The Conversion of St Paul

Acts 22:3-16, Mk 16:15-18. On this day we celebrate a great feast in the Church as we recall the important moment when the Lord appeared to Paul in a vision as he was on his way to Damascus. The road to Damascus became an encounter and transformation for Paul. Today's first reading records how Paul encountered the living Jesus and became a changed man. The persecutor became the preacher; the stubborn Pharisee turned into an ardent and zealous preacher of the Gospel; the Jew became the Apostle of the Gentiles. Paul was a scholar in the Jewish Scripture, but he was narrow-minded, so intent on protecting God and Torah that he could not recognise the plan of God for humanity. The light of Christ blinded his external eyes but opened the inner sight to see the truth.

Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus is a reminder that all sinners and righteous alike are in need of conversion. Christian life is a journey on the road of Christ to the Father’s house. There are many obstacles on this road that can prevent us from moving on and progressing. Conversion is to be struck by the love of God and get the inner eye illumined. It means moving from darkness to light, blindness to sight, fickleness to fidelity, fear to fortitude and resistance to surrender. The great commission of Jesus in today's Gospel presents a personal commissioning for us. The Gospel is to be carried to the whole world and preached to all creation. No barriers or excuses are considered in sharing the Gospel. Paul accepted and accomplished this uncompromising demand of the mission mandate. The Lord works through anyone taking up this great commission and He will confirm His Word by signs.

May the Lord make our way straight by following in the footsteps of Christ and by witnessing to His truth before all, we may become worthy vessel of God! Amen!! Good morning and happy weekend!!!