Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle
(Acts 22:3-16; Mark 16:15-18)
Ending the Week of Christian Unity on the
Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul may give the impression that Orthodox,
Protestant, and Catholic Christians hope to convert one another. But this, of course, is not at issue in the
ecumenical project. The occasion is
nevertheless appropriate because all people must undergo continual conversion
if they are to become holy. The Shaker
song “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” expresses this necessity well: “… by turning,
turning we come round right.”
Paul’s life underwent various
conversions. The most dramatic turning
is recorded in today’s first reading where Paul is changed from a zealous Jew
to a follower of Christ. Another turning
point comes with the attempt to preach logically to the Athenians at the Areopagus. Rebuffed, he decides that from then on, he will
preach only Christ crucified. Perhaps
another conversion takes place as Paul stops preaching to Jews in synagogues
and starts talking to pagan clients as he plies his tent-making trade.
Most of us would do well to attempt the
following simple conversion. Rather than
refrain from talking about religion with others because of the differences it
arouses, we should declare what God has done in our lives. We might also ask our associates to tell
about their faith experiences. Also, sharing
prayer as we break bread and perhaps again at the end of an evening will weave
webs of mutual respect. In these ways
and, of course, with God’s grace, eventual unity will take place.
