Thou art a chosen vessel, holy Apostle Paul

On this day we commemorate the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles, by whose illustrious example we are exhorted to preach the Gospel to all nations. "Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season" {2 Timothy 4:2}, ever mindful that our lives, as the saying goes, may be the only witness to Jesus Christ that our neighbor sees this day. If we are truly living a Gospel life, should not men and women alike look at us and see Christ shining through us? How many of us as Christians have become Christians because of encountering someone whose life radiates with the joy, peace and charity of the Holy Ghost? Do we truly yearn to become "chosen vessels" of the Most Holy Trinity, such that the nations are drawn to God Whom we bear within us? Let us therefore, follow the footsteps of St. Paul the Apostle and Doctor of the Gentiles, even in some small way, such that we may hope to attain to his teaching: "whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's." {Romans 14:8}.

"Go forth, Ananias, and enquire for Saul, for behold, he prayeth: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my Name before the Gentiles, and Kings, and the children of Israel."

--Antiphon on Magnificat, 1st Vespers of the Conversion of St. Paul