Conversion of Paul
Paul was a bitter enemy of the early Christians and applauded the people who started the first religious persecution in Jerusalem. He was proud to have encouraged the death of Stephen, the first martyr.
The Lord struck him down, asked him to stop persecuting Him and to convert. This conversion was a miracle.
Paul retained his personality and his dynamism, but he was animated by a different spirit. He was everywhere, converting people of all classes, gathering disciples, training teachers, encouraging the weak, at the cost of great effort and many contradictions.
Paul wants to awaken every human being so that this present life, which is short-lived, is not the ultimate goal.
Paul and his companions come as troublemakers. They encourage those who respect the law, those who know right from wrong and whose testimony could force people to ask questions.
With authority and astute psychology, Paul gets straight to the point: what you lack is love. Here's what he said to the Colossians (3:14-15): “Have love, for it is love that makes perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. You have been called to this peace so that you may form one body with Christ. Live in Thanksgiving.”
Conclusion
For many years, we've been trying to get to know ourselves better, to discover the elements of a positive relationship with others. Wouldn't it be a good idea to try to discover our personal relationship with God?
It is not by denying the existence of God, by making ourselves believe that He is an invention of men, that we satisfy our hearts and direct our aspirations. He made us by measuring Himself. He wanted to make us His instruments to spread love.
Each person is invited to find within themselves the reasons that make them likeable, autonomous, authentic, empathetic and versatile.
Paul speaks to everyone; he wants his message to transcend the centuries and make us aware of God's presence.
Let us experience the dimensions of love with Christ, realizing that He is within us, very much alive, very much at work, always loving. Let us allow ourselves to be loved by Him.
Personal reflexions
1- Who is God to you? Is He distant or close?
2- How do you experience the three dimensions of love?
3- How do you experience God's presence in your daily life?
4- What do you think about the Apostle Paul?
Excerpt from the “Collection Volontaires de Dieu, Louis-Marie Parent, O.M.I.
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