There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight and ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is there praying, 12 and [in a vision] he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay [his] hands on him, that he may regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias replied, “Lord, I have heard from many sources about this man, what evil things he has done to your holy ones in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison all who call upon your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites, 16 and I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name.” 17 So Ananias went and entered the house; laying his hands on him, he said, “Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came, that you may regain your sight and be filled with the holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately things like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. He got up and was baptized, 19 and when he had eaten, he recovered his strength.
Ananias, a devout follower of Christ in Damascus, received instructions from the Lord in a vision to go to a specific house and ask for Saul who was in prayer. The Lord also revealed to Ananias that Saul had received a vision in which Ananias restored his sight. Ananias was afraid because Saul was an infamous persecutor of followers of the Way and had authority from the chief priests to imprison all who followed Christ. The Lord reassured Ananias and told him that Saul was his chosen instrument to proclaim the Gospel to many including Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel. Saul will endure many hardships and persecutions for the sake of Christ’s name.
Ananias obediently followed the Lord's command and went to Saul as instructed. He laid hands on Saul, which symbolized the impartation of spiritual blessing and healing. Ananias addressed Saul as “my brother” and told him that the same Jesus who appeared to him on the road to Damascus sent him so that Saul could regain his sight. The removal of scales from Saul’s eyes symbolized his sight being restored and his understanding being enlightened. Saul arose and was baptized, a sign of his faith in Jesus Christ and his initiation into the Christian community. After his baptism, Saul was nourished both physically and spiritually. He stayed in Damascus and had fellowship with fellow believers which allowed him to deepen his understanding of the faith and to begin his integration into the Christian community.
Almighty God, help us to understand your mission for us so that we may proclaim your name without fear. Help us to trust in your plans, knowing that you can transform even the hardest of hearts. May we be obedient to your will and effective instruments of your grace in the world. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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References
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
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