Homily: Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul

Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul (Acts 22:3-16) “Apostle to the Gentiles”

When we use the word Apostle, we usually think of the twelve. St. Paul was not one of the twelve. How can he be an apostle, we might ask? There are two qualifications to be an apostle. The first is that you must have an experience of meeting the risen Lord. The second is that you must be sent out by the Lord to evangelize.

St. Paul had both qualifications. He told the story of his experience of meeting the resurrected Jesus several times in the scriptures. We have one of those accounts in the passage we read today from the Acts of the Apostles.

The account has been described as St. Paul being knocked off his horse. But there is no mention of a horse. St. Paul was on his way to Damascus where he hoped to continue his persecution of Christians. As he describes he is hit by a flash of light. He is knocked off his feet and he is blinded.

What exactly happened. We don’t know. Was he hit by a lighting bolt? Did he have some physical attack like a seizure. We are not sure. Paul had a powerful encounter which changed his whole life. During that otherworldly experience Paul had a conversation with Jesus. Jesus asks Paul why he is persecuting Christians. Paul is blinded and only regains his sight when he is baptized a Christian. Because of this mystical experience, Paul believes he qualifies to be an apostle.

Paul’s credentials as an apostle are enhanced for the rest of his life. He travels thousands of miles to carry the Gospel message throughout the known world. He suffers in numerous ways as he ministers in the church. He started more churches than any other early Christian. He wrote more of the New Testament than anyone. Truly he was an apostle equal to any other.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Which Apostle do you admire most? Why?

2.   Are there other Apostles than the twelve and St. Paul? Have you known an apostle, if so, who?

Dear Parishioners,

             Tonight, we will be having a pre baptism class. We have many parents who wish to have their children baptized. It is heartening to see this hunger for the sacraments. 

            Many families draw strength from other families when they come to Mass. Many are searching for family structure. Perhaps parents have not had much guidance as they grew up on how to be Christian mothers and fathers. We all need to pray for and encourage young parents in our midst. Perhaps we can look to the example St. Paul gave. We can help make disciples.

            May our Lady pray for us,

            Fr. Mark