With A Strong Hand II ~ A Convert's Response:

Apostle for Saturday of the Third Week of Pascha

 Acts 9:19-31, especially
vss. 19, 20: "For several days Saul was with the disciples at Damascus.
And in the synagogues immediately he proclaimed Jesus, saying, 'He is
the Son of God.'"

Acts 9:1-19 records how God blinded, humbled, and brought Saul to
repentance, filling him with gratitude. As you read what happened
subsequently (Acts 9:19-31), note the significant inner changes that the
Lord worked in the heart of the former blasphemer and persecutor of the
Church. Such is what the present reading describes, giving you the
opportunity to reflect on what can result from encountering Christ.

The verses tell of events that took place at two distinct locations - in
Damascus and Jerusalem; but Saul's activities followed a common pattern
in both cities. First, he spent time with the local Christians (vss.
19,27). Second, he openly proclaimed the Lordship of Christ to his
fellow countrymen, the Jews (vss. 20,29). Third, his public speaking
led to discussions with those who had questions or doubts about the
Faith (vss. 22,29). Serious negative reactions developed to the
Christian message, especially among Greek-speaking Jewish Christians.
Then, threats began to be made on Saul's life. However, in each city,
the local Church rallied and helped him escape to prevent his murder
(vss. 25,30).

Having obtained mercy from the Lord (1 Tim.1:13), Saul pursued what is
essential for us as Christians: he joined the Communion of fellow
believers. In Jerusalem, there were grave doubts about his motives for
seeking them out (Acts 9:26), yet he knew it was imperative to be united
to the Church, despite the suspicions of Christians toward him.
An ancient Christian book illumines this urgency: "...gather together
each Lord's Day, break bread, and hold Eucharist....let no one who has a
quarrel with his fellow man join in your meeting until they be
reconciled." Saul clearly persisted, for "...Barnabas took him and
brought him to the Apostles" (vs. 27). Life in Christ is Communion:
"'For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I Am there in
the midst of them'" (Mt. 18:20).

In Orthodox Tradition, even among hermits, the general rule is to leave
one's isolation to come together regularly for prayer and the Liturgy.
As the Lord says: "'I Am the living bread which came down from heaven.
If any one eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that
I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world'"
(Jn. 6:51). Do not be a branch long-separated from the vine or you will
wither and die (Jn. 15:5).

Also, Saul "immediately" began proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God (Acts
9:20). Some English translations use the word "preached" instead of
"declared" or "proclaimed." The preaching by the clergy during the
Liturgy is a specialized form of proclamation, specifically designed for
edification of the Faithful. Naturally, this type of preaching is not
normal or appropriate for converts and the unordained. Saul's
proclaiming was personal confession in the synagogues where he was known
and welcomed. And such "preaching" is appropriate in your contacts with
neighbors and family (Rom. 9:3). Saul shared with friends and loved
ones, that they might embrace the true Faith also. Do not be "preachy,"
but be open about your Faith.

Finally, as opportunities presented themselves, Saul held reasoned
discussions with those who questioned his new-found Faith. We know from
his Epistles that he never relied on his own brilliance (1 Cor. 2:1-2),
yet he confounded many (Acts 9:22). He did what we are meant to do:
speak from the heart to the heart of anyone open to listening. As Saint
Paisius says, "He who remains in love, remains in God: where love is;
there is God also."

O Lord, inspire me with Thy Holy Spirit, that my words and deeds may
glorify Thee.