Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul
First Reading - Acts 22:3-16
Gospel - Mark 16:15-18
The first reading recounts Paul’s dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Saul, who was once a fierce persecutor of Christians, is struck down and confronted by Jesus, who identifies Himself with the very people Saul is targeting. This moment not only marks Saul’s conversion but also reveals his mission: to proclaim Jesus as Lord and to bear witness to His saving power. Paul’s transformation from a zealous persecutor to a fervent apostle highlights the transformative grace of God and His ability to call even the most unlikely individuals to His service.
In the Gospel, Jesus gives His final missionary command to His disciples, commissioning them to go into the world and proclaim the Good News. He assures them of the Spirit’s presence and promises extraordinary signs that will confirm their mission. These signs serve as a testament to the power of the Gospel and as a means for others to recognize Jesus as Lord, leading them to salvation.
Dear friends, Paul’s conversion and mission hold profound lessons for us. First, we are reminded that every Christian represents Christ. When Jesus asks Saul, “Why do you persecute me?” He reveals that He is intimately connected to His followers. As believers, we are called to reflect Christ in our words, actions, and choices, becoming living witnesses of His love and truth.
Second, as Christians, we are entrusted with the mission of sharing the message of salvation. This is not just a task but a core part of our identity. Like Paul, we are called to bring the light of Christ to others, helping them recognize Him as their Savior. The Church’s vibrancy and continued growth throughout history testify to the power of this mission, carried out by countless faithful disciples who have transformed lives through their witness.
Third, true witness begins with personal transformation. Before Paul could become a missionary, he had to undergo a radical conversion, turning away from his former ways and embracing a new life in Christ. Similarly, we are called to a life of ongoing conversion, shedding selfishness, pride, and sin, and allowing Christ to renew us. Only then can we authentically share His message with others.
Today, we are invited to reflect on our own journey of faith. Are we allowing Christ to transform us? Are we living as faithful witnesses of His love and truth? Do we recognize His presence in others and in ourselves? Paul’s story shows us that no one is beyond God’s reach and that His grace can make all things new.
Let us pray for the courage and grace to follow Paul’s example, becoming true witnesses of Christ in both word and deed. May we rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we strive to live out our mission, bringing the light of Christ to those around us and participating in the Church’s work of transformation and salvation. May our lives, like Paul’s, reflect the power of God’s love and the joy of knowing Him.
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