A deeply devout and highly educated in the Word of God and the religious traditions of Israel, Pablo dedicated his life to eliminating the Christian Way because it was initially seen as a heretical sect within the Jewish faith. Pablo underwent a profound transformation. The Risen Christ who identifies with the suffering of his Church caused by Saul, intervenes directly in the life of Saul, and makes himself present to Saul. Christ does not destroy or punish Saul, but rather calls him to be part of the Church. Amazingly the first Christians receive him into their Way, the Christian Way. Saul for his part is open to the Lord. He does not try to defend his actions nor is he angry with God, nor does he return to his old way.
The word conversion means a sudden, drastic change in the way of marching. It is a sharp, ninety degrees turn from one way to another way. The first way being based on our own interpretation of life influenced by our selfishness, ego, violence, and sin. The new way is based on God’s will and plan of salvation for all.
Pablo turns himself over to this new way of life. Ananias announced to Paul his new mission: to be a witness. Paul accepts this mission with the same zeal and devotion that he had in prosecuting the Church. Paul becomes an apostle, an evangelizer. With Peter he becomes the two main pillars of the early Church. He shares this faith and establishes small Christian communities throughout the Mediterranean.
All of us share the mission that Ananias announced to Paul. Through our baptism we are all designated to be truly credible signs of conversion, witnesses of faith to all around us.
The God of our ancestors designated you to know his will,
to see the Righteous One, and to hear the sound of his voice;
for you will be his witness before all
to what you have seen and heard
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