“Get Up and Go” January 25

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle

“Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and children of Israel, and I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name.” Acts 9:15-16

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” Mark 16:15-16

Piety

Jesus, forgive us for persecuting you and not listening to your Word. Help us to hear and accept the mission you have for us. Give us the strength to run the race and complete the tasks you assign with humble obedience. Make us good and faithful servants who will accept the suffering that you reserve for us. Amen.

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/012507.shtml

Jesus’ job is pretty much done. Today, we get the literal picture of one of the most important conversion stories in the history of the world.

What does it say?

St. Paul was rendered temporarily physically blind just like he was spiritually blind to the importance of the early Church as evidenced by his persecutions. Many times we, too, are blind to the needs in the world. It’s easy to pay attention to a situation when the media is shining a glaring spotlight on the South Asian Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina or the Pakistan earthquake. However, it is much more difficult to be aware of needs that do not fall in our line of sight.

What does it mean?

Once Paul was cured of his “blindness,” he did not just end the persecutions and go on with life as it was before. After he had his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, St. Paul was sent out to work for the Lord. Just like Ananais was reluctant when sent, he still obeyed the Lord and went to preach to Paul. Just like Paul resisted the message of the early church, he still obeyed the Lord and went to preach to the rest of the world.

What does it matter?

Jesus’ work is done. He has taken his seat at the right hand of God. So it’s up to us to Get up and go out to continue His work. Ananais overcame his reluctance. Paul overcame his violent past and the persecutions he wrought. What stumbling blocks do we need to overcome in order to “Get Up and Go” into the world to proclaim the Good News?

Action

Jesus has taken his seat at the right hand of God. But much work remains right here on earth.

Has Jesus told you the mission he needs you to accomplish?

Has He shown you the suffering He has reserved for us in His name?

You, too, are a chosen instrument of the Lord. Before you “get up,” you must “get over” your hang-ups, insecurities and humanity to follow in His footsteps. Then, we need to revel in the dismissal at each Mass – “Go, in peace, to love and serve the world.” How will you love and serve the world this week?