23 April 2021
Friday of the Third Week of Easter
St. Paul’s conversion recounted in today’s first readings from Acts can really be understood as a rebirth. Paul, a man accustomed to power, authority, and ordering others around is suddenly rendered helpless, completely blinded by the light of truth and life. Like a little child, he must now be “led by the hand” to Damascus where his destiny awaits him.
For three days, he is sightless and dependent, until Ananias, instructed by God comes to his aid. It is then that Paul receives the Holy Spirit, a breath of new life to replace the murderous threats he once breathed. He receives his sight, but one that shows him his dependence on the Lord Jesus. Paul is born into a new life, a life that is everlasting.
Conversions are never done. Until that day we leave this earth and are born into eternal life, may we always strive to breathe the breath of Jesus, the Holy Spirit. And may we always seek to see with his eyes.