The Conversion Of St. Paul

Listening to homilies and reflections also dispels falsehood.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, the Feast of Conversion of St. Paul, Thursday 25th February, 2024
Texts: Acts 22:3-16; Psalm 117:1.2; Mark 16:15- 18 

Today we celebrate the conversion of St. Paul, the lover and fender of the Truth. St. Paul’s passion for the truth cannot go unnoticed. He was always a defender of what he knew to be the truth. His education prepared him for the task of defending his faith. He says, “I am a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as you all are this day.” 

He tells us, today, how he defended Judaism. He said “I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, as the high priest and the whole council of elders bear me witness.” As Judaist, he defended the purity of the faith, not mainly for salvation of souls. Hence, he could afford to kill for the faith. He saw blasphemy as a death sentence.

He discovered the truth  

St. Paul’s conversion was a paradigm shift in his life. He discovered the truth and new approach to fend the truth. He, from then on, defended the truth for salvation of souls. He became all things to all men to save them. In his words: “To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I might by any means save some” (1 Cor. 9:22). 

The conversion of St. Paul challenges us to review what we hold to be the truth, so as to deepen our conversion. We could be like St. Paul, holding on to some falsehood. We are to shine the light of Christ on such falsehood through religious education. 

Listening to homilies and reflections also dispels falsehood

We are also to commit to the reading and meditation on God’s word. Bible studies and know-your-faith classes are also important in dispelling falsehood in our lives. Listening to homilies and reflections also dispels falsehood. We do not need Jesus to call us as He did to Saul before we deepen our conversion.  

The conversion of St. Paul also calls us to re-evaluate how we defend the truth or belief. St. Peter addresses us thus: “But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame” (1Pet. 3:15-16).

Prayer  

O God, who taught the whole world through the preaching of the blessed Apostle Paul, draw us, we pray, nearer to you through the example of him whose conversion we celebrate today, and so make us witnesses to your truth in the world. Amen (Collect) 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke