HOMILY OF MONDAY 25TH JANUARY, 2021
THE CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL, AP (FEAST)
R1:- Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22
PS:- 117:1-2 ( Mark 16:15)
Accl:- John 15:16
Gospel:- Mark 16:15-18
THEME: ARRESTED FOR SERVICE
The conversion of St Paul was the transformation of a man filled with book knowledge into someone who had a personal experience of the Lord.
Taking a leave from the encounter of Paul, we can deduce that, it is possible for a scholar to teach what he does not believe in. Persuasive arguments or proper indoctrination can make one to be too passionate about a particular path that leads to nowhere.
St Paul was a theologian. He was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, educated according to the strict manner of the law. He was very zealous for God. All he needed was an encounter with Jesus.
However, it is a great privilege for Paul to have encountered the Lord even when he was on a mission to persecute the Christians.
He was arrested and converted for a special mission to the Gentiles. He worked exceptionally with the same passion with which he was persecuting the Christians.
On our own part, we must always pray for divine encounter. Let us desire an experience with the Lord, so that we don’t find ourselves wrestling with his will in our lives. Let us pray that our knowledge, talents and gifts will not be misdirected, lest run the risk of persecuting the Lord by our lives.
May our lives be that of continuous service to God’s kingdom. May his grace lead us to the path of salvation through Christ our Lord.
