Conversion Leading To Evangelization
In the Conversion of St Paul, the feast the Church celebrates today, we see Paul's complete transformation. He is not only knocked off his horse, but is literally blinded by the Light of Christ who asks Paul why he is persecuting Him.
Paul wastes no time in carrying out the orders Our Lord gave him. He repented, conversion and change took deep root in him and he went forth from that change to evangelize bringing the Gospel to those near and far.
Paul is a wonderful example for us. Conversion, I have to constantly be reminded, is not a one time thing; it is a daily and constant process. I also need to remember that my conversion and my faith are not for me to keep all to myself, but I am to go forth from this place, preaching the Gospel not only through what I say, but also in the way that I live. It should be Christ that people see, not me. Or as John the Baptist said: "I must decrease so that He may increase."
God the Father tells St Catherine of Siena to: "Go forth from this place of contemplation and bear fruit that will last" (The Dialogue)
True conversion leads to evangelization. There are so many in our own little circles that need Jesus and need to hear His Gospel. Let us ask St Paul today to intercede for us so that we may follow his example of sharing the gift of faith that has been so richly given to us.
Comments
Thanks for the reminder about today's Feast Day - I join you in praying to St Paul to intercede for us!
God Bless!
We cannot remain tranquil in face of the thought that, after two thousand years, there are still peoples who do not know Christ and have not yet heard his message of salvation.
The Holy Father's address on St. Joan of Arc speaks of Joan's "conversion" at the age of 13 (she was of course already a baptized Catholic) and how her intense love for Jesus was the fire that fueled the political and military exploits for which she is best known by the world:
From her own words, we know that Joan's religious life matured experientially beginning at the age of 13 (PCon, I, p. 47-48). Through the "voice" of the Archangel St. Michael, Joan felt called by the Lord to intensify her Christian life and also to commit herself personally to the liberation of her people. Her immediate response, her "yes," was the vow of virginity, with a new commitment to sacramental life and to prayer: daily attendance at Mass, frequent confession and Communion and long periods of silent prayer before the Crucified or before the image of the Virgin. The compassion and commitment of the young French peasant girl in face of the suffering of her people became more intense because of her mystical relationship with God. One of the most original aspects of the holiness of this young girl was precisely the connection between mystical experience and political mission.
World Mission Sunday:
http://www.zenit.org/article-31565?l=english
St Joan:
http://www.zenit.org/article-31576?l=english
God bless!
In Jesu XPI Passio,
Davd
God bless.
David- thank you for the excepts from Pope Benedict- I actually have the Joan of Arc one saved to read.
Victor, I agree those of us who blog have the responsibility to spread the Gospel through what we write- you never know who might read it. I've heard stories of people flipping through channels on TV and coming upon EWTN and being led to conversion, it is possible with blogs as well.
Blessings to you all.