The Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle

Saul, for all the right reasons (so he thought) fiercely persecuted the early Christians. After all, they were a schism - a breakaway from the true faith and so presented a threat to the stability and cohesion which enabled Judaism to survive under Roman rule, despite all he odds!

And then, on the road to Damascus, Saul met Jesus - and just by being in His presence, was transformed and became the most ardent of believers. This is such an important event that it is told three times in the Acts - as Saul experiences it, and then twice as he tells it to the Jews in the Temple, and to the Roman appointed King Herod Agrippa.

Few of us will ever experience a 'road to Damascus' conversion experience - but enough have to witness to the power of Christ's call. But all of us come close to Jesus each week in Mass - and we need to listen to him calling us. Once we begin to do His will, not ours - we can be the change Jesus is calling us to be in the world.