The conversion of Saul is a key moment in the Acts of the Apostles. It is important to remember that Jesus identifies Himself with His persecuted disciples. It is an encounter that radically changed Saul into Paul. When Saul encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus he came to a completely new understanding of the Crucifixion and death of Jesus. We give thanks for this extraordinary conversion of St. Paul. May it continue to touch our lives and our own need for conversion. We pray for all who are being persecuted today. We also pray for the persecutors that they too will experience a conversion of heart similar to St. Paul.
Jesus had many disciples who followed Him. They rejoiced in the signs He performed. However, when Jesus started teaching about His true identity as the living Bread and the need to eat this bread, many of His disciples left Him. They found His teaching unacceptable.
I am sure that Jesus would have felt disappointed. He now turns to His chosen twelve to find out what they were thinking. Simon Peter takes the lead and affirms that Jesus indeed has the words of eternal life. Today, we pray for a deeper appreciation of the gift of the Eucharist in our daily lives.