As we come to the end of the second week of Ordinary Time, the readings shift somewhat today and tomorrow. Today the overwhelming themes are conversion and the zeal that comes from this transformation. We read about the conversion experiences of Saul of Tarsus and of the surviving 11 Apostles following Jesus’ resurrection. Conversion and awareness of it is a central component to the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers. Please consider writing your own responses to the readings or reflection questions below, or to reply to other peoples’ contributions. Also, if you know of a person, either religious or lay person, who has modeled the Xaverian way, and wish to share their story, please feel free to add to the comments section. (Painting below “Jesus and his Apostles” by Edward Longo)

Conversion is never truly sudden, even if it is dramatic like Saul of Tarsus. True, he was thrown from his own life into darkness, emerging as a changed person. Yet if one reads the narratives about Paul’s faith journey, along with the points of emphasis in his missionary letters, it is clear that Paul’s conversion to the Gospel keeps occurring over time, sustaining him and giving him strength to approach new audiences and the challenges of a changing world.

1. How have experiences of humility (or humiliation) in your life been a source of wisdom which you can then share as a gift to others?
2. How is a religious conversion like a lifelong friendship, committed relationship or marriage?

Here are the readings for Saturday, January 25 from the Acts of the Apostles and from the Gospel of Mark.

Then read pages 12 and 13 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers. 

(Above painting “The Conversion of St. Paul” by James B. Janknegt)

Br. James Kelly was my first boss at a Xaverian school. I say boss because there was never any doubt that he was in charge. He is best known for leading three Xaverian Schools, the last being Mount Saint Joseph High School, and for his larger than life personality. For me, what impressed me most about Br. James was his talent for sharing the history of the Xaverian Brothers with lay people like me who had little to no background in it, and in transforming these stories of the past into lessons and parables for our shared future as a school community. I learned later that Jim was not educated by Xaverian Brothers, so he made it his mission to find out as much of their history and dispositions as possible. He succeeded, with a convert’s zeal.

1. How has your understanding of history, either personal, societal, or of your own community, helped you share your values to new people in your orbit?
2. How have you maintained your core values yet adapted to how they inform your actions and work based on the signs of the times?