Encountering God and World in Scriptures

Light of Truth

Lectio Divina 3

Fr Martin Kallungal

Reading

“Meanwhile Saul was still breathing threats to slaughter the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked for letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, that would authorise him to arrest and take to Jerusalemany followers of the Way, men or women, that he might find. It happened that while he was travelling to Damascus and approaching the city, suddenly a light from heaven shone all round him. He fell to the ground, and then he heard a voice saying, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ he asked, and the answer came, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you are to do’” (Acts 9:1-6).

Reflection

Trained under Gamaliel, an eminent Pharisee at Jerusalem, Saul considered himself righteous, religious and knowledgeable. But as the opening verse indicates, he was a bad man who breathed threat and death. That means, although he had mastered divine laws, his conscience was ill-formed. God, however, found him on his way to Damascus, a place, according to Amos 1:3, where God’s people are persecuted. But, things change suddenly. A light from heaven shone all round Saul. He saw the light, fell to the ground, and heard a voice. First, having been bathed by the divine light, Saul realized that the light in him was darkness. Yes, the heavenly light gifted him with blindness. Second, from the heights of his personal plans, he fell to the ground. Saul, meaning, “desired” has now become Paul, meaning, “little.” Third, Saul sadly realized that he was persecuting Jesus; and the question “why?” echoed in his heart. God can meet his people anywhere at any time. When the risen Christ met Saul, he was full of evil plans and was about to execute his plans. Christ stopped him, converted him, and made him His special messenger.

Prayer

O Lord, your ways are inscrutable and marvellous. You blessed the prodigal son with wisdom and repentance while he was till among pigs. You blessed Saul with miraculous conversion while he was still busy with his evil plans. Bathe me, O Lord, with your light. Let the unbearable brightness of your light make me blind to the world. Discipline me, O Lord, with a humbling fall. As you called him “Saul Saul,” call me tenderly by my name again and again so that I may wake up from my sinful slumber. Remind me, O Lord, that I hurt you when I hurt my brothers and sisters.

Contemplation & Action

The whole world is covered by the light of God’s glory. His action is not tied a particular place and time. The Lord may find you when you are on the way to your preferred destination, or even when you are on the bed (Job. 33:15-17). The place and time of the encounter is God’s choice. Any place could be His meeting place, any time could be His meeting time. Therefore, close the eyes, fall to the ground, and listen…. God is right here now!

Re-envision your prayer habits. Reconsider your life-ways, especially, the relationship with family members, friends, and strangers. Decide to deal with others as if you are relating with Christ.

Leave a Comment

*
*