can see them in the little details of life. The more we spend time in scripture, the more we are able to see and hear God’s voice among the noises of daily life. Within the community of believers, we encounter others who are living examples of Christ. These many opportunities to experience God’s presence help train us to find God even in the smallest details.
These gray January days amidst a turbulent world can cause a sense of fear and surrender. This is where Jesus meets us and blinds us with the smile of a baby, a telephone call from a friend, or a scripture verse that lifts our spirit. In the tiny details of life, Jesus calls us to remember that we are not alone, we are loved, and we are called to let others know the same. We are changed from a negative attitude of discouragement to a mindset where we see beauty even in the midst of the strife. Our everyday conversions are remarkable, even if they do not involve being thrown to the ground by a blinding light. God is among us, sharing the light, grace, and love that we desire. We need only open our eyes and our hearts, so we can allow His grace to change our vision and then send us forth to change the world with this love.
Loving God, you sent us Jesus to share your mercy and goodness with us. Through the grace of your Spirit, give us the ability to seek and find You in our daily lives, so we may become transformed by your love and instruments of positive change throughout the world. May our daily conversions bring us closer to you and allow us to give you glory in all we do. We pray this in Christ’s name. AMEN.
-Marylynn Herchline