Conversion

Today is the Feast of the Conversion of Paul, a story apparently so significant in the early church that it appears twice in the Acts of the Apostles. You may click here to read both versions.

Here's the plot summary: Saul, an educated Jew, was energetically persecuting the early Christians. On his way to Damascus, he was struck blind and heard the voice of Jesus call out to him. He was led to Damascus where Ananias, a leading Jewish Christian, restored his sight. He recovered, was baptized, took on the name "Paul" and eventually became a tireless preacher for the religion he had just recently opposed.
The Statute of the Conversion of St. Paul stands in front of the Seminary of the Missionary Society of St. Paul in Abuja, Nigeria.
 The words from the sky, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting" were foundational to Paul's ecclesiology (view of church) - recognizing not only the reality that we become members of the Body of Christ through our baptism, but also the myriad implications of that great mystery.

This event brings up so many things to ponder:

• Have you ever felt 'knocked off your horse', suddenly and keenly aware that something HAD to change in your life?
• Who was "Ananias" for you during that time?
• If God could forgive Saul's persecutions, is there any forgiveness God would withhold from us?
  
• How do you think the early Christians felt when Paul suddenly joined them, and even preached to them?
• Are you able to give people a 'second chance'?
• How well are you doing living as the Body of Christ in our world?
• How well do you recognize and treat others as the Body of Christ?