Friday of the Third Week of Easter

Today's Mass Readings

Saul thought very highly of himself. He knew the teachings of Judaism and lived his life according to the precepts of the Law, and this made him bold in persecuting the early Church because they were spreading dangerous teachings that he believed were untrue. He did not know Jesus or the salvation he had accomplished through his death and resurrection. It was only when Saul had been made lowly and unable to act on his own that he was able to know the truth. Saul had to become blind in order to see.

Such is often the way for all believers. We have great fervor before we have wisdom and pursue what we think is right rather than listening for guidance, allowing Jesus to lead on his way. This leads to many mistakes, and we often harm others when we think that we are doing great things. Only later, when we have been humbled, can we see in retrospect what we have done, which saddens us and may even cause us shame. Fear not! If Jesus would forgive and rehabilitate Saul, who killed his followers and endangered the very existence of the Church, then even we can be forgiven of our sins, and Jesus can make use of our mistakes to spread the Good News of reconciliation and salvation to the ends of the earth.

Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB