May Our Scales Fall Away

Greetings on this the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle
Readings: Acts 22:3-16; PS 117:1bc, 2; Mk 16:15-18
Notes: If you have to choose between my reflection and the Franciscan’s, choose the Franciscan’s (link below).

The Franciscans have a wonderful reflection on today’s feast.
From: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/conversion-of-saint-paul/

Conversion can be quite dramatic as in the case of Paul.
He had a uniquely and intense encounter with the risen Jesus.
Today we read the second account of his encounter.
The first is recorded in Acts 9. Link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/9?19#52009019

In both accounts

Encounter: He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
Calling: Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.
Discernment: For three days he was unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank.
Baptism: you may regain your sight and be filled with the holy Spirit. Immediately things like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. He got up and was baptized.
Mission: he began at once to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

In a sense I wonder if we all receive a similar visitation from Jesus. The parameters and circumstances are different, but the elements are the same: Encounter, Calling, Discernment, Baptism and Mission.

May any scales remaining in our eyes fall away!

First reading
Then he [Ananias] said, ‘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.

Now, why delay?
Get up and have yourself baptized and your sins washed away, calling upon his name.’”

Responsorial Psalm
Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News.

Alleluia Verse
I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.

Gospel Portion
Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry