The Conversion of Saint Paul
Apostle to the Gentiles
(36 A.D.)
The Conversion of Saint PaulO.D.M. pinxit
The
great Apostle Paul, named Saul at his circumcision, was born in Tarsus,
the capital of Cilicia, and was by that privilege a Roman citizen, to
which quality a great distinction and several exemptions were granted by
the laws of the Empire. He was early instructed in the strict
observance of the Mosaic law, and lived up to it in the most scrupulous
manner. In his zeal for the Jewish law, which he believed to be the
divine Cause of God, he became a violent persecutor of the Christians.
He was one of those who combined to murder Saint Stephen, and then he
presided in the violent persecution of the faithful which followed the
holy deacon's martyrdom. By virtue of the power he had received from the
high priest, he dragged the Christians out of their houses, loaded them
with chains, and thrust them into prison. In the fury of his zeal he
applied for a commission to seize in Damascus all Jews who confessed
Jesus Christ, and to bring them in bonds to Jerusalem, that they might
serve as examples for the others.
But
God was pleased to manifest in him His patience and mercy. While Saul
was journeying to Damascus, he and his party were surrounded by a light
from heaven, brighter than the sun, and suddenly the chief was struck to
the ground. And then a voice was heard saying, Saul, Saul, why do you
persecute Me? And Saul answered, Who art Thou, Lord? and the voice
replied, I am Jesus, whom you persecute. This mild admonition of Our
Redeemer, accompanied with a powerful interior grace, cured Saul's
pride, assuaged his rage, and wrought at once a total change in him.
Therefore, trembling and astonished, he cried out, Lord, what wilt Thou
have me do? Our Lord ordered him to proceed on his way to the city of
Damascus, where he would be informed of what was expected of him. Saul,
arising from the ground, found that although his eyes were open, he saw
nothing.
He
was led into the city, where he was lodged in the house of a Christian
named Judas. To this house came by divine appointment a holy man named
Ananias, who, laying his hands on Saul, said, Brother Saul, the Lord
Jesus, who appeared to you on your journey, has sent me that you may
receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost. Immediately
something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he recovered his sight;
then he arose and was baptized. He stayed a few days with the disciples
at Damascus, and began immediately to preach in the synagogues that
Jesus was the Son of God. Thus a blasphemer and a persecutor was made an
Apostle, and chosen as one of God's principal instruments in the
conversion of the world.
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