From the Gospel acclamation: "For steadfast is his kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever."

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 16:15-18)

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned."

As Jesus speaks to the apostles, he describes the signs that will accompany them. Those who have been baptized and believe, he tells them, will be able to accomplish supernatural works through the Holy Spirit. Called by the same Lord and sent out to proclaim the Gospel is Paul, who describes himself as one to whom the risen Christ appeared last of all; in Paul's words, "as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me." The story of the apostles and the story of Paul teach us something about the call to discipleship. Among those who are baptized, the call will come early or the call will come late. Like Paul, with our many gifts, we are a "chosen instrument," responding to the voice of Jesus who calls us to "get up and go" by proclaiming the Gospel.

God, help me throughout the day to consider the conversion of Saint Paul. He was literally knocked off his high horse, blinded by your light, and brought to wholeness through fasting and with the help of others. How familiar is the armor of self-preservation that keeps me moment by moment from receiving your grace. Yet, Jesus calls the apostles and Paul and all who hear his voice to put on the armor or Christ for a purpose the Gospel acclamation states perfectly: "I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord." Jesus chose the apostles from the world, from out of the world, and he chose Paul as "a chosen instrument of mine." Saint Paul, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.