Saint of the Day
St. Paul the Apostle
Saul of Tarsus was a Pharisee and zealous persecutor of early Christians until his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (c. AD 33–36). Renamed Paul, he became the most tireless missionary in the early church, planting communities across Asia Minor, Greece, and eventually reaching Rome. He wrote thirteen epistles that became the theological backbone of Christian thought. He was martyred in Rome under Nero, c. AD 64–68.
Scripture Reading
Acts 9:3-6
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
Reflection
The conversion of Saul is the most dramatic evidence that no one is beyond the reach of grace. The chief persecutor of the church became its chief theologian and missionary — not by self-improvement but by an encounter he did not seek and could not control. Saul did not find Christ; Christ found Saul. This is the grammar of conversion: grace is always the initiating word.
Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus Christ,
most merciful Saviour of the world,
we humbly beseech You,
by Your most Sacred Heart,
that all the sheep who stray out of Your fold
may in one days be converted to You,
the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls,
who lives and reigns with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
world without end.
Amen.
most merciful Saviour of the world,
we humbly beseech You,
by Your most Sacred Heart,
that all the sheep who stray out of Your fold
may in one days be converted to You,
the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls,
who lives and reigns with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
world without end.
Amen.
Amen.