"I asked, ‘What shall I do, sir?’ The Lord answered me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything appointed for you to do.'" // Acts 22:10
One of my favorite questions to ask people is, "If you could be the patron saint of anything, what would it be and why?" Personally, I rotate between being the patron saint of sassy women, impatient drivers, and doing hard things in life. I find this a fascinating question to ask family and friends.
Today the Church celebrates the feast of the conversion of Saint Paul. Yes, the one who persecuted early Christians. Saint Paul is one of the most well-known figures in Christian history; mainly for his incredible story wherein his life was changed through a personal encounter with Jesus, which we read about in today's readings.
In many ways, the story of his life reads like a drama: intense moments, big plot changes, are all the makings for an excellent, well-developed story. There are moments of consolation, desolation, courage, and fear. While not all of us may have experienced a sudden conversion like Saint Paul, our lives also play out as a drama. Our unique lives tell their own story: one that hopefully points people back to Jesus Christ. Just like Saint Paul, our lives tell a story that can reach those around us.
In Saint Paul's own story, Jesus answered Paul, "Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything appointed for you to do." In the middle of this huge plot change where Paul left behind his old life, his new life began to lead and point others to Jesus in ways he probably never imagined.
How do our lives and our life stories point others back to Jesus?
What is the story God wants to write and tell with your life?
Our lives tell a story. // @amoderngraceClick to tweet
Patty Breen serves as Ministry Formation Manager of Ascension Health and writes online in several different spaces. Her loves include CrossFit, writing and speaking, strong cups of coffee, Ignatian spirituality, and loving on her godchildren, niece, and nephew. Patty is passionate about messy and deep conversations at the intersection of faith, culture, and ministry. Find out more about her here.
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