January 25, 2017

Gospel: Mk 16:15-18
Then he told them, “Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; the one who refuses to believe will be condemned. Signs like these will accompany those who have believed: in my name they will cast out demons and speak new languages; they will pick up snakes, and if they drink anything poisonous, they will be unharmed; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.“

REFLECTION:
“From Church Persecutor to Church Promoter“
In St. Paul we see the power of the Grace of Christ, who forgives even the worst of sinners! St. Paul testifies (1 Tim 1:1516): “ Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.“
The conversion of St. Paul clearly illustrates to us that God’s offer of mercy is infinite! No sinner may claim “I am beyond the mercy of God!“ It is such a great consolation to know that we can all become Saints!
Of great importance as well is that God sends us chosen instruments who can assist us on our way towards conversion. Saul was sent to Ananias. Though at first fearful, Ananias reached out to Saul and brought back his sight–both physical and more importantly, spiritual! May we likewise be like Ananias today and search out for sinners who can become saints some day!