The Call of Saul (May 1, 2022)

Conversion on the Way to Damascus, Caravaggio, 1601 Cerasi Chapel, Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome

READ: Once a man named Saul was going from Jerusalem to Damascus to find Christians he could bring back to punish. In those days Christians were known as “Followers of the Way.” On the way to Damascus a dazzling light flashed around Saul, blinding his eyes. As he fell to the ground, he heard a voice say, “Saul, why are you trying to hurt me?” Confused and blinded, Saul asked, “Who are you?” 

The voice responded, “I’m Jesus, the one you’re trying so hard to hurt. Get up and go into the city. Once you’re there, you’ll be told what to do next.”
Saul got up, but still couldn’t see. The people with him took his hand and led him into Damascus. He stayed in a home on Straight Street. He didn’t eat or drink anything.
On the third day a man came to him, Ananias, a Follower of the Way in Damascus. God had sent him to meet Saul. Ananias had come, even though he knew Saul intended to hurt people like him. Ananias said, “Brother Saul, you saw the Lord on the road and that same Lord Jesus came to me too, so that you could see again and receive the Holy Spirit.”
Saul heard him, and it was like fish scales fell from his eyes. He could see, and he understood what Ananias meant. Saul was baptized by Ananias, he ate a meal, and felt restored. Saul was changed. Like Ananias he became a Follower of the Way. To mark this moment, Saul changed his name to Paul. (Acts 9:1-20)

WONDER:
I wonder how it felt when the light was flashing on the road to Damascus?
I wonder how Saul felt when he couldn’t see?
I wonder how Ananias felt when God told him to go find Saul?
I wonder how Saul felt when he had a change of heart?
I wonder what part of this story you like the best?
I wonder what part of this story is the most important?

SAY: In this story Saul has a change of heart and becomes one of the first Followers of the Way to know Jesus in this “new way.” He joins the other disciples who have met Jesus since he was raised. And that is how we meet him today, too. 

PRAY: Let’s pray. Dear God, thank you for loving us just as we are. Help us to be sharers of your love with others. Amen.

EXTEND

• Look at the painting by Caravaggio on the cover of our bulletin. What part of the story does the painting show? What do you notice? What part of the story would you want to draw? Use your favorite art materials to create a picture from the story.
• Read Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg. Like Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus, Walter is changed by his dream. I wonder what changes Walter’s mind? I wonder if you’ve ever changed your mind about something?