Wednesday3/29Meanwhile 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 who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ He asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The reply came, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.’ The men who were travelling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. - Acts 9:1-9 How easy it is to lose our way and persecute Jesus and the Church. The example of Saul reminds us that being a Christian involves more than just belief, it is a way of acting, a way of life. And while the word persecute may be a bit strong here, it is important to reflect on the subtle ways that we persecute the Church and our relationship with Jesus. Being unfaithful in prayer and liturgy, criticizing the Church, failing to affirm our faith to others, neglecting our God-given vocations. These are all very common ways in which we stumble off the path that has been beaten for us. And I do believe that from time to time God employs tactics to gain our attention and put a spotlight back on the path. Our job is to pay attention, with both ears and eyes, so that fear and threats may not overtake us. - The Rev’d Suzanne Culhane Today's |