Conversion of St Paul, by P. Camilleri Cauchi in Fontana church, Gozo. |
This day in history is a true milestone. Personally I
probably would not be a priest if I was not born in Catholic Malta. And Malta
would not be Catholic if it wasn’t for St Paul being shipwrecked there in 60 AD
(we’ll talk about that on February 10, the feast of the shipwreck of St. Paul,)
and St Paul would not have made any of his missionary journeys if he was not
converted on his way to Damascus. The dramatic painting above is one of many
that are depicted in Maltese churches, although the shipwreck obviously is more
of a popular scene. We honor our great Apostle of the Gentiles today on the day
his life changed forever.
“Now Saul, still breathing murderous threats against
the disciples of the Lord, went to the
high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, that, if
he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them
back to Jerusalem in chains. On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a
light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard
a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” He said, “Who
are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get
up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.” The men who
were traveling with him stood speechless, for they heard the voice but could
see no one. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could
see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus. For three
days he was unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank.” (Acts 9: 1‑9)
You still would have been a priest. God would have found another way. :)
ReplyDeleteWe miss you, Fr. Julian.