January 25. Conversion of St Paul.  Paul’s letters in the New Testament were the first teaching documents of the Church, written before the gospels.  His life story is of a man very committed to God, wanting to do what is right. He persecuted the early Christians until he had a conversion experience when he heard the voice of Jesus calling out to him. His response was to change his ways and he became the first great missionary.  Read up his story in the book of Acts. Are we in our own families and beyond followers, missionaries or persecutors?

 Reflect, share. Scripture:  As he journeyed he approached Damascus and suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him.  And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”  And he said, “Who are you Lord,” and he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”  Acts 22:3-16.  Pope Francis: Paul’s words make us reflect on our lives and see God’s mercy at work in changing, converting and reforming our hearts. MM 11.  The grace of the sacrament of marriage is intended before all else to perfect the couple’s love. We can say that “even if I have faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I have, and deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.  (iCor 13)  AL 89.  Pray: For an increase in loving marriage relationships as expressed by St Paul in his famous passage on love. Choose appropriate action.