Conversion of St. Paul

Feast Day January 25
Patron Saint of Converts and Searching Hearts

What parent who prays for a prodigal Catholic's return does not, at some time, pray that their loved one might have an experience similar to that of Saul of Tarsus, that famous convert to Christianity?  What we often hear is that it is the one who is doing the praying that finds his/her life dramatically changed as their prayer life becomes more intense while praying for the return of a prodigal. We know that only the person themselves and/or God can change a heart.  Just as He changes our lives, we must trust Him to be working in the lives of those for whom we pray.

The Story of St Paul's Conversion
From Scripture

     Now Saul was consenting to his [Stephen's] execution. On that day, there broke out a severe persecution of the church in Jerusalem, and all were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made a loud lament over him. Saul, meanwhile, was trying to destroy the church; entering house after house and dragging out men and women, he handed them over for imprisonment. ~Acts 8:1-3

     Now Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, that, if he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" He said, "Who are you, sir?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do." The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, for they heard the voice but could see no one. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus.
     The Lord said to him [Ananias], "Get up and go to the street called Straight and ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is there praying, and (in a vision) he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay (his) hands on him, that he may regain his sight." But Ananias replied, "Lord, I have heard from many sources about this man, what evil things he has done to your holy ones in Jerusalem. But the Lord said to him, "Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites, and I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name." ~Acts 9:1-8, 11-13, 15-16  

Prayer to St Paul

Great convert and Apostle to the Gentiles, help us to see that we must BE Christ to those around us. They must SEE Christ in all we say and do. Help us to meet them with love, kindness, understanding, and compassion. Help us to rely on the Spirit to direct us as we work to bring the Real Presence into the lives of those we love. Amen.