Since Easter the readings from Acts vividly depict Paul’s faith journey: his participation in Stephen’s stoning; his being struck by a blinding light with a voice asking, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”; his difficulties in preaching about the Way to the Jewish community and non-believers; and his disputes with Peter and others over the necessity to adhere to certain Jewish practices. Paul, now charged with blaspheming the Jewish faith, appears before the Roman Governor and the Procurator and faces his accusers.
Paul recognizes his life is drawing to a close and all that remains is a journey to Rome and a hearing before Emperor Nero. In the midst of this flurry of court activity and accusations, Paul’s message is clear: Jesus has risen from the dead. He is alive!
How is this “certain Jesus” alive in my heart, words, and actions? How will I develop an ability to recognize and act on the ”Paul moment” in my life today?
―George Penman Sullivan, Jr. is a Jesuit-educated lay leader who helped found Chicago’s Ignatian Volunteer Corps. He and his wife, Dorothy, live in Wilmette IL, and have four children and three grandchildren.