Roman Catholic Church
Orlando, Florida

A Theological Reflection


St. Paul



Michelangelo's Conversion of St Paul


Previously known as Saul, he persecuted Christians as heretical. Saul even assisted in the stoning of Saint Stephen, the first deacon who was martyred for his beliefs. On his way to Damascus to arrest another group of Christians, he was knocked to the ground, struck blind by a heavenly light, and given the message that in persecuting Christians, he was persecuting Christ. Now that he was blind, he could really "see" the truth. He was baptized and changed his name to Paul to reflect his new persona. He was beheaded because of his faith.

Saint Paul is the patron saint for Catholics for Truth. He is a role model for all of us. Do we sometimes persecute Christ in one form or another?

St. Paul's conversion was very important for the life of the Church. We are reminded of the fact that the Lord looks for us, too. He finds us along our Damascus road. He invited us to give up the things in our lives that keep him away. Will we recognize Him as Paul did? Will we be willing to become real followers of Jesus as Paul was? Let us ask St. Paul to help us.

St. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:10-17
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”



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