Wantei Warlaitthma csc –
Readings: Acts 22: 3-16; Mk 16: 15-18
Today, the Church commemorates the conversion of St. Paul, the apostle. The short passage from the gospel of Mark reflects part of Jesus’ address to the apostles after his resurrection, in which he commissions them for their mission. Jesus says, “The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; the one who does not believe will be condemned” (Mk 16:16). He further assures them that they will be granted the power to perform miracles, which will validate and support their missionary work (Mk 16:17-18).
Jesus’ final words to his apostles emphasize both his own saving mission and their calling to witness his saving death and glorious resurrection. They are tasked with proclaiming the good news of salvation to all people. God’s love and the gift of salvation are not reserved for a select few or a single nation; they are meant for the entire world and for all who will accept them.
St. Paul’s conversion is a profound event. Once a persecutor of Jesus’ followers, he was transformed into a devoted servant and defender of Christ’s cause. Like St. Paul, many of us may have been “persecutors” in our own ways. We, too, are called to undergo a conversion—turning from those who oppose the message of Christ into servants and defenders of his truth.
