Change

Saul is an example of a man who experienced a radical change.  He was so hostile to the new Christian movement he even collaborated in crimes.  Then a miraculous event occurred in his life, he encountered Christ.  From this encounter Saul became a “new” man, going through such a profound transformation his name was even changed to Paul.  As a result, he became a man on fire with the Holy Spirit, with a new heart and new way of thinking, able to endure all types of sufferings and set backs.  He no longer persecuted the Truth, and the rest is history.   

One of the causes of our own personal suffering is the ego, our prideful way of thinking.  We cling to the false idea that we think we know it all.  Out of pride we reject help when we need it or fail to admit that we might be wrong.  We stubbornly refuse to change our opinions on matters, even when the opinions contradict objective truth.  We tend to selfishly think more about the material things of the world rather than the spiritual, “What’s in it for me.”  This can lead to destructive life decisions and regret, like that of Saul who assisted with the stoning of St. Stephen.

We are called to the same type of transformation as St. Paul.  We are called to change.  Yet this can be the most difficult thing in life to do.  In fact none of us has the power to change on our own, it’s impossible.  We need help.

 

In the Gospel today Jesus is clearly calling his followers to change.  It is the only way to salvation.  He proclaims that, “Unless one is born again of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God”.  This is a clear indication of becoming a “new” man or woman through the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, with a new heart and way of thinking, more aligned to the “spirit” rather than the “flesh”.  The Good News is that we have a helper in Christ.  His Sacramental graces will help us change our destructive behavior into a new one of holiness and truth.