The Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul

January 25, 2026 Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Isaiah 8:23-9:3; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4:12-23

Children of God: Saint Paul is one of the most fascinating figures in history, and a few fun facts already show why. First, his original name was Saul, and he was named after Israel’s first king. Second, he was a Roman citizen, which later helped him travel, preach, and even appeal to Caesar. Third, Paul was highly educated, trained under the famous rabbi Gamaliel, making him both intellectually sharp and deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. Fourth, before becoming a missionary, he was a fierce persecutor of Christians.

Another fun fact about Saint Paul is that he never met Jesus during Jesus’ earthly ministry, yet he became one of Christianity’s greatest witnesses. He wrote letters to early Christian communities, many of which later became part of the New Testament. 

Paul was also a tentmaker by trade, meaning he supported himself while preaching. Finally, he traveled thousands of kilometers by land and sea, turning the ancient world into a network of faith communities.
In this feast of the conversion of Saint Paul, we reflect on Jesus withdrawing to Galilee, preaching and calling ordinary people to follow him. 

What unites the call of the first disciples and the conversion of Paul is the power of God’s Word to redirect lives, reshape priorities, and build a mission bigger than personal plans.

What, then, are our inspirations for today as we celebrate the Conversion of Saint Paul and National Bible Sunday?

First, God’s Word is alive.

The Word of God demands a change of direction, just as Paul’s life was interrupted on the road to Damascus. This is also true when Jesus called Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John while they are working, telling them to follow him immediately (Matthew 4:18–22). They leave nets, boats, and even family behind. The Word they hear is strong enough to loosen their grip on what once defined them.

On National Bible Sunday, this reminds us that Scripture is not merely for reading but for responding. Like Paul and the first disciples, we are changed not because the Word is familiar, but because we allow it to confront and redirect our lives.

Second, conversion always leads to mission.

Jesus goes throughout Galilee, teaching, proclaiming the kingdom, and healing every disease and illness among the people. The Word becomes action, and faith becomes service.

Saint Paul lived this same pattern. After his conversion, he did not retreat into silence or safety. He traveled, preached, suffered persecution, and used Scripture to explain Christ wherever he went.

This shows us that true conversion is never private. When the Word truly enters our hearts, it pushes us outward to serve, to speak, and to live differently in the world.

Children of God: The Conversion of Saint Paul reminds us that faith is not about perfection but about surrender. It matures when we discover that suffering can serve a greater purpose. Meanwhile, the National Bible Sunday reminds us too that the Word of God is alive and active. The Word can comfort us, but it can also disturb us. 

As we honor Saint Paul and celebrate the Bible, may we rediscover the power of God’s Word to change direction and give purpose. May Scripture not remain on shelves but enter our decisions and relationships.