Acts 22: 6-11
"On that journey as I drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from the sky suddenly shone around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' I replied, 'Who are you, sir?' And he said to me, 'I am Jesus the Nazorean whom you are persecuting.' My companions saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who spoke to me. I asked, 'What shall I do, sir?' The Lord answered me, 'Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything appointed for you to do.' Since I could see nothing because of the brightness of that light, I was led by hand by my companions and entered Damascus."
Dawg's thought:
Today's prayer intention is for those who are struggling with depression.
Today in the Church is the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul (the full first reading is Acts 22: 3-16).
It's intriguing hearing how different people have encountered Christ. What defines the disciple is what comes after.
St. Paul encountered Christ on the road to Damascus. Paul's sight was taken from him and restored, through Ananias 3 days later. We know the story that follows: he gets baptized and goes on to preach The Good News, ultimately receiving a martyr's death.
In our own daily lives, while we may not be knocked off of our horses and lose our sight, we encounter Christ in various ways. Scripture and Sacraments. "Where two or more are gathered in my name." Personal prayer. All these ways of encountering Christ are numerous opportunities to grow in holiness if we don't take them for granted.
It is always good to be mindful of God's presence in our lives, and in recognizing His presence, recognizing our vocation to holiness. Take care and God Bless.
|
