Dear Fathers, Friends in Christ,
Immediately things like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. (Acts 9:18)
Imagine passing a stranger on the street who abruptly stops to talk to you. You try to ignore him and pass him by when he suddenly calls your name. Stunned, you turn and ask him how he knows you. He replies with a name that sounds familiar. You take a closer look at the unfamiliar face and recognize him as an old schoolmate. Those bright, familiar eyes—how could you not have seen it?
Within seconds, that face of a stranger has transformed in your mind into the face of a dear old friend. It’s as if scales have fallen from your eyes, and you recognize the worth of the person inside that unfamiliar exterior. Happy memories and a sense of love flood back to you as your mind goes from general indifference to active interest in the person before you.
Today’s first reading shows us two people whose hearts suddenly soften. First we see Saul, who has had a vendetta against Christians, being blinded by the Lord. When the scales fall from his eyes, his heart is suddenly opened both to Jesus and to his followers. As a result, he turns his life around dramatically and becomes one of the Church’s greatest apostles.
Then there is Ananias. He is scared of Saul. He has heard that Saul was trying to capture the Christians. Still, he valiantly trusts God’s word to him and goes to visit him. Luke gives us a moving insight into Ananias’ change of heart when he tells us that Ananias called Saul “my brother” (Acts 9:17). There is no sense of judgment, condemnation, or fear in Ananias’ words. Just the same welcoming acceptance that Jesus has for all of us.
Today, think about one person you are indifferent toward—and not just a stranger on the street but someone at work or in your family whom you’ve never connected with. Look for an opportunity to make some small contact with that person. Take one little step, and see where it leads you. Let God melt your heart. Ask him to help you see everyone as your brother or sister in Christ. After all, that’s how Jesus sees you!
“Here I am, Lord, stumbling toward you. Open my eyes to the dignity of everyone around me. I know that you love them. Help me love them, too.”
Psalm 117:1-2; John 6:52-59
Father Ed Bakker
Anglican Catholic Church / Original Province
Mission of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne
Bendigo Australia
