Today the Acts of the Apostles relates how Saul reappears, on his way to Damascus, authorised by the Jewish leaders to arrest any members of the synagogues of the city who follow the way of Jesus. We know already what will happen-struck down by a blinding light, he hears a voice personally addressing him, the voice of Jesus. He is told to go into the city of Damascus and wait. Though unable to see, Saul rises and is led by his companions. After three days of prayer and fasting, Ananias arrives to pray over him, cure him of his blindness, and baptize him. Taking the new name of Paul, he will carry the message of the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Has this familiar story provoked us in any way to conversion? Paul drew life from the crucified and risen Christ. While most are baptised as infants, our actual 'conversion' comes years later, when we experience moments of being 'thrown from our horses,' in our complacent reception of Jesus' words - He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood lives in Me and I live in Him. Such moments may not be as dramatic as Paul's, but they are as consequential in changing our relationship with Jesus. Our experience of conversion deepens when our focus is Jesus Christ. He enables us to live out, as Paul did, the role that God has destined for each of us.