Andrew's Affirmation

A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

On the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle

Collect: O God, by the preaching of your apostle Paul you have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world: Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to you by following his holy teaching; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Acts 26:9-21

Have you ever been so full of rage that you did things you later regretted? Saul was so filled with anger against the name of Jesus of Nazareth that he not only locked up many of the saints in prison, but he also cast his vote against them when they were being condemned to death. By punishing them often in all the synagogues, Saul tried to force them to blaspheme; and since he was so furiously enraged at them, he pursued them even to foreign cities. As his mind was consumed with evil thoughts, he set out to Damascus with the intent to murder even more Christians. It was then that he saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around him and his companions. When they had all fallen to the ground, Saul heard God’s voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.” (Note: Goads were typically made from slender pieces of timber, blunt on one end and pointed on the other. Farmers used the pointed end to urge a stubborn ox into motion. Foolishly, an ox might kick against the goad, causing injury and pain to its leg.) Saul then asked God,, “Who are you, Lord?” The Lord answered, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But get up and stand on your feet; for I have appeared you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and testify to the things in which you have seen … so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Are there experiences in our life that have made us angry with God? What evil thoughts have consumed our mind so much that we look for every opportunity to hurt those who do not think, feel or act the same as us? God desires to nudge us in the right direction but in what ways are we foolishly kicking against God’s prodding of us and causing more hurt and pain to ourselves?


Galatians 1:11-24

The Gospel is not of human origin. We have not received it from a human source, nor have we been taught it. Rather, the Gospel comes to us through a revelation of Jesus Christ. Our thoughts, emotions, and behavior must no longer be rooted in the darkness of evil. Rather, they must spring forth from the light of Jesus Christ. Like the Apoostle Paul who transitioned from a life of Judiaic legalism to a life of grace through Christ, we must move from where we are to where God, in Christ Jesus, wants us to be. We do not need to confer with or obtain approval from the world, to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is humbling to reflect on how Paul went from persecuting Christians to proclaiming Christ as Lord. This transformation gives us hope that no matter how much we have sinned or how far we have fallen, God gives us grace to be redeemed, restored, and reinserted into the ministry of the Church.


Matthew 10:16-22

Involving ourselves in Christian ministry is hard. Christ warns us that he sends us out like sheep into the midst of wolves. Ministers will be attacked, Christian leaders will be slandered, and the faithful will face opposition. Knowing this reality, Christ exhorts us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. In the time of trial and tribulation, God will defend us and come to our aid. This does not mean that we will avoid being crucified for Christ but it does mean that we will share in His peace, joy and glory. The sad reality of this world is that, family betrays family, friends persecute friends, and innocent/loving individuals are often hated for no reason. Yet, we must not shy away from engaging in the ministry of Christ for the one who endures to the end will be saved. Salvation is not the abscense of fear and deaath. Rather, salvation is the courage to face whatever comes and the faith to persevere in doing right knowing that ultimate victory belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ.


To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.


Fr. Thomas+






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