Greetings on this the Friday of the Third Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 117:1bc, 2; John 6:52-59
Summary
The story of Saul’s Conversion in our first reading today, provides some very significant movements in the early Church:
- Paul’s conversion.
- Jesus revealing himself to Saul specifically, personally and intentionally.
- Paul’s baptism and sealing with the Holy Spirit (two distinct adjacent sacraments).
- The call to proclaim the Good News.
It is counterbalanced by a single combined sentence: Breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord, if he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them back to Jerusalem in chains to face the same end as Stephen – stoning to death.
Reflection
For my Flesh is true food,
and my Blood is true drink.
Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood
remains in me and I in him.
It is always interesting how evil masquerades with virtue but is always murderous. Saul’s rationalization fits that to a tee. The Lord indeed offers his Body and Blood but for all the right reasons.
It is simple: you do not possess the bread that came down from heaven with a heart filled with threats and murderous intentions. Conversion is required.
Personal Reflection
Does your heart (agreeable to, supportive of, tolerate) a heart filled with threats and murderous intentions? Conversion is required.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042426.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry