Conversion of St Paul

Saint John Chrysostom praises the Apostle St Paul, as he speaks about his conviction of faith, and strength in the face of danger and evil.  Paul, a forceful teacher, feared only one thing; offending God.  We are well aware of the story of St. Paul's conversion,  A blinding light throws him to the ground, as a voice demands to know why he persecuting the Christ.  A righteous man Paul hears the voice of Jesus for the first time, and follows him faithfully.

As we celebrate the transformation of this follower of Christ, his conversion and discipleship, we also pray (as in the Collect of today Mass) that the same "Spirit who helped St Paul to preach God's power and glory, fill us up with the light of faith."    Sadly many of us still reside in a 'service station' mentality of faith.  We approach God when we are empty, or are rattling a bit, and get our fill of holy stuff.  Then we go on our way.  St Paul's entire life becomes centered on the Gospel he preaches.  To be sure, holy people are not always kneeling, nor are our eyes rolled up constantly, but we recognize the love of God, the integrity of our neighbor, and our own dignity. 

We are in a scary culture which does not always contemplate a universal moral law, nor value the sacredness of human life.  So often decisions are made according to ones immediate desires and superficial values.  Faith calls us into a relationship with God and the values espoused in the sacred scriptures.  As St. Paul reflects on the cross, he helps us understand that this faith life is an ongoing progress of suffering, death, and resurrection.

In our Church today we talk a lot about evangelization.  We are always trying to create a program.  But the best programs seems to be one in which there is an ongoing conversion in our own faith life, and sharing 'Good News.'  In particular this applies to the lost and floundering members of our world today.  The Beatitudes and corporal and spiritual works of mercy outline some of the best responses that we can have.

St Paul's letters leave us with a theology and a practice of faithful discipleship, and being good stewards of what we have received.  We just have to listen for the voice of Jesus, and follow his direction.