Feast of the Conversion
of Saint Paul the Apostle
Scripture:
Acts 22:3-16 or 9:1-22
Mark 16:15-18
Reflection:
"Go into the world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature."
Paul also known as Saul was a faithful Jew, a Pharisee whose strict observance and interpretation of the Law led him to persecute those who chose to believe in the glorified and risen Lord and Savior. On the road to Damascus, Christ appeared to Saul, and completely changed his life and opened his eyes to the truth of the gospel. "And he began at once to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. (Acts 20)
Today, as we celebrate the Conversion of St. Paul, the Apostle, we are reminded of the mission entrusted to all of us, to proclaim the good news of the gospel. In an address given by Benedict XVI on January 25, 2009 he reflected on the significance of Paul’s conversion for the Christian world. There was one sentence in his address in particular that grabbed my attention – "Entrusting myself to the power of his forgiveness, letting myself be taken by his hand, I can come out of the quicksands of pride and sin, of deceit and sadness, of selfishness and of every false security, to know and live the richness of his love." How can I go through life and not share with others such hope?
It is our mission to proclaim the richness of His love to every creature. As human beings it is instinctual for us to share good news – an engagement, a promotion, we want to reach out to all who will listen. The gospel and the anticipation of the resurrection is the ultimate good news for everyone, especially for those suffering in the world. So get out there and spread the news.
Angela Kwasinski is Director of Planned and Major Gifts for the Passionists of Holy Cross Province.