Thomas Griffin 1/25/23 (For SpiritualDirection.com)
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EXCERPT: “Zeal for persecuting Christians turned into zeal for speaking Christ’s name after Paul’s road trip to Damascus. However, his knife turned into preaching and towards his pen. He would do anything to bring Jesus to the ears of those who had never heard of him. Zeal continued to consume him, but this time it was grounded in love and in truth. He learned that persecution and violence never won any hearts and never brought true renewal. That only a message and an authentic messenger who allowed God’s presence to be brought to others through him could accomplish change. There was, and still is, a great need for someone to preach about the One who could not be defeated, even by death. Paul, the zealous persecutor turned messenger, ended up dying for the message, like the founder of “The Way” and the savior of the world.
In a moment in history when the masses are craving renewal and revival we must follow the zealous and virtuous path of St. Paul. Change and revival come through a worthy cause being fought for by virtuous men and women; men and women who see their mission as life or death. They choose to be zealous like Paul, but Paul after Damascus, not before it.
The personal nature of the conversion experience on the road to Damascus cannot be over-exaggerated. Paul met someone that day. He spoke about this meeting for the rest of his days, and never once did he doubt the reality of it. Jesus showed up and greeted Paul with, “Why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4). Then, God called Paul out – he singled him out for a mission that would change the course of history.
What is He calling you to do? Don’t be so concerned with a specific great task as the answer. Simply accept the invitation to make Jesus the center of your life. If you are like me, you can often think that there is nothing life-changing that God is asking of me. However, Paul teaches us that this is never the case.
On the day when we commemorate Paul’s conversion, let us allow ourselves to be singled out, and be the ones who change the course of history for the better, through holy zeal.”
Read the Full Article HERE
Thomas Griffin is the chairperson of the religion department at a Catholic high school on Long Island where he lives with his wife and two sons. He has a masters degree in theology and is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Empty Tomb Project: The Magazine.
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