January 25. Conversion of St Paul.  Josie had read a reflection on the story of Saul, who had been persecuting the early Christians until he had a conversion experience; a blinding light, falling off his horse and hearing a voice saying, “Why do you persecute me?”  She decided that this can be interpreted as Jesus, present in the Church, and in Jesus’ followers who are being persecuted.  Could Jesus ask you and me that question today, “Why do you persecute me, and how?” If we asked him Jesus could say through abuse, bullying, cruelty to animals, or deliberately hurting  others, making no effort to prevent destruction of creation and ignoring your relationships with God. Do we each need a conversion experience and to begin a new commitment to root out a particular fault we have?

Scripture.   I heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why do  you persecute me? ”  from Acts 22:3-16 

Pope Francis.   Pope Francis and the Muslim Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb signed a declaration and resolved that religions must never incite war, hateful attitudes, hostility and extremism or incite violence. These tragic realities are a deviation from religious teachings and result from political manipulation of religions. “In the name of God we declare the adoption of a culture of dialogue.  FT 285. Reflect, share, act, pray.