3RD WEEK OF EASTER

Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me. 

Saul’s transformation from persecutor to evangelist is so startling that it’s easy to miss some of the details. But there’s more going on than Saul being struck blind, hearing Jesus’ voice, and becoming a zealous missionary. His conversion was not as immediate as we might imagine. Three whole days passed between the time he was struck blind and the time God sent Ananias to baptize him. Saul likely spent this time confronting his old life of violence and spiritual blindness and imagining how different a new life in Christ might be. During those three days, a host of people, events, and actions all played key roles in helping bring about Saul’s conversion.

First, there were Saul’s own actions. Although he didn’t view Jesus as the Messiah, he was a devout and prayerful Jew. So it’s not surprising that he fasted and prayed during this time. Luke even tells us that God answered his prayer with a vision of Ananias’ visit (Acts 9:11, 12)!

Second, there were the actions of people around Saul. His companions on the road confirmed that they, too, had heard a heavenly voice. They also led the now-blind Saul by hand into town—an act of kindness that probably gave him a good dose of humility! Any question about whether these events were God’s own doing was put to rest when Ananias showed up and healed Saul of his blindness. Finally, there were the disciples who welcomed Saul—a man who had come to arrest them—into their homes and helped him continue to understand the good news about Jesus (Acts 9:19).

Most of us haven’t experienced conversions as dramatic as Saul’s. But his story shows us that saints—Christians as a whole, for that matter—don’t spring up out of nowhere. They are created in community. We all need one another if we are going to deepen our faith and our relationship with the Lord!

Saul needed Ananias and his other friends. Likewise, there are people around you—in your parish, at home, at work—who need you. They need your witness. They need your prayer and your practical help and encouragement. Today make sure you reach out your hand to them in love and support.

“Here I am, Lord. Send me!”

Acts 9:1-20
Psalm 117:1-2
John 6:52-59