DATE : 25/1/2021, Monday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time (B)
EVENT : The Conversion of St. Paul, Ap (Feast).
COLOUR:White
READINGS :Acts 22:3-16; Resp. Psalm 117:1-2; Mark 16:15-18.
THEME: NO ONE WHO EXPERIENCES JESUS AND REMAINED THE SAME
Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Twenty Fifth day of January, which is also the feast day of the historic conversion of St. Paul, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " No One Who Experiences Jesus And Remained The Same". Beloved, during my seminary days, a fellow student shared with me his past life experience, and how he came to find himself in the seminary. According to him, growing up in the streets of Lagos, meant being rugged, tough, crafty, sharp and wise, else you would be taken for a weakling and often exploited. So like other boys of his age, he joined a cult group, was involved in street gang rape, substance abuse, pick pocketing and even had his ears opened. He never recalled going to Church, except on Christmas and New Year eves, and this was done specially to either blow knockouts, look for vulnerable girls, or to steal and snatch people's items. However, he got converted in a way he never expected, while tracking a lady he loved. According to him, the only condition she gave him was for him to always follow her to Church. It was on one of this period of fellowship, that Christ arrested him like St. Paul, and sent him into his vineyard. Today, he is a dedicated priest of God.
Beloved, although the story of Paul's conversion and that of my priest friend may look different, they have a common denominator. Namely, that when Christ allows anyone to encounter him, the person's life can never remain the same. Just as it is often said, 'the lamp of God's redemption is often held by unsuspecting hands', and 'God often uses what is despised by humans to shame what is the world praises'. God can use anyone to bring about the fulfillment of his will. Especially those that people least expect. No body should be ruled out as useless to God. Listen beloved, the conversion of Paul, which we celebrate today, is a reminder that God is interested in each of us, that no body is beyond or outside the redemption of God and that God can choose any body to work for him. All that is required is a simple encounter with the Lord Jesus and a complete metanoia metamorphosises the individual into a vessel in the hand of the supreme potter (Jer. 18:7).
Child of God, as we begin this week by reflecting on the conversion of St. Paul, ask yourself the following questions. What area of my life need conversion? Have I ever encountered Jesus and through my hardened heart, nullified his influence upon my life? As a convert, how many souls have I won to Jesus? In what little ways am I involved in spreading the Gospel of Jesus like Paul did. I pray that like Paul, we may cease from persecuting Christ by our shameful and unbecoming attitudes and utterances.
Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8)
LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, Paul encountered you on his way to Damascus, and you changed him for good. Help me to experience you this week in the places and people that I shall meet.......
The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.
May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen
HAPPY NEW WEEK BELOVED FRIENDS.
@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪
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