THE WAY OF THE LORD
The
First Reading is about one of the most dramatic conversions in the
Bible. Luke recalls the story of Paul’s conversion with vivid and
precise details. People are astounded by the change in his life. Even
the holy Ananias, sent to heal him, has trouble believing the event. The
one who once persecuted Jesus’ followers becomes one of His greatest
advocates.
Saul,
on his way to carry out the arrest of the followers of the Way, (the
name of the first Christians), is stopped by a blinding light. He falls
to the ground and, turning blind, he hears the voice crying out to him.
His sight is restored through the intercession of Ananias and life is
never the same again for Paul. We read a number of letters written by
Paul speaking of his love, faithfulness and commitment to the Christ he
once persecuted.
Most
of us will experience “little conversions” that help us develop and
grow in our faith. Conversion takes place when we are captured by the
love of God. Our whole attitude towards life changes. We are drawn to
serve the Lord, to pray and to carry out His will more fervently in our
life. We remember that decisive moment in our lives where we proclaimed
with truth and conviction: Jesus is the Son of God. He is the Savior of
my life. I live for Him alone. I love Him. I will serve Him.
Conversion
takes place in all areas of our lives: intellectual, spiritual,
emotional and psychological. All these aspects are in the conversion of
Paul. He had to change his whole way of thinking. He had to revisit
Scripture, seeing them in the culmination of the Christ Event (i.e.,
Jesus’ death and resurrection). His emotions underwent conversion as he
grappled with the mystery of God hidden in Christ. Saul learned to
accept that the Way he once persecuted was truly the Way of the Lord,
the God of Israel, in bringing salvation to the world.
Most
often, our conversion will be a little less dramatic than Paul.
Nevertheless, God still calls us and challenges us to accept His will
and follow Him. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTION: Reflect on your own life. Where do you see God changing your life — intellectual, spiritual or emotional?
Grant me, Lord, a change of heart and mind that I might love You and follow You more. Amen.
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