25 January 2012

The conversion of St Paul, Apostle
The conversion of Saul of Tarsus, while on his way to Damascus to persecute more Christians, is one of the most touching miracles in the history of the early Church. It shows how faith comes from grace and from man’s free cooperation. The doctrine of the Mystical Body of Christ receives proof and a clear illustration when Christ says, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4) The best way to hasten the unity of all Christians is to foster our own daily personal conversion. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1463)

On the road to Damascus
A zealous defender of the Mosaic Law, Saul saw the Christians as a mortal threat to Judaism; and exerted great efforts at extermination of the early Church. He witnessed the execution of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr (cf Acts 7:60), whose final prayer bore fruit in the life of his persecutor. (St Augustine, “Sermon”, 315)
By the workings of the Holy Spirit and the lively apostolate of the early Christians, the Church had expanded quite rapidly: “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4)
Soon after Stephen’s martyrdom, Saul set out with “letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem” (cf Acts 9:2).
Saul was travelling along the road to Damascus, “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord”; but God had plans for him. Around mid-day as he came near the city, “suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. ... he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ... he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ ... he said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting’.” (Acts 9:3-5)
Saul poses the most crucial question of his life. “What shall I do, Lord?” (Acts 22:10) Saul was now another man. He had become Paul, a new man. In the act of conversion he understood everything at once.
His new faith led to a total self-giving in the hands of God. What do you want me to do, my Lord? What do you expect of me?
‘Blessed be God’ you said after your sacramental Confession. ... you thought: it is as if I had just been born again, you then continued calmly: ‘Lord, what would you have me do?’ and you yourself came up with the reply: ‘By the help of your grace I will let nothing and no one come between me and the fulfilment of your most Holy Will. Serviam: I will serve you unconditionally.’ (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 238)
The life of St Paul is a beacon of hope because “who can say that they cannot overcome their faults when one of the most zealous persecutors of the believers could be transformed into the Apostle of the Gentiles?” (St Bernard, “Sermon on the Conversion of St Paul”, 1)
God’s grace can still work miracles in human hearts nowadays. But the power of God depends upon our correspondence to grace. God’s grace is sufficient. What is necessary is our free, whole-hearted assent.
St Paul’s adage, “not because of me but because of the grace of God in me”, led St Augustine to comment, “This is to say, not because of me alone but because of God working with me. And for this reason, not because of the grace of God alone nor myself alone, but the grace of God and Him.” (St Augustine, “On grace and free will”, 5, 12)
If we live counting upon the help of God’s grace, we will be able to overcome any defect or disappointment. The Lord is constantly calling to us to begin again, to convert our hearts, to walk in peace and joy along the divine ways of the earth. Like St Paul, we must respond to His invitation.
Since Jesus is always seeking us out, St Teresa advises, “It is paramount that we draw forth new energy to be useful as well as being very grateful for that gift. These are the conditions which the Lord sets down. If we do not manage his treasures well, he will give them to another and we end up paupers. The Lord will give his jewels to someone who will make them shine more radiantly.” (St Teresa, “Life”, 10)
Paul put the same enthusiasm and drive, when he persecuted the Christians, to the service of the Church. He assumed Christ’s apostolic command: “Go into all the world; proclaim the Good news to all creation.” (Mk 16:15)
He centered his life on the Lord. Even though Paul had suffered a great deal for Christ, he found joy not in the absence of difficulties but in the presence of Christ.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 6:69-72

Coping with adversity
God gives only good gifts. If he permits pain or sorrow, financial or family problems, all this is for the sake of something better.
We often find that God blesses his favourites with the Cross and with the grace to carry it with spirit, from both the human and supernatural points of view. Late in her life, when St Teresa was on her way to make a new foundation,she found the road extensively flooded.
Having spent a night in an inn which offered such poor hospitality ..., she set off again next morning, for this was the Lord’s will: ‘Make no account of the cold ...’ Wryly, she complained: “So much to put up with and you send me this!” Jesus replied: “Teresa, that’s how I treat my friends.”
She curtly replied: “Small wonder you have so few!” (cf M Auclair, “Life of St Theresa”, 422-3) Soon her good humour returned, ... “once the danger was passed, they enjoyed talking about it.” (St Theresa, “The Foundations”, 31,17, p191) God wants us to bear difficulties peacefully and firmly, being happy to place our trust in him. ...
God’s presence and the protection of Our Lady -- our refuge and our strength -- will make us size up the problems and seek help in spiritual direction. We will often find that what had seemed so difficult can easily be coped with.
Such optimistic and cheerful spirit is absolutely essential for growing in God’s love and doing apostolate. Trials are a great opportunity to toughen ourselves up as we deepen our love.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 4:158-60

‘Virgin most powerful. Pray for us.’

• Translation of the winding-sheet and tomb of Our Lady to Constantinople, by Juvenal, Bishop of Jerusalem, under the reign of Marcian, in the year 455. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• The Shroud of the Blessed Virgin is moved to Constantinople. 452. According to Cyril of Scythopolis's book Euthymian History, the Bishop of Jerusalem (Juvenal, not the same person as the Latin poet) sent the shroud to Constantinople in 452. He was ordered to do so by Eastern Roman Emperor Marcian and Empress St. Pulcheria, who was quite devoted to Mary, building churches to Mary as Mother of God. ["Translation of the winding-sheet and tomb of Our Lady to Constantinople, by Juvenal, Bishop of Jerusalem, and under the reign of Marcian, in the year 455. (Ferrolus Locrius in Chronicon anacephal.)"]; (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Translation of winding sheet and tomb of Our Lady to Constantinople in 455. (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html)
(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html);
• Translation of Our Lady‘s shroud and tomb to Constantinople, 455 AD. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (http://mariedenazareth.com)