MESSENGER

Conversion of St. Paul

Mark 16:15

"Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.

On his way to Damascus, to capture more Christian followers and bring back to Jerusalem in chains, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice asking him why he is persecuting Christians, which in effect, he is persecuting the owner of the voice. He could not see anything and just asked the help of his companions. They went to Damascus and for three days, he was unable to see, eat or drink.

Ananias the disciple then came to see him. He was baptized and was able to see again. Saul, who was renamed Paul, was chosen by the Lord to be an instrument to carry His name before the Gentiles (non-Jews), kings and Israelites alike. He readily accepted Jesus and took the challenge of suffering, not against Him, but rather in His name. He remained some days in Damascus after his Baptism, and then went to Arabia, possibly for a year or two to prepare himself for his future missionary activity. His readiness to leave the past behind and entrust himself totally to the challenging plans of God kept him alive, strong and, excited until the last moment of his life.

Each of us has been called by God to go forth and proclaim the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all creatures. He calls man to seek Him, to know Him, to love Him with all His strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. You may now be blinded by your sins so you fail to see this eternal truth. Let Him open your eyes and show you the joy of being with Him. Let Him strengthen you as together, we proclaim the good news to every creature of this world.

Almighty Father, by the preaching of Your apostle Paul You have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world. Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to You by following his holy teaching; and have the courage to proclaim to the world Your love and Your promise of salvation.

Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News.