Homily Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, “Believing in a Flash”
Homily Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, “Believing in a Flash”
The time we are living through is a very difficult one. We struggle with polarization between Republicans and Democrats, between races, between religions and between Catholics. We might despair that anyone can change their mind. Once someone has professed belief in something that seems to be the end of the story.
If we can’t quite fathom the idea of conversion anymore, we might want to look at the life of St. Paul. St. Paul was a Pharisee who was rigid in his adherence to a certain way of being Jewish. Part of his belief was that Christians were heretics.
We read how he was complicit in the condemnation of St. Stephen and his subsequent execution. He stood by smugly and watched Stephen being stoned to death. After this was all over, he left for Damascus so that he might persecute other Christians.
But then it happened. A flash of light knocked Paul down. He was blinded and Jesus called him by name. His conversion was dramatic. There seemed to be no reason to suspect that it would happen.
We probably have heard of other Christians who share the moment when they were born again. They point to the precise day and hour when they professed Jesus as their personal savior.
I have never had such an experience, but I can accept the fact that such metanoias do occur because of what happened to St. Paul. Jesus had a mission for Paul to accomplish. He did more to spread the Christian message through his missionary work and writing than almost any other Christian who has ever lived.
Paul’s life shows that people can change. We should be slow on giving up on someone changing their opinion, but we should be humble enough to say maybe it is up to Holy Spirit to accomplish what I cannot.
Reflection Questions:
- What is my conversion story? Is there something supernatural about it?
- Is there someone in my life that has been blinded by ideology? How do I feel about what they believe? Can I give them time to see a different course?
Dear Parishioners,
In the next few weeks, we will be having rites for parishioners who will be receiving the sacraments of initiation. Our RCIA candidates will be declaring their choice to become full members of the Catholic faith. Our First Communion students will be publicly stating their intention to receive this sacrament and our eight grade students will be publicly committing to being confirmed.
All these members of our parish need our support as they anticipate celebrating these important sacraments. I would ask our parish members to affirm these choices in whatever way you can. The pandemic has disrupted the preparation process. Any support that members of Sacred Heart can give would be appreciated.
May Our Lady and all the angels and saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark