Once Saul, who hunted Christians. On the road to Damascus, Jesus met him — and his heart changed.
Before he was called Paul, his name was Saul. He was smart. He was strong. He studied the Scriptures every day and tried to follow every rule. But something was missing. Saul had heard of Jesus — but he didn’t believe He was the Son of God. He thought Jesus’ followers were dangerous. So Saul made a hard choice: he decided to stop them. He walked from town to town looking for Christians to arrest.
Then something amazing happened. One day, on the road to a place called Damascus, Saul was walking with guards. Suddenly — a bright light from Heaven flashed all around him. He fell to the ground. And a voice said: “Saul, Saul, why are you hurting Me?” Saul was afraid. “Who are You, Lord?” he asked. And the voice replied: “I am Jesus. The One you are hurting.”
When Saul stood up, he couldn’t see. He was blind. His friends helped him walk the rest of the way to Damascus. He stayed in a quiet room for three days — no food, no water, just silence. He prayed. And his heart began to change.
Meanwhile, a good man named Ananias heard from God: “Go to Saul. Place your hands on him. He is My chosen one.” Ananias was scared, but he obeyed. He walked to Saul, gently placed his hands on him, and said: “Brother Saul, Jesus has sent me so you may see again — and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And in that moment, Saul’s eyes were healed. But even more, his heart was healed.
From that day on, Saul was no longer Saul. He was Paul. He didn’t chase Christians anymore. He became one. He told everyone: “Jesus is the Son of God! He saved me! He can change your life too!”
Thought for the heart. Jesus can change even the hardest hearts — into hearts full of light.
A child’s prayer. Dear Saint Paul, thank you for letting Jesus change you. When I feel angry or confused, help me to stop and listen. Teach me to follow Jesus with my whole heart. Amen.
Journey with Mary, Path to Jesus 