Today the Church celebrates the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle. We see the story of Saul's conversion twice the the Acts of the Apostles - in chapter 9 the story is told by St. Luke, the author of Acts, and in chapter 22 St. Paul recounts the story in the first person.
Saul of Tarsus was a great persecutor of the Church. He had gained quite a reputation. Thus, when he had his "road to Damascus" experience of an encounter with Jesus, people were not too ready to accept him. It actually took some years before he was completely accepted.
While we celebrate the conversion of St. Paul, it's important to remember that, though he had a one-time radical conversion experience, his real conversion was an ongoing process. He spoke often of his weaknesses and his need for prayer. So it is with us. Conversion needs to be a daily exercise, as we let go more and more of the things that keep us from God, and allow Christ to conform us more fully to Him.
Father, help us to always be about the process of conversion, day by day. Help us to be more like Jesus, in whose mighty name we pray. Amen.
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