Acts 9:1-6, 13-16 - Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me

Acts 9:1-6, 13-16 - Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he journeyed he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting; but rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do."
But Anani'as answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to thy saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon thy name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name."

Comment: He chooses us. We are called to serve and live our faith.
Who would have thought that he would become the great St Paul?
Damascus in his sights, Saul's agenda would have been set for that day. But you had other plans, Lord, and he did not see this coming. Blinded by your light, falling to the ground and stunned by your presence, he became a new creation. In an instant, his story was changed forever.

What would have gone through his mind, I wonder, as he lived in total darkness for three days? All he could do was pray until you restored his vision at Ananias' touch and filled him with your Holy Spirit. From violent persecutor to bold disciple--who would have thought that he would become the great St Paul?

His conversion must give even the most hardened sinner hope for transformation--absolutely no one is beyond repair--but we must be serious about rejecting sin, proceeding in love, and leaving all to God's grace. We cannot do this alone and must accept the fellowship and guidance of other good and trustworthy believers.

We may never experience such dramatic divine intervention. But whether he instantly seizes us, or gently beckons, our life journey will always be empty if we do not say yes to Jesus.
Source: Daily Prayer Online