Here is one of the accounts of St Paul’s conversion: ‘As he journeyed he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting; but rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were travelling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul arose from the ground; and when his eyes were opened, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus’.

Paul was never to desist from this vision; it was the defining event of his life from that moment onward.

Many of us do not experience ‘Damascus’ moments; but we can all follow a path of daily conversion of life; indeed, this is one of the three elements of the Benedictine vow. May God bless you on your own pilgrim path, and be close to you today.