Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: April 24,2026

LECTIO - Read Scripture Text:   Acts 9:1-20

Saul, still breathing out threats of slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues of Damascus stating that if he found any who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might bind them and bring them to Jerusalem.

On his journey, as he came near to Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven shined all about him and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me”?

Saul said, “Who are you, Lord?” and the Lord said, “I am Jesus whom you persecute.”

Trembling and astonished, he said, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.”

And the men journeying with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no man. So, Saul rose from the ground and when he opened his eyes, he was blind. So, they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus. And he was there for three days without sight and neither ate nor drank.

There was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he answered, “Behold, Lord, I am here.” And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go into the street called Straight and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus who is praying. He has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming to him, putting his hand on him so that he might receive his sight.”

Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard of this man from many, how evil he has been to the saints in Jerusalem. And he has authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go on your way for he is a chosen vessel for me to be bear my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel for I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

And Ananias went on his way and entered into the house, putting his hands on him, and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus that appeared to you on the way as you were coming has sent me so that you might receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately, scales fell from his eyes and he received sight again. He rose and was baptized.

And when he had received food, he grew stronger. He stayed some days with the disciples at Damascus, and he began to proclaim Jesus as the Son of God in the synagogues.

MEDITATIO - Meditate on text, allow the LORD to touch us with His Word:

BREAKING OPEN THE TEXT:

Today’s first reading gives us the moving story of Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus and his acceptance of Jesus as the Son of God. The Lord’s words to Him will play a central role in his preaching and his letters where he stresses that the followers of Christ are “the living Body of Christ.”

ORATIO – Lifting our minds and hearts to the LORD in prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, fill me with your presence and help me to bring You to everyone I meet and invite those I meet along the way to come to know You. Send your Spirit to guide me along the way so that I might better recognize You with others and that I might love others as You have loved me. Grant that I may be the disciple You call me to be this day and every day. Amen.

CONTEMPLATIO – Sitting with the LORD in silence for a minute or more