The Mystical Body of Christ

   “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9: 4)

   Saul was the greatest persecutor of early Christians.  In his zealotry he hunted and arrested those who believed in Christ, persecuting men, women, and children.  There was no one more feared by the early Church than Saul of Tarsus.

   On the road to Damascus Jesus asked Saul why he was persecuting Him.  He didn't ask why he was persecuting His Church but made it personal to Himself.  It was personal because the Church is the mystical body of Christ.  We are not members of some earthly organization but members of the body of Christ.  He gave His life on the cross for us.  He feeds us with His Body and Blood in Eucharist.  His is within us and we are His.

   Saul’s transformation is one of the greatest conversion stories ever told.  The most feared enemy of the Church became Paul, Christ’s chosen apostle to the gentiles.  From a life of hatred came a life of love, sacrifice, service, and martyrdom.

   We can take great hope from Saul’s conversion.  No matter our past, Jesus loves us and wants to bring us into Himself.  He calls us just as He called Saul.  He will change our life and make us members of His mystical body.

Lord, You changed Saul.

In Your mercy change me.

Make me holy.

Bring me always nearer to You.

Amen