Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved;
whoever does not believe will be condemned.

mark 16:16

Mark 16:15-18

Reflection

Following the resurrection, Jesus commissions the Apostles (all but Judas) to go out into every corner of the world spreading the good news. Those that come to believe in Jesus and are baptized will be saved, whereas those that do not do so will be condemned. Jesus empowers his followers to do miraculous things in his name.

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. Formerly named Saul, he was a prominent persecutor in the time of the early Church until Jesus confronts him. Following this apparition, Jesus humbles Saul and commissions him, just as he did to the eleven Apostles, to go out and proclaim the gospel.

While we may not believe our conversion story is as drastic as Paul’s, we are still given the same mission of evangelization. Just like how Paul went on to become one of the most influential Christians of all time, we too can have a significant impact on those around us. Through our interactions with others and our example, we must proclaim Christ. It does not need to be extravagant, but the virtues we cultivate through God’s grace will be contagious and transform those around us.

On a daily basis, ask God to help you grow in virtues, especially the ones you struggle with most.

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Saint of the Day

St. Peter Thomas: 1305 – 1366

St. Peter was a Carmelite priest who was known for being a skilled preacher. He became a diplomat in the papal service, and was eventually appointed bishop and archbishops of various cities. He died from injuries incurred in Egypt after a military effort. St. Peter Thomas, pray for us!