Go out to all the world and tell the Good News. — Mark 16:15

Mass Readings: Acts 22:3-16 or 9:1-22 / Mark 16:15-18 

Persecutor Turned Persuader 

Today’s first reading from Acts 9 offers a great dramatic story: the spectacular light, a supernatural voice, the strange blindness, and its even stranger cure. But the most dramatic part isn’t found in these external phenomena, but in the radical transformation of the central figure, Saul. 

Saul was powerful, persistent, and passionate as he hunted down and persecuted countless Christians (Acts 22:3-5). After his encounter with Jesus, Saul didn’t cease to be powerful, persistent, and passionate. The difference was his altered agenda. And he didn’t abandon his journey to Damascus, but proceeded there with completely different intentions (verse 22). From being a great persecutor of Christians, Saul became one of the greatest persuaders for Christ. How has your encounter with Jesus brought your energies and abilities under His control and how are your using them for His purposes?

Prayer: All that I am and all that I have, I give to You, Lord Jesus.