The Conversion of St. Paul
Introit
2 Timothy 1:12; Psalm 138:1, 2
I know whom I have believed, and I am certain that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him, against that day; being a just Judge. Ps. Lord, Thou hast proved me and known me: Thou hast known my sitting down, and my rising up. Glory be to the Father.
Collect
O God, who hast taught the whole world by the preaching of blessed Paul the Apostle: grant, we beseech Thee, that we who this day celebrate his conversion, may, through his example, draw nearer unto Thee. Through our Lord.
Epistle
Acts 9:1-22
In those days: Saul, as yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues: that if he found any men and women of this way, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. And as he went on his journey, it came to pass that he drew nigh to Damascus; and suddenly a light from heaven shined round about him. And falling on the ground, he heard a voice saying to him: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? Who said: Who art Thou, Lord? And He said: I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. It is hard for thee to kick against the goad. And he trembling and astonished, said: Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do? And the Lord said to him: Arise, and go into the city, and there it shall be told thee what thou must do. Now the men who went in company with him, stood amazed, hearing indeed a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the ground; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. But they leading him by the hands, brought him to Damascus. And he was there three days, without sight, and he did neither eat nor drink. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision: Ananias. And he said: Behold I am here, Lord. And the Lord said to him: Arise, and go into the street that is called Straight, and seek in the house of Judas, one named Saul of Tarsus. For behold he prayeth. (And he saw a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hands upon him, that he might receive his sight.) But Ananias answered: Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints in Jerusalem. And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that invoke thy name. And the Lord said to him: Go thy way; for this man is to me a vessel of election, to carry my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My Name’s sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house. And laying his hands upon him, he said: Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus hath sent me, He that appeared to thee in the way as thou camest; that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and rising up, he was baptized. And when he had taken meat, he was strengthened. And he was with the disciples that were at Damascus, for some days. And immediately he preached Jesus in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. And all that heard him, were astonished, and said: Is not this he who persecuted in Jerusalem those that called upon this Name: and came hither for that intent, that he might carry them bound to the chief priests? But Saul increased much more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, affirming that this is the Christ.
Gradual
Galatians 2:8, 9
He who wrought Peter to the apostleship, wrought in me also among the Gentiles, and they knew the grace of God which was given to me. The grace of God in me hath not been made void; but His grace always remaineth in me.
Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia. The great saint Paul, the vessel of election, is indeed worthy to be glorified; who also deserved to possess the twelfth throne. Alleluia.
Tract
Thou art a vessel of election, holy Paul the Apostle: thou art indeed worthy to be glorified. The preacher of truth, and doctrine of the Gentiles in faith and truth. Through thee all the Gentiles have known the grace of God. Intercede for us to God, who chose thee.
Gospel
Matthew 19:27-29
At that time, Peter said to Jesus: Behold we have left all things, and have followed thee: what therefore shall we have? And Jesus said to them: Amen, I say to you, that you, who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the seat of his majesty, you also shall sit on twelve seats, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall possess life everlasting.
Offertory
Psalm 138:17
Thy friends, O God, are exceedingly honourable; their power is become very great.
Secret
Sanctify, O Lord, by the prayers of Thine Apostle Paul, the gifts of Thy people: that, the things which, as of Thine ordaining are already pleasing unto Thee, may be made the more pleasing by his interceding patronage. Through our Lord.
Communion
Matthew 13:28, 29
Amen I say to you, that you who have left all things, and followed Me, shall receive a hundred-fold, and shall possess life everlasting.
Postcommunion
Who who are sanctified by this saving Mystery, beseech Thee, O Lord: that he under whose patronage Thou dost vouchsafe to place us, may not fail to pray for us. Through our Lord.