Monday, January 25, 2010

Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul




Conversion on the Way to Damascus
Cerasi Chapel, Santa Maria del Popolo Church, in Rome
by Carravaggio

It really struck me this morning as I was going through the morning prayers in the Liturgy of the Hours that over and over again we pray: Let us give praise to God for the conversion of the Teacher of the nations.

As strange as this may be, I don't think I've ever remembered to thank God specifically for St. Paul before -- for taking someone so hell-bent on destroying the Church, and turning him around in one moment and making him see the error of his ways... and growing him into the mighty Apostle to the Gentiles. Jesus did an amazing work in the life of St. Paul, and I've never thanked Him for it.

Until today.

And then, during the prayers and intercessions, we are called to pray:

Dearly beloved brethren, since we have received from the Apostles a heavenly inheritance, let us cry out in gratitude to the Father for all his gifts:

– Lord, the Apostles sing your praises.

Praise to you, Lord, for the feast of body and blood that was handed down to us by the Apostles: it refreshes us and gives us life.
– Lord, the Apostles sing your praises.

Praise to you for the feast of your word that was prepared for us by the Apostles: it fills us with light and brings us joy.
– Lord, the Apostles sing your praises.

Praise to you for your holy Church, founded upon the Apostles: it draws us together into one body.
– Lord, the Apostles sing your praises.

Praise to you for the purification of baptism and penitence, which we believe in together with the Apostles: it washes us clean of all sin.
– Lord, the Apostles sing your praises.
 
 
What a wonderful way to start the morning -- to get my mind off of all my petty stuff, and to focus, even for just a minute or two, on the amazing work God accomplished through the lives of the Apostles. Because of their faithfulness, the whole world was forever changed.

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