Friday of the Third Week of Easter
“Here I am, Lord.” The words are uttered by the disciple Ananias who is residing in Damascus and about to take a significant role in Saul’s conversion. This response, “Here I am,” is familiar to the Scriptures, echoing as an expression of openness and willing to do what the Lord asks. Abraham said it when God asked the ultimate sacrifice of him—to offer his son Isaac (cf. Gen 22:1). Abraham successfully completed the test and demonstrated his obedience. God called out to the child Samuel who was uncertain at first who was calling him but then discovered that it was the Lord who was speaking to him (1 Sam 3:4). “Here I am, Lord” are words, but they reveal an inner disposition in the heart of those who desire to follow God.
What the Lord asks of Ananias is rather frightening. He is to help heal Saul, the violent persecutor of Christians, and participate in his conversion. Ananias’ initial hesitation because of Saul’s reputation is understandable, but the Lord comforts him and reassures him.
But, what stands out in this account is how conversion impacts other people. That is to say, your drawing closer to Christ affects those around you because it encourages and prompts a deeper call to faith both in you and in others. Saul’s conversion prompted Ananias to greater faith—he was invited to a deeper level of trust when the Lord wanted Ananias to lay hands on Saul to heal his sight. The Lord was not only calling Saul to faith, but he also called Ananias to trust in the Lord’s words, that despite his fear, Saul would not harm him.
Sometimes God stretches us to consider how people can change for the better. No matter how feared were Saul’s persecutions, there was still hope. There was the possibility that even Saul could be transformed to become a chosen instrument to the Gentiles and devout follower of Christ. Even in our sinfulness, we want to treat people as if God is capable of changing our hearts and bringing us to conversion. When we look upon others with love (i.e., the way God looks upon them), we allow others the opportunity to grow, and thus, we are open to how God can work.
Reflection: Can I readily give my availability to God and say, “Here I am, Lord”?
Posted in Lenten Resources