Initially, remember, Paul persecuted Christians; he denounced the belief that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, who had risen from dead, to be a myth, a lie so heinous that it should be punishable by death. He didn’t just shake his head at the foolish Christians for believing some silly idea; he rounded them up and ordered stones to be pelted at their bodies until they died.
He had a deeply rooted passion, that not only he made public, but his identity became driven by the idea Christianity needed to be eradicated, they very idea of Christ’s divinity needed to be erased, by all means. He was invested, with fanatical fervor. And humans do not give up our passions easily.
I doubt any of us here have experienced any “reversal of perspective” so dramatic. But it happened. By God’s grace, God’s goodness, Paul’s perspective was reversed.
By the merits of Christ’s suffering, and the suffering graciously endured by Christ’s Body the Church, likely through the merits of Paul’s victims, like St. Stephen, who prayed that Paul might be forgiven, Paul’s perspective was changed so dramatically that he came to consider all as loss, all as refuse “compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Knowing how we humans become so invested in our perspectives, this was truly a miracle.
Moreso, the energy that Paul had poured into persecuting Christ became redirected, so much so, that he wished himself damned if he did not spend his life preaching Christ’s Gospel.
Today’s feast offers such tremendous hope, that if Paul, whose heart was set against Christ like none other could experience conversion, than those to whom we are to share the Gospel cannot be beyond the reach of God. Our witness, our sufferings, like those of St. Stephen can contribute to the conversion of the most hardened soul.
And, yet, perhaps we too, have energies that need to be redirected, endeavors and perspectives that need to be reversed, so that Christ may be known more deeply, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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That our bishops may be graced with Saint Paul’s zeal in preaching and teaching the Word of God. Let us pray to the Lord.
That our parish may build up missionary disciples equipped for the spreading of the Gospel. Let us pray to the Lord.
For the conversion of all hardened sinners and all persecutors of the faith and those in error, that the Lord may touch their hearts and remove the blindness from their eyes. Let us pray to the Lord.
For all who have suffered as a result of violence or abuse, all of the sick and suffering, especially victims of natural disaster, poverty, and addiction, may they be comforted and supported by God’s healing love. Let us pray to the Lord.
For our departed loved ones and all of the souls in purgatory, and for N. for whom this Mass is offered. Let us pray to the Lord.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord
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