Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul Year 2
Theme: We are instruments
Today brings us to the end of the unity week and the church also celebrates the feast of the conversion of Saint Paul. The conversion of Saint Paul shows the extent to which the mercy of God can go to give us another chance. The conversion of Paul was necessary to God, because he saw him as a worthy instrument for his mission. This goes to show us that whatever God decides to do is what he would do. Some of us may be wondering why Paul, somebody who was killing Christians? That is according human thinking, but the ways of God are quite different from our ways; and he does whatever he wills without recourse to anyone. Simply put, for God, anybody can be used as an instrument of Gods love.
Dearly beloved in Christ, we have to try to imbibe the spirit of God, which does not condemn a sinner, but gives him the opportunity for conversion, just like Paul received. The mercy of God as experienced by Paul today, affirms the saying of Jesus that he came for sinners and not for the righteous. In the same way we are all encouraged to imbibe this same attitude in our relationship with one another. Everybody deserves another chance and not condemnation from us as brothers and sisters.
In the gospel reading, Jesus gives us a mandate to go and preach the good news of salvation. This mandate was greatly adhered to by St. Paul after his conversion. He visited different communities preaching the word of God. He was truly a worthy instrument in the hand of God. As we celebrate St. Paul’s conversion today, we are all encouraged to imbibe this same spirit and be worthy instruments in the hands of God, just like St Paul after his conversion.
May the Lord grant us the grace to be worthy instrument in the hands of God. Peace be with you.