THE TITLE brings to mind the dramatic account of Saint Paul's journey to Damascus as a vigorous persecutor of the early Church: "Those of the Way". Not long before he made that famous journey, he had been present at Jerusalem to witness the stoning to death of Saint Stephen. He had consented to the death. What he heard and saw on that occasion was to leave a lasting influence upon him.
The distinctive love expressed by Stephen towards those doing him to death was something remarkable to the ears of a Pharisee. He certainly would not have expected to hear a man being stoned to death praying for his killers . . . even asking God to forgive them: Lord, forgive them for this sin."
Shortly after the murder of Stephen, Saint Paul got authority from the leaders to go to Damascus, to search for, to find and to bring back any who claimed to be "those of the way." The harrowing scene he had just witnessed at Saint Stephen's horrible death would be vivid and fresh in his thoughts. Just as disturbing would be the forgiveness Saint Stephen showed. Questions would come to his mind: "How is it that I am on my way to play havoc with people like that good living person?"
Even if Saint Paul might reluctantly admit to himself that members of the early Church were so admirable, he would still be a long, long way from considering becoming a member of the church which he was officially condemning. Then the big moment happened: "As he neared Damascus. a light from Heaven suddenly blazed around him, and he fell to the ground. Then he heard a voice speaking to him: 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?' 'Who are you, Lord?' he asked. 'I am Jesus whom you are, persecuting' was the reply. 'But now stand up and go into the city and there 'You will be told what you must do'."
There we have a clear account of the way God stepped into Saint Paul's life. He developed the process of his conversion, which began when Saint Paul was "bowled over" by Saint Stephen's loving example. "Love so amazing, so divine" does indeed demand our soul, life and all.
It took Saint Paul a long time to adjust to his newly found way of life. At a later time, he mentions his withdrawing for peace and solitude in Arabia. Believers also had to adjust to the fact that one who had been their enemy was now their friend. The repercussions of what happened took time to be absorbed.
As we observe "The Conversions of Saint Paul" and think of his positive and courageous life, made possible by God's entry into it, we may be stirred to new endeavours on behalf of the faith we profess. It takes real daring at times to be able to say, as did Saint Paul on the road to Damascus: "Lord, what more do you want me to do?"
In an old chorus that refers to the bravery of Daniel in the lions' den, we have challenging words for today:
Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to sand alone.
Dare to have a purpose,
Dare to make it known.