Conversion of St. Paul

Saturday, 25 January, is the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. The event commemorated is important even from a secular historical point of view because Paul's conversion led to the spread of the Christian message to the Gentile world. For all Gentile Christians and for all thinking Christians, the work of the Apostle Paul is of basic importance. There is much that can be said about Paul's work and writings, but I would focus briefly on a passage read in my morning devotions. In II Corinthians 12:1-9, Paul writes about some of his own experiences and mentions his "thorn in the flesh" (12: 7). In II Cor. 12: 9, the Apostle cites the Lord's response to his prayers:  "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

This response can be seen as a motto for Paul's mission. It all depends upon the grace of God, which overcomes all of Paul's human weakness. Indeed, this is one basic message of the cross- God's grace is sufficient to express divine power through worldly weakness. The same can be said about the life and mission of every faithful Christian. We are all weak in many ways, but God's grace is sufficient to transform our weaknesses into opportunities to express divine power.