Eucharistic Readings for the Conversion of St. Paul.
Acts 26:9-21 Psalm 67; Galatians 1:11-24; Matthew 10:16-22
“I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:11 and 12)
Today we remember the Conversion of St. Paul. Some Church friends and I went to see “Paul the Apostle.” It was a really good movie. The best part for me was the ending, wherein we saw Paul’s reward. I’m not going to go any further. I would like for you to see it for yourself. The movie reminds me that we live our Christian lives for the reward, that is, to be saved. I think too many of us forget that.
Paul was gifted with zeal before he was born but went about his early life in ways not pleasing to God. But God, in Christ Jesus, met him on the road to Damascus and changed his life. Our lives can change also if we show God that we are tireless in our efforts to do what we think God wants. God will show us the Way.
We get so wrapped up in this life we begin to feel this is it, and that this life is all there is. We must remember that this mortal life is not eternal. For those of us that lead hard or painful lives, this is good news. But even for us that don’t have it so bad there is still a better life to come if we persevere, if we endure to the end. We must remember that it is not what people think about us, rather it is what God knows about us. But thanks be to God, God is loving and merciful. A decision that costs us time and money here in this life, for the benefit of someone else, that they might be taken care of, is pleasing in Gods sight. Some of the blessings we have here is for us to pass on. It was never ours to keep. Like Abraham, we are blessed, and we bless others.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: (Conversion of Saint Paul January 25: BCP p. 238)
O God, 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; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
onewhoponders 