Reflections

Thursday, January 25, 2018

On that journey, as I drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from the sky suddenly shone round me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
(Acts 22:6-7)

Lord, when have I seen your light and heard your voice? When have I been stunned by your mercy and love?

There may be a beginning to conversion, but there is no end. It is ongoing. Though I can list occasions when I felt certain of your guidance, it has been a constant since “the hour I first believed.”

Two incidents come to mind as I reflect on this passage. As a teenager, I made a general confession during a retreat, and felt for the first time truly forgiven. I began then to search earnestly for my vocation.

Many years later, I was in an airplane, going to visit the convent where I had spent peaceful years. It was raining, but we ascended above the clouds, white and beautiful underneath. Suddenly there appeared a rain circle, not just a bow, lying flat on the cloud below. Within that ring of vibrant color was the shadow of our plane. The passenger next to me said, “I work for the airline and I’ve never seen that before.” This was before cell phones with cameras; so I had no way of recording it, but I have since found images of similar phenomena.
I felt so protected. Does the fact that there is a scientific explanation negate the miracle of seeing it just when I felt such a longing for your peace and comfort?

What miracles will you give me today? How will you guide me? What will remind me to praise, thank, and serve you? I await your message. Convert me, again and again.

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