Readings
I - Acts. 22: 3-16
II - Mk. 16: 15-18
CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL (Feast)
Today the Church celebrates the feast of conversion of St. Paul, a giant of Christianity and the pillar of the Church. Paul before his conversion was Saul, a Jew, born in Tarsus, Cilicia belonging to the tribe of Benjamin. He was Roman citizen by birth. He was educated under Gamaliel, the great Rabi of the time. He was fluent in both Greek and Hebrew languages. He learnt the Jewish law thoroughly. He was loyal to the law and Zealous for the traditions of his ancestors (Gal. 1:14) and so he persecuted the Christians. On his way to Damascus as given in the first reading, had a supernatural experience that made Paul a passionate proclaimer and convinced believer of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Paul after his conversion undertook three missionary expeditions in the Eastern Mediterranean region. He had written thirteen epistles to build and strengthen the life of faith of the Christians.
He took delight in calling himself as an apostle of Jesus. As perfect apostle of Jesus, he bore a perfect witness to the Gospel passage of the day. He proclaimed vehemently about Christ not only in words but also in deeds, this is why he was able to say, “Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ” (1Cor. 11:1). He was not harmed by the viper that rounded his hand (Acts. 28: 3); he spoke in tongues (1Cor 14:18) and he did cast out demons (Acts. 16:18). This is credible Christian living. Let us too like St. Paul bear witness to the Lord by actualising his words in our lives. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to live a credible witnessing life of Christian" as we strive with prayer for our own personal conversion.
