Conversion of St. Paul

Since the sixth century, January 25 has been the date to commemorate the conversion of the great persecutor of Christians into the great missionary of the Gospel. Whatever the original reason for the choice of this date, it is certainly appropriate for us to remember St. Paul during the Epiphany season. Once again, there is an epiphany or manifestation of Christ, this time the revelation of the risen Lord to Paul on the road to Damasus. The glory of this manifestation is blinding in the short term and transforming in the long term. 

The Conversion of St. Paul has a personal significance for Christian believers. Because the vast majority of Christians are Gentiles, we owe a personal debt of gratitude to God's work in converting Paul who became the great apostle to the Gentiles. St. Paul provides us with an example, and in addition, through him, we have half the New Testament Scriptures. So on this day, let us give thanks for St. Paul, let us follow "the holy doctrine which he taught," and let us consider how we too may participate in Christ's mission to all people.