Jesus’ Call to Saul: Jesus’ Plans for St. Paul: Implications for Our Spiritual Journey!

Jesus’ Call to Saul: Jesus’ Plans for St. Paul: Implications for Our Spiritual Journey! In Jesus' times, there was great violence. Saul was able to persecute “Christians” based solely on a letter from the high priests. Legally, there were no other documents, other than this letter that permitted the persecution. The Lord takes advantage of this for the spreading of the Gospel. Recently, we heard the persecution of Stephen did not hinder the growth of the Church. In fact, it led to the expansion. Believers leave Jerusalem to other areas of the world to spread the Good News. Today, we hear the Church arrives in Syria (in Damascus). We hear also that one of the persecutors is moving from Jerusalem as well, toward Damascus. Rome simply allows this persecution to take place. We hear today that Saul is struck down by someone greater than his authority. Saul is struck down, blinded, and has to be led to the town. The strong one meets a stronger authority. What a powerful transition! Saul Was Chosen By God Saul will go forth from Damascus with a different and greater authority. He will go and spread the Good News. He was chosen by God. This was God’s plan for Saul / Paul all along. Jesus IS NOT reacting to Saul persecution of early believers. It was His plan all along for Saul to witness and teach to the world. Why? The Lord takes the one who is least sympathetic. He takes one with a harden heart. He takes Saul to spread the news to the unbelievers. The Lord saw Saul from all eternity. He saw that He would meet Saul along the way. The Lord has brought Saul to this point. Saul’s self-righteousness brought him forward; the One who is truly self-righteous will bring Him forward for the good of the Gospel. Listen to: Jesus’ Call to Saul: Jesus’ Plans for St. Paul: Implications for Our Spiritual Journey! Listen to this Meditation Media. ----------------------------------- Image: The Conversion of Saint Paul: Italian Artist: Caravaggio: 1600 ----------------------------------- Gospel Reading: John: 6: 52-59 First Reading: Acts 9: 1-20