Please read this passage before reading this homily.
It is said that Thomas the Apostle brought the Gospel to India. Ancient Mexico has a story that he also visited Central America, present-day Mexico, with the Gospel. We have stories of the work of other Apostles, but we know from the Bible only the labors of one, Paul.
Today’s Scripture passage tells of the conversion of the “murderous-threatening” persecutor Saul who met Jesus on the road and was converted to belief in Jesus. Saul was not a person who could afford a horse, since no horse is mentioned. He learned that Jesus identifies himself with his people. He was told to continue his journey to Damascus.
There is a vision within the vision. While the Lord was appearing to Saul, the Lord was also appearing to Ananias. No problem, the Lord can be many places at the same time.
The chief persecutor was called to be a chosen instrument for the Lord. A person’s past, or even present, cannot keep God from calling a person to do the Lord’s work. In fact, we all hope that when God calls us to come to God through death that God will call us into glory despite our past and present offenses.
God called Saul to become Paul. Despite Saul’s many protestations of his unworthiness and of his present job, which he likely did make, God called Saul to become a chosen instrument for the Lord. To what is God calling us despite our protestations of unworthiness and unwillingness? Saul’s journey to Damascus was a journey to do God’s work; What is our journey to Damascus and our call to do the work of God?