Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle
My guess is that if you have ever heard of a story of how someone got "knocked off their high horse," that it was a tale of humiliation and not conversion. The Gospel text reminds us that the point of Paul's story is not about what his conversion did for him. It is ultimately about his participation in the mission of the Lord Jesus - the mission in which we also participate.
We've looked at the mission a number of times recently, so let us offer our prayer today for a change of heart in those who are persecuting Jesus today. Let us pray for those who are suffering because they are Christians. Let us pray for those who have lost their faith. Let us pray for ourselves as partners in the Lord's mission, that our witnessing might be a light to the world.
Loving Lord, thank you for the gift of faith and the freedom to worship You. May my steadfast witness guide others to You. Soften the hard-hearted. Convert today's persecutors just as You did St. Paul. Forgive me my sins and guide my way. Amen.
