From Chaining to Chained, the Conversion of Paul

Today is the Feast of the conversion of Saint Paul. Saul was a zealous man, so eager to follow his interpretation of God’s laws that he helped murder a Christian and made plans to put more Christians in chains. On his way to Damascus to carry out the mission he thought was of God, God Himself in the Second Person appeared to him and told him to stop. Ananias the Christian, at first wary of such a vicious murderer and then girding himself with courageous obedience to the Lord, baptized and prayed over Saul. Saul, now Paul, became a zealous man for the Lord as the Lord Himself interpreted for him, preaching the name of Jesus all over the known world, ending up in chains and finally being murdered. Paul’s story of conversion is amazing. I have his medal around my neck. I didn’t buy it for Paul, though. I bought it for Peter on the other side. I feel like I’m always making mistakes. Peter made mistakes, but turned out okay. I identified with that. But, in wearing Paul’s medal, I have made friends with a guy whose heart is all in or all out. He is always at maximum speed. He wasn’t content with mediocre Pharisee-ism or mediocre Christianity. He gave himself up entirely, “poured out like a libation.” So, I like to ask him: Where am I gunning in zeal that is actually in the wrong direction? Where do I need to be turned around? Where am I blind and in need of someone to pray for me? How do I find zeal instead of settling for mediocrity? Maybe these are questions you would like to ask too. 

Suddenly finding himself blind, Saint Paul had the humility to submit to a new way, to convert, to conform himself to the image of Christ. I pray that I have the humility to submit, convert and conform my ways when the Lord shows me the light.