Daily Reflections - January 25,2013

LIFE AND PASSION

 

One of the great masterpieces of the renowned Italian master Caravaggio is his rendition of the Conversion of St. Paul on the Way to Damascus.

The painting brings to life Saul’s (later to be named Paul) conversion recounted in Chapter 9 of the Acts of the Apostles, when Saul was struck down on the road to Damascus on his way to persecute the Christians.

What is striking in the painting is that Paul, struck down from a mighty horse (though there was no horse in the biblical account), is rendered here as a handsome, strong, sturdy young man, clearly at the peak of his health and career. Caravaggio seems to communicate that young Paul’s life and passion were being used in the wrong way. Confronted by Jesus on his way to persecute the Christians, the same vibrant passion of the young Paul was now to be used to bring Christianity to the ends of the world — a mission for which he will dedicate his life until old age, until the last drop of his blood. Christ gave the young Paul a worthy mission for which he could dedicate his life. Christ also sustained Paul until the end of that mission.

This brought to mind a prayer I encountered early on in my priesthood — a prayer I usually pray on my sacerdotal anniversary. It goes, “God, give me work until my life shall end, and life until my work is done.” Today, as the Church celebrates the Conversion of St. Paul, undoubtedly the greatest missionary in the New Testament times, it might be good to make this prayer yours as well. Fr. Joel Jason

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: To what and for what are you using the vibrancy of your youth? For what are you spending the vigor of your strength?

 

God, give me work until my life shall end, and life until my work is done. Amen.