The Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle

“And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Just One and to hear a voice from his mouth; for you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name,’” (Acts 22:14-16). [1]

Today’s feast honors St. Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus. It stands as a model for the extraordinary power of the Risen Christ, the grace that comes through His merciful love, and the oneness of all believers in the body of Christ. St. Paul’s conversion highlights that we are called to be radically transformed, new people after our encounter with Christ. As Ananias instructed St. Paul to do after our life has been renewed, we are called to rise and witness to the Just One’s divine power.