By Rev. Ronald Jansen
To say that the risen Christ appeared to a man named Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus and called him to proclaim the gospel of Christ is an accurate statement. However, it fails to include the dramatic events that accompanied Saul’s turn around.
We first meet Saul standing by at the stoning of Stephen. (Acts 5 & 7). Acts 8:1, “And Saul approved of his execution.” Chapter 9 begins, “But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples…” Stephen’s passionate witness to Christ had only inflamed Saul’s sense of urgency that this sect needed to be snuffed out.
With letters from the priest in hand he was on his way to Damascus to search out anyone who might be a follower of the Way when Jesus met him with a blinding light that knocked him to the ground. Now blinded by Jesus, Jesus opened his eyes of faith. At Jesus direction he sought out a follower of the Way named Ananias to whom the Lord had also spoken directing him to seek Saul. At first Ananias was reluctant, wouldn’t you be? But when he found Saul on Straight street, he blessed him with the Holy Spirit. Saul regained his sight. Now he could see with his physical eyes and with the eyes of faith. With his new and renewed eyesight, he was baptized.
Our conversion may not have been accompanied by such dramatic events. However, the same elements, as those in Saul’s case, were present. Jesus confronted a sinner who was in open rebellion against him. The eyes of our faith were still blind. Yet, in our baptism the sinful person was drowned in baptism and also filled with the Holy Spirit.
Immediately following his baptism Saul began to proclaim Jesus as the Son of God. “Jesus is the Christ,” was his message. How long ago were we baptized? What message do we proclaim?
Almighty God, grant us ever to rejoice in the saving light of Your Gospel and, following the example of the apostle Paul, to spread it to the end of the earth; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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