Feast of the
Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle
(Acts 22:3-16; Mark 16:15-18)
In one sense St. Paul’s “conversion” was not much of a change. He never converted from being bad to being
good. He went from zealously working
for God as a Jewish inquisitor to zealously working for God as a Christian
missionary. There certainly was,
however, a change of perspective. He
previously perceived Jesus Christ as his enemy.
After his encounter with Christ, Paul recognized him as his Lord. We should see ourselves being called to a
similar conversion.
Catholics have looked down on Christians of other
traditions – Protestants, Evangelicals, even Orthodox – as lost souls. They have thought that it almost impossible that
any non-Catholic find eternal life. Protestants
especially have harbored like doubts about Catholics. They considered Catholics as superstitiously
relying on the sacraments rather than making every effort to live
righteously. The “Week of Christian
Unity,” which ends today, affords all Christian communities opportunity to view
one another more fairly.
When we do so, we will find differing strengths and
weaknesses. Many Protestants have a profound knowledge of Scripture with which
we come to know Christ. The Orthodox have
retained an exalted sense of God as transcendent with power and majesty over
all. Catholics have the pope, the primary
sign of the apostolic faith and succession.
We need all these values to find salvation among those who make rock
stars or athletes their gods and satisfying sensual desire as their chief hope.
