From Persecuting to Embracing Faith in Christ
January 25, 2025 - Saturday, Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle
Mark 16:15-18
Today the Church celebrates the conversion of St. Paul—a dramatic transformation that reminds us of the power of God’s grace. Conversion, as we often say, is a U-turn in life, a change in direction that embraces a new way of thinking and living. For Paul, this meant moving from being a Pharisee to becoming a follower of Christ, from persecuting the Church to proclaiming the Gospel. His conversion teaches us what it means to see with new eyes and to embrace what we once rejected.
The story of Paul’s conversion is told three times in the Acts of the Apostles, emphasizing its importance. There are three key details in these accounts that stand out:
First, Jesus’ words: “Why are you persecuting me?”
Jesus did not say, “Why are you persecuting them?” even though Paul was targeting Christians. Instead, Jesus’ words reveal His profound unity with His followers. To harm a Christian is to harm Christ Himself. This truth reminds us of the sacred bond we share as members of the Body of Christ—what affects one, affects all.
Second, the role of Ananias.
Even the great apostle Paul, blameless under the law of Moses, needed baptism to enter the community of faith. Ananias, a faithful but ordinary servant of Christ, played a pivotal role. He appears only once in the entire story of Paul’s life, but he appeared in the most crucial moment of his life. He welcomed him as a brother, not as a former enemy, laid hands and made Paul see again. This moment highlights the essential role of Christian community in conversion. Each of us, like Ananias, can be a bridge for others to encounter Christ.
Third, Jesus’ mission for Paul.
In Acts 26, Jesus explains the purpose of Paul’s evangelization: to open people’s eyes, to turn them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God. The Gospel offers forgiveness of sins and brings us into God’s sanctified family. This mission is not just Paul’s—it is ours too.
Realizing the life-transforming power of the Gospel, we are not surprised that Jesus commands us to go into the whole world and preach the Good News. Paul fulfilled this command with extraordinary zeal, traveling across the known world to share the message of salvation.
How about us?
Do we recognize the Gospel’s power to change lives—our own and others’? Are we willing to share its light with those still in darkness? Whether through simple acts of love, words of encouragement, or bold witness, we are called to be messengers of Christ’s Good News. Let us take Paul’s example to heart and strive to fulfill our mission with the same fervor.