Can We Walk the Road Together?
We recently celebrated the conversion of St. Paul (Jan. 25) as a Church. I had the honor of teaching a workshop at St. Meinrad Archabbey in southern Indiana with an extraordinary group of people seeking a deeper understanding of St. Paul’s message and our own conversion. I was struck by their earnest desire to grow in their faith. That was what united us.
On a mission to arrest and persecute followers of Jesus Christ in Damascus (Acts 9:1-19), Saul was struck down by a blinding light on the road. He could not see but he heard Jesus’ voice ask, “Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?” For three days, Saul could neither eat or drink. He remained silent until a disciple of Jesus, Ananias, healed his blindness and baptized him. Saul was a new creation and immediately began preaching about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was a radical transformation. From persecutor to Apostle, Paul went on to travel over 10,000 miles to preach the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike. The Gospel was proclaimed to all!
This conversion, or metanoia, was a complete change in the direction of Paul’s life. He preached Church unity (Eph 4:1-6) and our need to put on the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:12-13,16). Paul even wrote that we need to be fools for Christ! (1 Cor 1:22-29) What lessons does Paul have to teach us today? Many and varied, but especially the realization that we cannot earn God’s grace. It is offered to all people everywhere, even the ones we disagree with and don’t completely understand.
How important it is for us to walk together on this road. We are all called to conversion. Metanoia (Greek word for turning, changing course) requires that I turn around and change direction toward God, that I listen deeply and consider another way. Every person has his or her own story to tell and road to travel, except we are never alone. By God’s unearned gift of grace and the fellowship of people on the road, we can take the steps needed to become the people we were created to be. We need one another.
Paul emphasized the importance of unity among Christians. Today we face such divisions it almost seems impossible. Yet, we must try to overcome barriers with one conversation at a time and the willingness to listen deeply to the other. We must pray in the silence of our hearts to be converted and Christ-minded. Without the work it requires, it will be impossible. We must be synodal and “walk together” even when our opinions differ greatly. If we are to be a witness to the world of the saving grace of Jesus Christ, we must try.
I’m so grateful for the group that gathered with me this weekend. They inspired me to continue the hard and necessary work of Church unity. Along with St. Paul, I “...beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit,...one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” (Eph 4:1-6)
You’ll find me walking on the road. Join me!
